Food Sensitivity
Persons with IBS may be more prone to foods that contain oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and poly-saccharides (FODMAP). These are carbohydrate forms that can cause the gut to become inflamed or irritated. FODMAPs and other types of saccharides can increase the amount of water in the intestine that can help bacteria in the intestine to induce fermentation. This may increase the amount of intestinal gas and bloating.
Eating FODMAPs can trigger other signs and symptoms of IBS for many people. A meta-analysis published in 2017 found that eating a low-FODMAP diet could improve IBS symptoms.