Nope, peanut butter does not trigger symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In fact, research shows it is one of the types of foods that individuals with IBS can tolerate.
Peanut butter is a high fiber food that is an unlikely cause of constipation for most people. Rather, the cause of constipation is likely to be inadequate daily fiber and fluid intake. Some people may also have a peanut intolerance that may cause constipation when consuming peanut butter as a regular part of the diet.
Peanuts: The IBS-Friendly Nut to Go Nuts Over! Trust your gut and eat some nuts! As the right-hand man to jelly sandwiches around the world, these hearty nuts are a classic fan favorite. But whether you prefer whole or buttered, peanuts are an IBS-friendly way to get a delicious boost of wholesome nutrition.
Peanut Butter in the United States is considered low FODMAP in servings of 2 tablespoons or 32 grams. Double-check labels and avoid products containing higher FODMAP ingredients like molasses or high fructose corn syrup. My go-to is Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter.
Choose ghee derived from grass-fed butter, and you're in for a real vitamin treat! For us IBS sufferers, ghee can also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K.
Often choosing lower fructose containing fruits can be wiser choice. These are apple, berries and kiwi fruit. Depending on how sensitive you are, even sorbitol, which is found in certain mints and chewing gums can worsen an IBS flare up. Opting for products sweetened with Xylitol could help to calm down the flare up.
Peanut Butter is Low in FODMAPS
While almonds, cashews, and pistachios are fairly high in FODMAPs, peanuts, pecans, and walnuts are considered low FODMAP foods.
Common Low FODMAP Bread Varieties
Sourdough (white wheat, whole wheat, spelt): 2 slices. Gluten-free (white): 2 slices. Millet: 2 slices. Wheat (wholemeal, white): 1 slice.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
Peanut butter is loaded with gut-healthy fiber. But what really is fiber? Fiber hangs around in your digestive system and strengthens the good bacteria in your gut, while aiding the digestive process and helping your body remove toxins. Fiber feeds you and your gut bacteria.
1. Gluten-free toast. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) , a person with IBS may wish to avoid gluten in their diet. Gluten is in products that contain wheat, barley, and rye.
Although rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, Peanut butter contains a higher percentage of fat. When consumed in excess, these fats can cause more harm than good. Excess fats in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) can lead to bloating from indigestion. This can further lead to abdominal pain.
Studies have shown that trans fats, like the ones found in peanut butter are one of the number one causes of inflammation in the body. Such inflammation can lead to bloating, gas, and general digestive discomfort.
Relationship Between Peanuts and Diarrhea
While diarrhea linked to eating peanuts isn't super common, it is a very real phenomenon in some unlucky few. Especially with age, you may start to come across certain foods that affect your digestive system. These are called food sensitivities or intolerances.
Low FODMAP Bread Serving Sizes
You can still enjoy a slice of toast in the morning or a low FODMAP sandwich for lunch, as long as you follow these serving sizes: White wheat bread: 1 slice or 35 grams. White wheat sourdough: 2 slices or 109 grams. Whole wheat sourdough: 2 slices or 97 grams.
Sourdough is one of the best tolerated breads on the low FODMAP, plus its super healthy and good for those gut bugs.
Gluten-free pasta is considered low FODMAP in servings of 1 cup (cooked) or 145 grams. Not all gluten-free pasta products are created equal. To help keep things low FODMAP, select pasta products made with rice, corn, or quinoa.
And for those so inclined, Marmite and Vegemite are low FODMAP as well and add umami to many dishes.
Oats can be a low FODMAP breakfast option during the low FODMAP phase. If you choose rolled oats, start with a ½ cup serving size and then test your tolerance level. If you want instant oats use a ¼ cup serving size, and mix them with rice flakes or quinoa flakes for a larger hot breakfast.
Aged cheeses include Cheddar, Camembert, Cheshire, Pecorino Style, Swiss, Brie, Blue Cheese, Havarti, or Parmesan. These are low FODMAP cheese options and they are normally well tolerated by people with lactose intolerance.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.