Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Welcome to the board!

Hi Angela - Fruits can actually be a bit trickier for IBS than vegetables. In addition to having insoluble fiber, they can also have high levels of fructose, which is fruit sugar, and which can cause gas, diarrhea, and cramping.

In general, the fruits that are the "smushiest", without strings, seeds, hulls, etc. are the ones with a good soluble fiber base. Bananas, mangoes, peeled peaches, peeled apricots, peeled pears, etc. The peels are insoluble fiber. Fruits like cherries, berries, pineapple, etc. that have tough skins or hulls or are stringy are higher in insoluble fiber. They're most tolerable when they're diced or pureed, and cooked. You can do things like blend fresh fruit into smoothies, or puree and cook them to be added to quick breads. Dicing fresh fruits and cooking a handful into a morning bowl of oatmeal is very safe as well.

There's a pretty good list of soluble and insoluble fiber foods, including fruits, at http://www.firstyearibs.com/day3learn.html

Bananas are a bit of an oddball - they are high in soluble fiber so safe for IBS, but they can cause heartburn for a lot of people. If you can't tolerate them just avoid them altogether and choose some other fruits instead.

Best,
Heather

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Heather is the Administrator of the IBS Message Boards. She is the author of Eating for IBS and The First Year: IBS, and the CEO of Heather's Tummy Care. Join her IBS Newsletter. Meet Heather on Facebook!

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