What not to eat with irritable bowel syndrome?

What not to eat with irritable bowel syndrome?

Introduction: Why IBS Needs a Root-Cause Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects an estimated 10–15% of Americans, yet many suffer in silence—misdiagnosed, misunderstood, or simply told it’s “just stress.” At Patients Medical in NYC, we view IBS as a complex condition that demands more than symptom suppression.

Our integrative and functional medicine approach helps uncover the root triggers behind your digestive issues and restore balance—starting with what you eat.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both). Although the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, factors such as gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, stress, and inflammation play a key role in the development of the condition.

Types of IBS:

  • IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant): Frequent loose stools or diarrhea.
  • IBS-C (Constipation-predominant): Difficulty with bowel movements, constipation.
  • IBS-M (Mixed): Alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Common Symptoms of IBS

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop IBS?

Functional medicine looks deeper to understand why IBS developed in the first place. Here are some of the most common root causes of IBS:

  • Gut dysbiosis: An imbalance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues and inflammation.
  • Food sensitivities or intolerances: Gluten, dairy, and other foods may trigger IBS symptoms.
  • Leaky gut syndrome: Increased intestinal permeability can contribute to systemic inflammation.
  • Chronic stress: Stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis and trigger IBS flare-ups.
  • Infections: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause long-term digestive disturbances.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and low fiber can worsen IBS symptoms.

Hormonal imbalances: Especially in women, changes in hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) can affect the gut.

What Not to Eat with IBS

Certain foods can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms, especially in sensitive individuals. These vary by person, but common culprits include:

High FODMAP Foods

Gluten

Dairy

Artificial Sweeteners

Processed and Fried Foods

Carbonated Beverages

Alcohol & Caffeine

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand the underlying causes of your leaky gut, we use advanced testing:

Comprehensive stool analysis (gut microbiome and pathogens)

Food sensitivity testing (identify trigger foods)

Leaky gut testing (intestinal permeability markers)

Gut inflammation markers (calprotectin, lactoferrin)

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) testing

Thyroid and hormone panels (to check for imbalances)

Integrative Treatments for IBS

Nutritional Therapy

  • Low FODMAP diet (eliminates foods that trigger IBS symptoms)
  • Gluten-free or dairy-free options
  • Gut-healing foods like bone broth, collagen, and healthy fats
  • Fiber-rich foods to regulate bowel movements and promote gut health

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • B vitamins (support digestion and energy)
  • Magnesium (relaxes muscles and helps with constipation)
  • Vitamin C (antioxidant, reduces inflammation)
  • Glutamine (supports gut lining repair)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Probiotics (restore healthy gut bacteria)
  • Digestive enzymes (help with nutrient absorption)
  • Curcumin (reduces gut inflammation)
  • Peppermint oil (relieves abdominal pain and bloating)
  • Slippery elm and marshmallow root (soothe the digestive tract)

Stress Management

  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Acupuncture (to balance the gut-brain axis)
  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to support the nervous system

Gut Repair Protocol

  • Phase 1: Detoxification to reduce inflammation and remove toxins
  • Phase 2: Restoration of gut microbiome balance through probiotics and diet
  • Phase 3: Repair and strengthen the gut lining using amino acids and anti-inflammatory foods

Real Case Study: Jason’s IBS Turnaround

Jason, 35, had suffered from IBS-D for over 8 years. He had tried countless diets and medications with no long-term relief. We ran a SIBO breath test, which came back positive. His food sensitivity panel also revealed a dairy and garlic intolerance.

We created a 12-week plan involving:

  • Low FODMAP, dairy-free nutrition
  • Herbal antimicrobials for SIBO
  • Glutamine and mucosal support for gut lining
  • Weekly IV therapy for nutrient repletion
  • Stress-reduction techniques to improve vagal tone

By week 10, Jason’s daily diarrhea had resolved, his bloating was gone, and he felt energized for the first time in years.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 While IBS is considered chronic, many patients experience long-term symptom remission with the right support.

The main causes of IBS include gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, stress, leaky gut, infections, and poor diet.

Yes, stress is a common trigger for IBS flare-ups. Managing stress through lifestyle changes and therapies like acupuncture or mindfulness is essential for long-term relief.

Yes, the Low FODMAP diet is highly effective for managing IBS symptoms. It involves eliminating certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the gut and cause bloating and discomfort.

Yes, IBS is linked to other health problems, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions. Healing the gut can help improve overall health.

Healing from IBS can take time, typically 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity and your adherence to the treatment plan.

Some patients may benefit from medications for symptom relief, but many people can manage IBS effectively through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

A gluten-free diet can be helpful for people with IBS, especially if gluten is a trigger. It’s best to test for food sensitivities to tailor your diet.

Yes, IBS can significantly impact daily life by causing discomfort, anxiety, and social embarrassment. But with the right treatment, relief is possible.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

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Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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