can you eat eggs with IBS

In this brief guide, we will address the query, “can you eat eggs with IBS?” We will also discuss what causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and what kind of diet you need to follow to help with IBS symptoms.

Can you eat eggs with IBS?

Yes! Actually, some experts have declared that eggs can be a potential ally for most patients with IBS as they are full of nutrients and healthy fat. But it is important you only consume them as tolerated, or if you feel like eggs worsen your symptoms, or even if you have an egg allergy, you better stop eating eggs.

As most people with IBS have mentioned eggs do not trigger their symptoms, they can be consumed with no side effects. 

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a very popular condition nowadays and has some effects on the digestive system. This condition is associated with several unwanted symptoms, such as:

  • Cramping
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea

The worst thing about IBS is that it may be a lifelong condition, and is never cured. IBS symptoms may be exhibited in different flares that last from days to months at a time.

What causes IBS?

There has not been identified an exact cause for IBS, but its development may be associated with certain events, for example:

  • After having severe diarrhea caused by bacteria or viruses.
  • After exposure to stressful events, especially during the early years.
  • If you have sudden bacteria overgrowth in the intestines. 

Also, it is believed that IBS can have some relation with passing food through your gut either too quickly or too slowly. Or even if your family runs IBS, it is very likely that you also have this condition.

How can IBS be cured?

Irritable bowel syndrome has no way to be cured, but its symptoms can be treated with medicine and with an appropriate diet. You may not get rid of IBS, but you surely can get rid of its awful symptoms!

What are IBS symptoms?

Most people with IBS may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Changes in your bowel movements
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Whitish spots in your feces

You may not develop all of these symptoms, as there are different IBS types and therefore, each one has its effects.

How can you diagnose IBS?

There is not a defined test to diagnose IBS, but your doctor will ask for your family disease history, and then implement a physical exam. During your physical exam, your doctor will check for IBS-related symptoms, like bloating. 

Sometimes your doctor could ask for some other tests to check for other health issues, not for IBS.

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Do eggs trigger IBS symptoms?

According to experts in gastroenterology, eggs may or may not trigger IBS symptoms. Most people have no issue when pairing eggs with this condition, but for some others, egg consumption can be a trigger for IBS effects.

The problem with eggs in people with IBS, is the egg yolk, as it contains high levels of fat, which makes it hard to digest causing constipation. The egg white can be safely consumed as it has protein and low fat.

When can you eat eggs with IBS symptoms?

This may be different for each individual, but most cases have exhibited that eggs can be very helpful if one of the IBS symptoms you are experiencing is diarrhea. 

But if your IBS includes constipation as one of its symptoms, eggs would only worsen the situation, as they are high in protein.

What can you eat with IBS?

Recent research performed by the American College of Gastroenterology has exhibited that a low-FODMAP diet and a gluten-free diet can be beneficial for people with this condition.

What is a low-FODMAP diet?

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. This means that in the low-FODMAP diet you will consume as little as possible of these products, as they can worsen the IBS symptoms.

Some foods that belong to the FODMAP group are:

  • Wheat
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Broccoli
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Legumes
  • Milk
  • Apples

The nutritionist will restrain your FODMAP consumption, and this will be reintroduced up to three to six weeks after to test your tolerance to each one of these foods.

Other FAQs about Eggs that you may be interested in.

Can you eat 3 eggs a day?

Can you eat 4 eggs a day?

Can you eat 5 eggs a day?

 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “can you eat eggs with IBS?” We have also discussed other queries related to the subject at hand. 

Hope you found this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Citations

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/irritable-bowel-syndrome/diagnosis