Step 1: Avoid Chocolate, Coffee, and Carbonated Sodas.

As enjoyable and tasty as carbonated sodas, chocolate, and coffee are, if you suffer with IBS symptoms, you should completely avoid them. Why?

1. Because fat stimulates colonic contractions and because fat is found in carbonated sodas, chocolate, and coffee.
2. Because caffeine stimulates the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Regular and decaffeinated coffee contains an enzyme that irritates the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Carbonated sodas, chocolate, and coffee are known triggers for allergies. Controlling allergies has been linked to controlling IBS symptoms.
5. Chocolate relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. This allows unwanted stomach acids to flow up, which irritates the esophageal lining.
6. Chocolate is known as a major contributing factor to heartburn.
7. In menopausal women, chocolate cravings are believed to be a warning that your body cannot properly digest food.
8. In menopausal women, chocolate (sugar and refined carbohydrates) may actually feed yeast and bacteria in the intestines.
9. An afternoon pick-me-up that includes chocolates may be a sign of adrenal fatigue (this also involves digestive discomforts) and improperly fed intestines.
10. Milk chocolate contains cholesterol and this has a negative impact on the body’s lipid profile.
11. Chocolate is known to have adverse effects that range from acne to premenstrual syndrome.

If you have to consume carbonated sodas, chocolate, or coffee, it’s best to do so during the day.

You may have heard dark chocolate provides health benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidant and flavonoids properties. Arteriosclerosis, cancers, cholesterol, endometriosis, heart disease, and lower blood pressure are all benefits of dark chocolate. The best dark chocolates contain 60-70% of cocoa solids. Despite these obvious health advantages, moderation is the key because dark chocolate adds calories.

If you’re concerned about not consuming enough flavonoids, you should eat fruits, grape juice, tea, and vegetables.

Some of you may be disappointed to learn white chocolate contains cocoa butter, not cocoa solids. White chocolate really isn’t chocolate, either.

Milk chocolate contains refined sugar. Most milk chocolate candy bars contain hydrogenated oils.

See? You can and should avoid chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated sodas to help you address your IBS pains. It is easy to treating IBS with a healthy diet. All you have to do is start!

Find additional ways to alleviate your symptoms of IBS here.