For those who are not familiar with irritable bowel syndrome, it is a condition that affects the digestive system.
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
There is no one-size-fits-all low FODMAP diet for irritable bowel syndrome, as different people will have different triggers.
Some common trigger foods include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and tomatoes.
In this blog post, we will explore whether tomatoes are bad for IBS and provide some tips for avoiding tomatoes if they are a trigger food for you.
Can Tomatoes Cause Stomach Problems?
Tomatoes contain fructose, which is another type of sugar that can cause stomach problems for people with IBS.
Tomatoes also contain process histamine, which can cause inflammation in the intestinal tract and lead to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
Histamines are produced by bacteria that live on tomatoes, so fresh tomatoes might be less likely than canned tomatoes to trigger IBS symptoms.
Some people can eat a small amount of tomatoes without any problems, while others will have IBS symptoms like stomach pain if they eat even a single tomato.
Are Tomatoes Low FODMAP?
No, tomatoes are high FODMAP foods, which means they can trigger IBS symptoms such as gut irritation, acid reflux issues, and stomach pain.
FODMAPs are a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest properly.
High FODMAP trigger foods can lead to gas and bloating.
The IBS trigger FODMAPs in tomatoes include fructose, glucose, and galactose.
Do Tomatoes Cause Inflammation?
The tomatoes that you eat contain lectin, which can cause inflammation in the body.
This is especially true if ripe tomatoes are eaten raw or not cooked properly.
Cooked tomatoes have lower levels of inflammatory compounds than their raw counterparts do.
However, tomatoes can still cause an inflammatory response if they’re heated too much, such as when making tomato sauce or tomato paste using cherry tomatoes.
Can You Eat Tomatoes With Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Some people with irritable bowel syndrome can eat tomatoes without any problems, while others will have uncomfortable symptoms if they eat even a single tomato.
If green tomatoes and tomato products are trigger foods for you, it is best to avoid them altogether.
There are many other healthy fruits and vegetables that you can include in your diet instead such as bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.
Can I Drink Tomato Juice With IBS?
No, tomato juice is still a high FODMAP food, and drinking tomato juice with IBS can cause stomach problems.
Instead of tomato juice, we recommend corn syrup-free juices made with lemons, pineapples, grapefruits, bananas, and cranberries.
If you are able to drink organic juice without any added sugars, that’s the gold standard.
Whenever possible try to stay away from acidic foods like tomato sauces, beverages, and spicy food.
Food To Avoid With IBS
IBS trigger foods include fried food, dairy products, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, wheat products, soda, alcohol, and coffee.
Although these might not be trigger foods for everyone with IBS, these are some of the biggest offenders.
Most people with IBS find that it’s helpful to keep a food journal to identify their biggest food intolerance and worst trigger foods.
If you’re experiencing IBS symptoms, try adding high-fiber foods into your diet, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking more water, and prioritizing regular exercise.
What Vegetables To Avoid If You Have IBS?
Some vegetables that people with IBS might want to avoid include cauliflower, kidney beans, artichokes, mushrooms, garlic, cabbage, onions, peas, and asparagus.
These vegetables are high in FODMAPs, which can cause stomach problems for those with IBS.
There are many other healthy fruits and vegetables that you can include in your diet instead such as potatoes, green beans, and cauliflower.
Plus, if you enjoy eating whole grains, they can be a great whole food to add to your diet.
Summary
Do tomatoes trigger IBS and painful digestive symptoms?
Yes, tomatoes are high in FODMAPs, which can cause IBS symptoms like inflammation, abdominal pain, and stomach problems.
If you have irritable bowel syndrome or experience any of the IBS symptoms that come with it, you may consider working with a dietitian for professional medical advice.
Some medical providers will recommend trying a small amount of food triggers, like tomatoes, to monitor your IBS symptoms.
If you have IBS and tomatoes are a food trigger for you, it is best to avoid them whenever possible to avoid IBS attacks.
For a balanced FODMAP-friendly diet without uncomfortable gut symptoms, try substituting tomatoes for the other healthy food and vegetable options we covered in this blog post.