IBS — Answers to Your Questions

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Can medications trigger or exacerbate IBS?

Common medications that might affect IBS:

• Antibiotics

  Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain, and increasing the severity of IBS symptoms.

• NSAIDs

  Painkillers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and lead to symptoms like stomach pain and diarrhoea, potentially worsening IBS symptoms.

• Antidepressants

  Some antidepressants can help alleviate IBS symptoms, particularly those related to pain. Others might exacerbate symptoms like constipation or diarrhoea, depending on their specific action on the gut.

• Laxatives

  Overuse of laxatives can lead to dependency and worsen your symptoms.

• Iron Supplements

  These can cause constipation and other gastrointestinal issues, which may aggravate IBS symptoms, particularly in those with IBS-C.

• Certain Antihypertensive Medications

  Some blood pressure medications, particularly calcium channel blockers, can cause constipation.

• Metformin

  A common medication for managing diabetes can cause diarrhoea and bloating.

• Opioids

  These can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation and other gastrointestinal issues, potentially leading to SIBO.

Tips for Managing Medication-Induced IBS Symptoms

• Monitor Your Symptoms:

  Keep a symptom diary to track any changes in your IBS symptoms and medication usage. This can help your doctor make more informed decisions about your treatment.

• Probiotics:

  Consider taking probiotics to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, especially if you're taking antibiotics. Do not forget to increase your intake of fibre or take prebiotics.

• Diet and Lifestyle:

  Maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and exercise daily to help manage IBS symptoms.

• Medication Timing:

  Sometimes adjusting the timing of your medication can help reduce its impact on your IBS symptoms.

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Can certain foods and drinks trigger or exacerbate IBS?

People with IBS often find that specific dietary triggers can worsen their symptoms, which can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. Here are some common culprits:

• High-FODMAP Foods

  FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) are poorly absorbed types of carbohydrates. High-FODMAP foods can ferment in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhoea.

  Examples:

  • Dairy products (lactose)

  • Certain fruits (apples, pears, mangoes)

  • Certain vegetables (onions, garlic, cauliflower)

  • Legumes and pulses

  • Sweeteners like sorbitol and mannitol

• Gluten-Containing Foods

  Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger symptoms in some individuals with IBS, especially those with gluten sensitivity. They may also react to gluten proteins found in rice, corn and more.

  Examples:

  • Bread

  • Pasta

  • Cereals

  • Baked goods

• Fatty Foods

  High-fat foods can be hard to digest and can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

  Examples:

  • Fried foods

  • Fast food

  • Fatty cuts of meat

  • Heavy cream and butter

• Caffeinated and Carbonated Drinks

  Caffeine and carbonation can stimulate the intestines and increase gas production, leading to discomfort.

  Examples

  • Coffee

  • Tea

  • Soft drinks

  • Energy drinks

• Alcohol

  Alcohol can irritate the gut and exacerbate IBS symptoms. Different types of alcohol might affect individuals differently.

  Examples:

  • Beer

  • Wine

  • Spirits

• Spicy Foods

  Spices can irritate the digestive tract and lead to increased symptoms for some individuals.

  Examples:

  • Hot peppers

  • Spicy sauces

  • Curries

Tips for Managing IBS Symptoms Through Diet

1. Low-FODMAP Diet

   Consider trying a low-FODMAP diet, which involves avoiding high-FODMAP foods for a short period and then gradually reintroducing them to identify triggers.

2. Keep a Food Diary

   Track what you eat and drink and note any symptoms that follow. This can help you identify specific triggers.

3. Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals

   Large meals can exacerbate symptoms, so eating smaller, more frequent meals might help.

4. Stay Hydrated

   Drink plenty of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking large amounts of liquid during meals.

5. Choose Fibre Wisely

   While fibre is essential for digestive health, certain types of fibre can aggravate IBS. Soluble fibre (found in oats, peas, beans, apples, and citrus fruits) is usually easier on the digestive system compared to insoluble fibre (found in whole grains, nuts, and vegetables like cauliflower).

6. Consult us

   Let’s get you started on a symptom-free journey!

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