Can you eat peanut butter with ibs?
In this brief guide, we will discuss the question “ can you eat peanut butter with ibs?”. We will also consider the question of what is ibs, what are the causes of ibs, and what are the effects of ibs.
Can you eat peanut butter with ibs?
Yes, you can eat peanut butter on ibs. Peanut butter is a low FODMAP food and thus can be consumed with its conditions. However, carefully consider the brand of peanut butter you are eating as some peanut butter contains added sugars and flavourings.
What is ibs?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a group of symptoms that occur together including repeated pain in the abdomen, changes in bowel movement either in the form of diarrhoea, constipation or both.
It is usually a disorder of the large intestine of the digestive systems and a chronic condition that needs to be managed long term. IBS conditions are commonly kept under control by using the FODMAP diet.
What are the causes of ibs?
Certain factors that contribute to ibs conditions include changes in gut microorganisms, muscle contraction in the intestines, severe infections, abnormalities of the nervous system and early life stress.
What are the effects of ibs?
Irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) is most commonly observed in “sufferers” as pains in the abdomen, cramping, bloating and related to a passing bowel movement. It is also observed in its sufferers as changes in the appearance of bowel movement in the forms of constipation or diarrhoea or both.
It may also show increased gas and mucus in the stool. Chronic constipation or diarrhoea can advance to haemorrhoids and mood disorders.
What is the FODMAP diet?
The acronym FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These are compounds that the body cannot fully digest. FODMAPs are a collection of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols present in foods.
What are some FODMAPs that can trigger ibs?
Foods that have high FODMAPs can trigger ibs in their sufferers and flare up the condition.
FODMAPs are present and high in many foods and beverages including lentils, beans, cauliflower, raisins, coffee, alcohol, fried dishes, sugar-free sweeteners, dairy and fruits high in fructose, wheat and other crops that contain fructans.
How does the FODMAP diet work?
When you consume foods that contain FODMAPs, they are not fully digested to be absorbed by the intestines. The body also hosts a diverse group of good bacteria that depend on fermenting FODMAP foods for energy which produces gases.
When the small intestine of the body cannot absorb FODMAPs, bacteria in the intestines ferment them which leads to gas production and ends with bloating and flatulence. In people with IBS, the fermentation can produce excess gas and bloating.
Is it safe to eat peanut butter with ibs?
Eating peanut butter with ibs is safe because peanuts are a low FODMAP diet that is simply made from roasted peanuts and salt. Some flavoured peanut butter may also contain sugars and flavouring.
It is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the peanut butter you are consuming by carefully reading the ingredient composition of the product you are buying to find out any FODMAPs that may trigger IBS.
Can eating peanut butter trigger ibs?
No, eating peanut butter does not trigger symptoms of ibs as peanut butter is a low FODMAP food. It is usually produced from only roasted peanuts and salt and rarely oil.
These ingredients are low FODMAP foods so can be consumed without triggering IBS. Some manufacturers, however, add sugars and flavourings and if any added ingredients are FODMAP, then they can trigger IBS.
What other healthy snacks can people with ibs consume?
It is important for people with ibs consider to follow a low FODMAP diet to avoid triggering their condition. Low FODMAP diets can help manage the condition by reducing the effects of ibs.
Some healthy snack options for ibs sufferers may include gluten-free toast, fruits like bananas, grapefruits, passion fruits, blackberries and others, lactose-free yoghurt, cereals, sorbet and hard cheeses, porridge, chips and popcorn, rice cakes and crackers.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have discussed the question “ can you eat peanut butter with ibs?”. We have also considered the question of what is ibs, what are the causes of ibs, and what are the effects of ibs.