Stomach bloating: The five foods to avoid to help reduce your IBS symptoms and bloating

STOMACH bloating is a common feeling everyone will experience at some point in their lives. Whether it's overindulgence or simply a food type which does not agree with you, IBS and bloating could worsen if one is not careful. What are the five biggest food culprits which increase bloating and IBS symptoms?


For some people, the unpleasant sensation of bloating can be far more frequent and persistent, as bloating is caused by – and is a characteristic of – many conditions. One of these conditions is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What is IBS and how can you relieve it to help reduce your bloat?

Bloating is a common aspect of IBS and it tends to happen more in the evenings.

Bloating with IBS is considered more likely to be caused by the erratic propulsion of contents through the bowel rather than excess wind.

There are other symptoms which may be associated with IBS, which include bowel cramps, diarrhoea, excessive wind, feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels, passing mucus from your bottom and occasionally experiencing an urgent need to go to the toilet.

READ MORE: Best supplements for bloating: Three of the best supplements according to expert

Stomach bloating: Foods to reduce

Stomach bloating: The five foods to avoid to help with lessen IBS symptoms (Image: Getty Images)

What is IBS?

IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis, said Healthline.

The site continued: “It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions.

“IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together.

“The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person, however, they last at least three months for at least three days per month.”


Certain home remedies or lifestyle changes may help to relieve your IBS symptoms without the use of medication. Examples of these lifestyle changes include:

Regular physical exercise

Cutting back on caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines

Eating smaller meals

Minimizing stress (talk therapy may help)

Taking probiotics (“good” bacteria normally found in the intestines) to help relieve gas and bloating

Avoiding deep-fried or spicy foods

Stomach bloating: How to reduce

Stomach bloating: Taking a probiotic will help reduce symptoms of IBS and bloating (Image: Getty Images)

When it comes to reducing symptoms of IBS and reduce bloating, avoid the following food:

Milk and milk products like cheese or ice cream

Caffeinated drinks like coffee

Carbonated drinks like soda, especially those that contain artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol) or high-fructose corn syrup


Some fruits and vegetables

Although there are many ways to treat IBS, the exact cause of IBS is still unknown by medical experts.

Possible causes include an overly sensitive colon or immune system.

Postinfectious IBS is caused by a previous bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract.

The varied possible causes make IBS difficult to prevent.

If your bloating and discomfort caused from IBS persists or is getting worse, it’s strongly recommended to carefully monitor your diet and speak to your GP about the appropriate steps moving forward.