If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you might be tempted to reach for the fruit bowl. While fruit isn’t a bad choice, certain fruits can end up triggering an ISB flare-up.
This leads to the question: why aren’t some fruits good for you when you have IBS symptoms?
Some fruits are high in fructose (natural sugars found in fruit) and polyols (a family of sweeteners found in fruit), which can trigger an IBS flare-up. These include:
- Peaches
- Watermelon
- Pears
- Mangoes
- Apples
- Plums
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Apricots
However, not all fruits are created equally. There are plenty of fruits that are lower in fructose and are good to eat in moderation. These fruits include:
- Oranges
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Kiwi
- Lemon
- Lime
While consuming fruit that’s lower in fructose helps, it’s important to pay attention to your personal needs. Keep in mind that IBS is a multifactorial condition, meaning that several factors can affect the severity of your symptoms. If you’re not sure which or the amount of fruit you need to consume, talk to your doctor for advice.
Which Fruits to Eat When You Have IBS
Diane Alavie, BSc. Phm
