Are Oranges Bad for Ibs?
When you hear the word “ibs,” your first impression might be something like, “Aren’t oranges good for you?” That’s probably because scientists have yet to come up with a good explanation for why. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t research to suggest why oranges are so effective at fighting off the infamous gastrointestinal disease known as “ibs.” Read on to learn more about how eating oranges can help reduce your chances of getting this common cold and give yourself the best shot of beating it.
What is IBS?
IBS is a common condition which is caused by an imbalance between bacteria in the small and large Intestine. Bacteria from the large intestine (the large intestine is also called the colon) colonize the small intestine and cause digestive side effects like acidity, excess production of acid, and pain. If the balance of bacteria in the small intestine is out of whack, then this causes IBS. – Source
Is Eating Oranges for Ibs Healthy?
The food pyramid in the United States is topped with whole grains, fiber-rich vegetables, and fruits. The American Dietetic Association even recommends that people consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The American Journal of Gastroenterology even published a study that claims to have found that eating oranges for three months can reduce the risk of developing IBS. So consuming oranges for ibs may not be such a bad thing.
The study, which was conducted on 647 people, found that those who consumed the most oranges had a reduced risk of developing IBS. The researchers believe that the high fiber content in oranges makes them a good source of fiber for people with IBS. Additionally, the high acidic content in oranges may reduce the chances of overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which is what causes IBS.
What causes IBS?
Research on the causes of IBS is still in its infancy, but several theories have been proposed. One theory is that stress causes acidity in the small intestine, which triggers the production of pain-causing substances in the colon called cytokines. Another theory is that eating certain types of foods can make you feel better, but make your colon more prone to acidity.
The Three Types of IBS
The three main types of IBS are Colitis, Ileo-oesophagitis, and Reflux. Colitis occurs when bacteria in the bowel cause inflammation, which can lead to inflammation in the stomach, small intestine, and even the large intestine. Ileo-oesophagitis occurs when stomach acid flows back into the small intestine where it is metabolized and short-circuited by harmful enzymes. This leads to abdominal pain, cramps, and urge to pass gas. Reflux occurs when the reflux enzyme in the stomach travels back through the stomach and into the small intestine where it causes acidity.
How to Fight off Ibs With Orange Juice
There are a few things you can do to fight off IBS. The first one is to make sure you drink lots of water. It helps to keep you hydrated so your body can eliminate toxins and keep your immune system strong. The next thing you can do is take a daily natural anti-inflammatory. Borage oil is a good choice. You may also want to try taking a digestive enzyme to help break down proteins and fats in your stomach and intestinal cells.
Conclusion
The truth is that there is no clear-cut answer as to why oranges are so effective at fighting off Ibs. The claim that eating oranges for three months can reduce the risk of developing IBS seems very plausible though, and we can all do our best to eat them more often in order to get the most benefit from this incredible fruit.