Are Cashews Bad for IBS? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Cashews are bad for IBS. Because they have fat and FODMAPs and they can cause digestive problems.

IBS is a condition that affects your stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract.

In IBS, your body has abnormal muscle contractions or nerve signals in your digestive system.

This can lead to various health problems, such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.

One of the key factors in managing IBS is diet.

What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your IBS symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage IBS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid fat-rich foods like fried foods, cheese, and butter.

Now, cashews are a type of seed that are commonly eaten as a snack or used in recipes.

People usually eat them raw, roasted, or salted.

Cashews are bad for IBS because they contain a lot of fat and FODMAPs.

FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms in some people.

Cashews are especially high in fructans and galactans, two types of FODMAPs.

One ounce (28 grams) of cashews can give you 12 grams of fat (18% of your daily needs) and 9 grams of carbs (3% of your daily needs), most of which are FODMAPs.

Fat can slow down your digestion and cause constipation or diarrhea.

FODMAPs can cause gas, bloating, and pain by fermenting in your gut and drawing water into your intestines.

Furthermore, cashews are a type of nut and nuts are bad for IBS.

Because, they can be hard to digest and irritate your gut lining.

That’s why I suggest you limit your cashew intake to avoid worsening your IBS symptoms.

Stick to one or two cashews a day to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Also, you shouldn’t eat cashews if you have a nut allergy to prevent an allergic reaction.

Because, cashews can cause itching, swelling, hives, or anaphylaxis in some people.

You can buy fresh cashews in your local market or can order them from online.

Always choose unsalted and unroasted cashews.

Because, salt and roasting can increase the fat and FODMAP content of cashews.

You can store them in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to six months.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing IBS effectively.

I always recommend my IBS patients to follow an IBS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.