Short Answer: Garlic powder is bad for IBS. Because it has fructans and they can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your large intestine.
In IBS, your body has abnormal muscle contractions or nerve signals in your intestines.
This can lead to various health problems, such as abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
One of the key factors in managing IBS is diet.
What you consume can affect your gut bacteria, 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, garlic powder is dehydrated garlic cloves ground into a powder.
People usually use it as a seasoning for various dishes, such as breads, frying, or salads.
Garlic powder is bad for IBS because it contains fructans.
Fructans are a type of fermentable carbohydrate that can trigger IBS symptoms, especially in people with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant) or IBS-M (mixed bowel habits).
One teaspoon of garlic powder can give you 8 calories, 0.4 grams of protein, 0.02 grams of fat, 1.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 0.2 grams of fiber.
Fructans can negatively affect IBS by causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
They can also alter the gut bacteria and increase inflammation in the intestines.
Furthermore, garlic powder is a spice and spices are bad for IBS.
Because, they can irritate the lining of the intestines and worsen the symptoms.
That’s why I suggest you limit your garlic powder intake to avoid flare-ups.
Stick to less than half a teaspoon per day to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
Also, you shouldn’t use garlic powder if you have or are suffering from gastroenteritis (stomach flu) to prevent dehydration.
Because, garlic powder can increase the loss of fluids and electrolytes from your body.
You can buy garlic powder in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose organic and high-quality garlic powder.
Because, some garlic powder may contain additives, preservatives, or salt that can harm your health.
You can store garlic powder in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
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.