Many sugar-free gums are made with artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and xylitol, which have been shown to cause diarrhea. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief - check labels carefully. And before you think about adding juice to that list - remember that fruit-based drinks are frequently high in fructose!Ĭaffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. But it took doctors a week from the time she was hospitalized to pinpoint the cause of her life-threatening illnesses. But it took doctors a week from the time she was hospitalized to pinpoint the cause of her life-threatening illnesses: the mysterious condition known as pica. Fruits lower in fructose, such as berries, citrus and bananas, may be a better choice for people with IBS.īecause the bubbles in beverages like soda and seltzer can produce a similar fizzy effect in the GI tract, stick with water and lactose-free milk to quench your thirst. A woman who devoured a 1-pound box of baking soda a day before and during her pregnancy developed serious muscle and heart conditions, according to a report of her case. A woman who devoured a 1-pound box of baking soda a day before and during her pregnancy developed serious muscle and heart conditions, according to a report of her case. It turns out some very healthy foods like apples, pears and dried fruits are naturally high in fructose, which when ingested, can trigger some of the same side effects as undigested lactose. But they are not the only source of blame (or bloat). High fructose corn syrup is a main ingredient in processed foods, commercially prepared sweets, snacks and soft drinks, and these items can aggravate IBS symptoms. The live cultures in the yogurt break down the lactose, so it's less likely to cause gassy symptoms. Without this enzyme, the small intestine cannot absorb lactose, which passes undigested into the colon, where bacteria ferment and cause gas.Įven though dairy products are the major culprits of discomfort for some IBS sufferers, yogurt proves to be an exception. About 70% of adults worldwide do not produce large amounts of lactase, an intestinal enzyme that helps break down the sugar in milk.
Milk and other foods that contain lactose, like cheese and ice cream, can cause gas and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant.