Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort and pain.

IBD is characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, which can be triggered by a variety of factors including genetics, stress, and diet. While there are no specific IBD diets, patients are advised to avoid certain foods that can exacerbate their symptoms. Here are 30 common foods that can trigger inflammatory bowel diseases:.

Foods to Avoid with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

1. Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can be difficult to digest and can trigger inflammation in those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

2. Dairy

Dairy products contain lactose, which can be hard to digest for some people. Lactose intolerance can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which can exacerbate symptoms of IBD.

3. Fatty Foods

Fatty foods can be difficult to digest and can trigger inflammation in the digestive tract. These include fried foods, processed meats, and high-fat dairy products.

4. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

Sugar and artificial sweeteners are known to cause inflammation and can worsen IBD symptoms. They can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut.

5. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can irritate the digestive tract and cause discomfort. They can also cause diarrhea and exacerbate symptoms of IBD.

6. Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause inflammation. It can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, exacerbating IBD symptoms.

7. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause digestive distress. It can also cause dehydration, which can make symptoms of IBD worse.

8. Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Raw fruits and vegetables can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

9. Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes contain oligosaccharides, which can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

10. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain phytic acid, which can be difficult to digest and can irritate the digestive tract. They can also cause gas and bloating and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

11. High-Fiber Foods

High-fiber foods such as bran, beans, and whole grains can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

12. Red Meat

Red meat is high in fat and can be difficult to digest. It can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

13. Processed Foods

Processed foods contain additives and preservatives that can irritate the digestive tract and lead to inflammation. They can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.

14. Nightshade Vegetables

Nightshade vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant contain solanine, which can be difficult to digest and can cause inflammation in the digestive tract.

15. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are acidic and can irritate the lining of the stomach. They can also exacerbate IBD symptoms.

16. Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

17. High-Fat Dairy

High-fat dairy such as cheese, butter, and ice cream can be difficult to digest and can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. They can also exacerbate IBD symptoms.

18. Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in fat and can be difficult to digest. They can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

19. Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and gas, which can exacerbate IBD symptoms. They can also irritate the digestive tract and lead to inflammation.

20. Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine and can be difficult to digest. It can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

21. Processed Meats

Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats are high in fat and can be difficult to digest. They can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

22. Alcohol

Alcohol can irritate the digestive tract and cause inflammation. It can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, exacerbating IBD symptoms.

23. High-Sugar Foods

High-sugar foods such as candy and pastries can cause inflammation and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. They can also exacerbate IBD symptoms.

24. Fried Snacks

Fried snacks such as potato chips and french fries are high in fat and can be difficult to digest. They can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

25. Caffeinated Beverages

Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea can cause digestive distress. They can also cause dehydration, which can make symptoms of IBD worse.

26. Corn and Corn Products

Corn and corn products can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

27. Soy Products

Soy products such as tofu and soy milk can be difficult to digest and can cause gas and bloating. They can also irritate the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.

28. Artificial Additives

Artificial additives such as food colorings and preservatives can irritate the digestive tract and lead to inflammation. They can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.

29. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta can cause inflammation and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. They can also exacerbate IBD symptoms.

30. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in fat, sugar, and salt and can be difficult to digest. It can also cause inflammation in the digestive tract and exacerbate IBD symptoms.