Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects an estimated 12% of the U.S. population, causing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While some individuals experience only mild discomfort, others find their daily life disrupted by the condition. Despite its prevalence, IBS remains complex, with no single known cause.Doctors and dietitians increasingly advise patients to focus on identifying and avoiding specific food triggers, particularly sugar.Why Sugar Can Be a Gut TriggerWhen you eat sugar, your small intestine breaks it down using specific enzymes. Once processed, the sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream for energy. But for people with IBS, this process can go awry.Some may lack sufficient enzymes to digest certain sugars, resulting in digestive distress. Others may have altered gut bacteria or hormonal fluctuations that make their digestive system more sensitive. Not all sugars cause issues for everyone with IBS, so identifying personal triggers is a crucial step in managing the condition.The Worst Offenders: High FODMAP SugarsMany sugars that worsen IBS symptoms fall into a category known as high FODMAP foods, short for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can ferment in the colon, leading to gas, bloating, and other IBS symptoms.Sucrose (Table Sugar):Common in desserts, baked goods, and even savory packaged foods, sucrose is made of glucose and fructose. It’s one of the most frequently used sweeteners and a known trigger for some people with IBS.Fructose:Found naturally in fruit and added to many sugary beverages and snacks, fructose is another major culprit. High-fructose fruits like apples, grapes, and pears, along with honey and agave, may worsen symptoms. Safer alternatives include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, and berries.Lactose:A sugar found in milk and dairy products, lactose requires the enzyme lactase for digestion. Many adults don’t produce enough lactase, which can lead to lactose intolerance—especially problematic for people with IBS.Are Sugar Substitutes Any Better?Many people with IBS turn to sugar-free alternatives, but not all substitutes are safe bets.Sorbitol and Xylitol, often found in sugar-free gum and candy, are known to trigger abdominal cramps and diarrhea in people with IBS. While stevia may be a safer alternative, more research is needed. Even natural sweeteners like honey or agave should be approached with caution due to their high fructose content.It’s Not Just Sugar: Other Foods to WatchSugar isn’t the only food that may cause trouble. Other common IBS triggers include:Beans and lentilsCruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower)Onions and garlicGlutenChocolate and spicy foodsFried or processed foodsCaffeine and alcoholAn elimination diet guided by a registered dietitian may help pinpoint which of these are problematic.Could It Be Sucrose Intolerance?In some cases, symptoms similar to IBS may actually be caused by congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), a rare genetic disorder. People with CSID lack the enzymes needed to digest sucrose and maltose, leading to symptoms like bloating and diarrhea immediately after eating sugar-containing foods. This condition is usually diagnosed in childhood and can lead to developmental issues if not managed.Sweet Solutions for IBS ReliefLiving with IBS doesn’t mean you have to completely give up sweets, but moderation and awareness are key. Some people find they can tolerate small amounts of certain sugars without triggering symptoms, while others need to avoid them entirely.