Which IBS triggers are most often mentioned?
IBS triggers vary widely among individuals but commonly include certain foods such as dairy products, fatty or fried foods, caffeine, and alcohol. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms, as can hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation. Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can help reduce the frequency and severity of IBS symptoms. See what IBS causes and triggers are the most common based on votes.
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1
Stress
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Stress is a major trigger for IBS. It can affect gut motility, increase gut sensitivity, and trigger flare-ups of symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, and bloating.
2
Oily foods
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28
Oily or greasy foods are hard to digest and can trigger diarrhea, bloating, and cramping in IBS sufferers. These foods may also exacerbate acid reflux and other gastrointestinal issues.
3
Coffee
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20
Coffee, due to its caffeine content, is a strong gut stimulant. It increases acid production in the stomach and promotes bowel motility, which may lead to diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and even exacerbated heartburn in sensitive individuals.
4
Dairy
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38
Dairy products, especially milk, cheese, and yogurt, contain lactose and casein, which are difficult for some individuals to digest. Lactose intolerance or sensitivity to casein can cause bloating, diarrhea, cramps, and gas. Some IBS sufferers also experience increased mucus production.
5
Processed foods
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19
High in additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, processed foods can irritate the gut and cause inflammation. These foods are often low in fiber, which may lead to constipation or digestive upset. Additionally, hidden artificial sweeteners and preservatives can trigger IBS symptoms.
6
Wheat
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21
Wheat contains gluten and a variety of complex carbohydrates, including FODMAPs, which can be hard to digest for some people with IBS. Gluten can cause inflammation, and wheat’s high fiber content may irritate the gut, leading to bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
7
Salt
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31
High salt intake can cause water retention and bloating. Excessive salt can also disrupt gut function by altering the gut microbiome, causing bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, and contributing to inflammation.
8
Restaurant food
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29
Restaurant foods often contain high amounts of fat, salt, and sugar, all of which can disrupt digestion. Hidden ingredients like preservatives, food colorings, or artificial sweeteners can exacerbate IBS symptoms, and large portions can overload the digestive system.
9
Low fiber diet
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36
A diet low in fiber can exacerbate constipation and slow digestion, leading to bloating and discomfort. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria, so its absence can lead to an imbalance in gut function.
10
Sugar
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29
Refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrup can ferment rapidly in the gut, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Many sugary foods are also high in FODMAPs, which may irritate the gut, leading to uncomfortable digestive symptoms.
11
Peanuts
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19
Peanuts are high in fat, which can be hard to digest and can cause bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in some IBS sufferers. Additionally, peanuts can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, which may worsen digestive symptoms.
12
Anxiety
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30
Anxiety and stress trigger the gut-brain axis, increasing gut sensitivity, motility, and inflammatory responses. This can lead to worsened IBS symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and bloating. Prolonged stress can also alter the balance of gut bacteria.
13
Cashews
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38
Cashews are high in FODMAPs, particularly oligosaccharides, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea in individuals with IBS. The high fat content may also contribute to digestive discomfort.
14
Citric acid
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25
Found in citrus fruits, processed foods, and sodas, citric acid can irritate the stomach lining, leading to discomfort, acid reflux, and worsening IBS symptoms. It may also affect the gut microbiome, leading to digestive upset.
15
Alcohol
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Alcohol is a gut irritant that can disrupt digestion, increase inflammation, and affect gut motility. It can exacerbate IBS symptoms, causing bloating, diarrhea, or constipation, particularly in individuals with a sensitive gut.
16
Perimenopause
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Hormonal changes during perimenopause, including fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to changes in bowel movements and gut motility, triggering or worsening IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
17
Premenstrual
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Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause changes in bowel motility and gut sensitivity. This may result in IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps being more pronounced before or during menstruation.
18
Genetics
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45
A family history of IBS or other gastrointestinal disorders increases the likelihood of developing IBS. Genetic factors can affect gut motility, sensitivity, and the microbiome, making individuals more susceptible to IBS triggers.
19
Emotional issues
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31
Emotional stress and trauma can worsen IBS symptoms due to their impact on the gut-brain axis. Negative emotions can increase gut motility, leading to diarrhea or constipation, and amplify gut sensitivity, causing cramping and bloating.
20
Feta cheese
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79
Feta cheese, like most dairy products, contains lactose, which can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in people with lactose intolerance or IBS. The high salt content can also exacerbate bloating and cause water retention.
21
Carbonated beverages
382
39
Carbonated drinks introduce gas into the digestive system, which can lead to bloating, cramping, and discomfort. The carbonation may also irritate the stomach, exacerbating IBS symptoms.
22
Chocolate
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112
Chocolate, especially dark and milk varieties, contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can irritate the digestive tract, leading to cramping and diarrhea. The high sugar and fat content can also contribute to bloating and digestive discomfort.
23
Spicy foods
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38
Spicy foods, especially those containing chili peppers or hot sauces, can irritate the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. Capsaicin, the active compound in peppers, can increase gut motility and worsen symptoms.
24
Eggs
437
103
Eggs are rich in protein and sulfur, both of which can be hard to digest for some IBS sufferers. Overconsumption of eggs may lead to bloating, indigestion, and excessive gas. In addition, fried eggs can be greasy, contributing to discomfort.
25
Antibiotics
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41
Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, killing both harmful and beneficial bacteria. This imbalance may lead to digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and a heightened sensitivity to IBS triggers.
26
Corn products
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Corn, especially in processed forms like corn syrup or cornmeal, can be difficult to digest and may cause bloating, gas, and discomfort. Some individuals with IBS may also experience exacerbated symptoms due to corn’s higher carbohydrate content.
27
Tomato sauce
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Tomato sauce, especially when combined with other acidic or spicy ingredients, can irritate the gut, leading to acid reflux, bloating, and cramping. The high acidity may worsen IBS symptoms, especially in those with a sensitive stomach.
28
Garlic
348
47
Like onions, garlic is high in FODMAPs and can cause bloating, gas, and cramping in individuals with IBS. It is also known to promote acid production in the stomach, which can worsen symptoms such as reflux or indigestion.
29
Artificial sweeteners
364
69
Many artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol, are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and gas. These sugar alcohols ferment in the colon, triggering digestive upset.
30
Parasites
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Parasitic infections can cause digestive disturbances, including diarrhea, cramping, bloating, and fatigue, which can overlap with IBS symptoms or trigger flare-ups in those predisposed to IBS.
31
GI surgery
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14
Past gastrointestinal surgeries, especially those involving the intestines or colon, can disrupt digestion and gut motility, leading to long-term IBS symptoms like cramping, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
32
Green vegetables
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49
Many green vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale, contain insoluble fiber and high levels of FODMAPs, which may irritate the digestive system and lead to bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in individuals with IBS.
33
Canned coconut milk
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70
While it may be dairy-free, canned coconut milk is high in fat, which can be difficult to digest for some IBS sufferers. This may lead to diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion. Additionally, additives and preservatives in canned coconut milk can irritate the gut.
34
Onion
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Onions contain high levels of FODMAPs, specifically fructans, which can ferment in the gut, causing gas, bloating, and discomfort. They may also increase the production of stomach acid, exacerbating symptoms like heartburn.
35
Overeating
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Consuming large meals can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to delayed digestion, bloating, and discomfort. Large portions of food may also increase the load on the gut, contributing to IBS symptoms.
36
Fresh fruit
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While fresh fruit is generally healthy, some fruits are high in fructose and FODMAPs, which can cause digestive distress in IBS sufferers. These fruits may lead to bloating, diarrhea, or gas, especially when consumed in large quantities.
37
Food sensitivities
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People with food sensitivities or intolerances may experience IBS-like symptoms when consuming certain foods. Common sensitivities include gluten, dairy, and soy, which can exacerbate bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
38
Chronic fatigue syndrome
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CFS often coexists with IBS, and both conditions involve dysregulated gut-brain signaling. Fatigue from CFS may also trigger stress, which exacerbates IBS symptoms like bloating and diarrhea.
39
Food allergies
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Food allergies, such as those to shellfish, peanuts, or gluten, can cause severe gastrointestinal reactions, including cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating, which overlap with IBS symptoms.
40
Fibromyalgia
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Fibromyalgia, characterized by widespread pain and muscle tenderness, often overlaps with IBS. Both conditions involve hypersensitivity of the central nervous system, which can increase gut sensitivity and worsen digestive symptoms.
41
Casein
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20
Casein, a protein found in dairy, can be difficult to digest for some IBS sufferers. It may lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhea in people sensitive to it.
42
Menstrual cycle
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Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect gut motility, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Many women with IBS experience worsened symptoms during their period.
43
Baked oatmeal
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31
Baked oatmeal is high in fiber, particularly insoluble fiber, which can irritate the digestive tract in some people with IBS, leading to bloating, gas, and discomfort.
44
Low enzyme production
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42
Low levels of digestive enzymes can result in poor digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, leading to bloating, gas, and malabsorption of nutrients. This can exacerbate IBS symptoms.
45
Cold liquids
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30
Cold liquids can slow down digestion and cause stomach cramps, making them particularly uncomfortable for IBS sufferers. They may also increase bloating and discomfort after meals.
46
Bacterial dysbiosis
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14
An imbalance of gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can lead to digestive symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. This imbalance is often linked with IBS and can exacerbate symptoms.
47
Coconut oil
70
15
Although considered a healthy fat, coconut oil can cause diarrhea or bloating in IBS sufferers due to its high fat content, which can be hard to digest for sensitive individuals.
48
Palm kernel oil
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17
Palm kernel oil is high in saturated fats, which can be difficult to digest for people with IBS, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and discomfort.
49
Palm oil
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16
Palm oil, commonly used in processed foods, is high in saturated fats and can contribute to IBS symptoms, including bloating and diarrhea.
50
Corticosteroids
57
9
These medications, often used for inflammation or immune suppression, can disrupt gut microbiota and increase gut permeability, leading to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. They may also alter digestion and gut motility.
51
Tortuous colon
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12
A colon with excess twists or turns, known as a tortuous colon, can cause constipation, bloating, and discomfort due to difficulty in moving stool through the intestines.
52
Insoluble fiber
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15
Insoluble fiber, found in foods like whole grains, raw vegetables, and wheat bran, can irritate the gut, leading to bloating, cramping, and diarrhea in some IBS sufferers.