An apple a day is supposed to be healthy, but what about if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? This post explains how to eat apples with IBS and why they might be an issue for you.
Apples and IBS
They are cheap, and an easy snack to carry around with you, apples are full of beneficial fibre, antioxidants and vitamins.
If you’re wondering about other fruit and whether they are low FODMAP or not check out this guide – Fruit and IBS – what to eat.
Benefits of eating apples
Apples contain pectin which is a prebiotic and feeds the beneficial gut bacteria. The metabolites, called Short Chain Fatty Acids, produced by microbes using fibres like pectin, can support a healthy immune system, and may help with allergies.
The soluble fibre in apples may also help with a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, potentially lowering ‘bad’ cholesterol, LDL.
Quercetin is a flavanoid, in apple skins (especially red ones) is very good for the immune system, particularly allergies and atopic conditions like eczema and asthma. Quercetin is also linked to reducing oxidative stress.
But what about if you have IBS?
How do apples affect your digestion?
People with a sensitive digestion may find apples can be an issue, but not everyone!
Apples are high in short-chain carbohydrates fructose and sorbitol. These are two of the high FODMAP foods. (To understand more about the low FODMAP diet for IBS see my beginners guide to the low FODMAP diet). Apples are high FODMAP food at just 25g.
Some people find when they eat apples they might get bloating, diarrhoea or excess gas. This is down to the fructose and sorbitol molecules drawing in more water to the small intestine. (Read more about sorbitol foods here)
Apples and pears can be really useful for people with IBS-C, constipation predominant symptoms, particularly if your issue is not eating enough fibre.
What about apple juice and IBS?
Apple juice contains more concentrated versions of the sugars, so even a small amount, at 100ml, would be considered high FODMAP.
For people with constipation apple juice can be a good way to get the bowels going, because of the way it draws water into the gut and may help soften stools.
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How to eat apples when you have IBS
If you’re sensitive to FODMAPS around 1/8th of an apple could trigger IBS symptoms.
Testing your sensitivity to apples
If you want to bring apples back into your diet it’s best to test the individual FODMAPs first.
So you could break it down into
- a fruit high in fructose only (e.g. grapes, tomatoes, mango)
- then one with high sorbitol (e.g. apricot, cherries)
- then try apples or pears, as these contain both.
If you get a reaction to apples don’t give up! It’s always worth retrying foods again as your tolerance may have changed over time.
Did you know there are around 2000 varieties of apple! There must be one out there for you.
Getting your five a day
If apples aren’t a problem for you then do include them in your diet. They can be a great snack with a handful of seeds (read about the best seeds for IBS).
Our gut microbes flourish when we eat a diet rich in different plant based foods. These different fibre containing foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains, nuts, seeds and pulses help to support a healthy gut microbiome.
If you are curious about which vegetables might be low FODMAP read this post – https://www.goodnessme-nutrition.com/ibs/low-fodmap-vegetables-for-ibs-relief/
In the UK it is recommended we eat 5 portions of fruit and veg every day. One portion is around 80g, or one normal sized apple.
If you want help figuring out your IBS triggers, start your Gut Reset with me over 3 months to find a diet that works for you. Just set up a free call to discuss what you need some help with. Email info@goodnessme-nutrition.com
IBS Nutritionist
Hi, I'm Anna Mapson, registered Nutritional Therapist.
I help people with IBS and SIBO get control of unpredictable gut symptoms to find long term relief from painful and embarrassing IBS without restrictive dieting.
I can help you to:
- understand your digestion better, so you recognise your triggers
- eat a well balanced diet, with tasty meals that are simple to prepare
- reintroduce your trigger foods so you can get back to enjoying food again
Find more about my 3 month 1:1 Gut Reset programme.
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Hello I get sick off and on every month is this my Ìbs can this make me feel.this way it last for 4 tto 5 days then iam better again it is really getting me down can you help.me
Hi Mariette
My name is Frank and i suffer from constipation bloating and
Was diagnosed with ibs25yrs ago
I have tried many diets .
I would like to know if you are able to cure this problem.
Thank you.
I have both gerd and IBS. I have the IBS in control but I have to be very careful. I asked about apples because that supposedly will help with gerd. I want to get off ppi,s I have been on for years.
anyone tried a product called fodzyme?– i have issues w ibs/gerd- and get major constipation even w foods like apples-and fodmap foods may be why– i bought the enzyme to help me
How did you get on with it Jennifer? Some people find it’s helpful, but it is very expensive compared to other digestive enzymes and doesn’t help with fat digestion. Did you find it helps?
Hi Brenda, I have ibs and I follow a diet, also I drink hot water in the morning before I eat anything, and metamucil before I eat anything, but low fodmap food is the best for ibs, I look on Google there is a lot of recipes you can have that help, hope this helps.
It is very frustrating but in the end it is better than feeling bloated and un well, all the best
Annette
I have been diagnosed with IBS. I am trying to manage it by diet. I can feel fine, and the discomfort appears all of a sudden. I use a heating pad frequently and take something for the gas pains. It is very hard to explain exactly how I feel, I feel heavy, and miserable. Sometimes I pass a lot of gas. I feel like I need to have a bowel movement, and when I do, I still don’t really get relief. Just like the miserable feeling comes, after a while it subsides until the next time.
I currently take Meta-Mucil and MiraLax per my doctor’s instructions. Per my gastro doctor’s suggestion, I started taking Linzess, however it did not seem to help, so I stopped taking it. I met a women in the grocery store who also had IBS, she suggested taking something called GLR, which can be ordered through Amazon. Are you familiar with that product?