How to Trick those IBS symptoms to have that Halloween Treat!

Dealing with those spooky Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms? Wanna have that candy-filled happy Halloween? Anytime of the year having IBS symptoms can be frightful, but especially can be said during Halloween as certain treats can trigger those cursed symptoms like bloating, nausea, and bloating. At the same time, Halloween is the unofficial official start to the Holiday season (stay tuned for more holiday tips!) 

The good news there is light at the end of the tunnel and you don’t have to completely change your Halloween plans. There are a couple of tips that you can use to limit the chance of a flare-up. 

First thing to keep in mind is the types of Carbohydrates (or sugars) that the gut can’t absorb. These are called FODMAP’s, which can be found in allow of Halloween treats. Such FODMAP’S that are typically found in candy and treats include: 

• Disaccharides: This is a sugar that is found in dairy products such as milk, and chocolate. Lactose can also be considered into this category.
• Monosaccharides: This is a sugar that is found in high fructose corn syrups, and honey. Which are two ingredients commonly found in candy. 
• Polyols: Also known as Sorbitol and Mannitol, this is a sugar found in artificial sweeteners. These can be found in substitute candies and gum. 

Second: How to manage your IBS symptoms during Halloween: 

1. Stay away from high fructose corn syrup: High Fructose Corn syrup or HFCS is commonly used as an alternative instead of sugar in large food production, this especially in today's types of Halloween candies. As HFCS are not necessarily more dangerous to your health than the other types of fructose (by gram to gram) however, when HFCS are added to processed foods like candy (that are eaten in large quantities) they can lead to gut troubles. Those with or without IBS should steer clear of HFCS for their health trick than quick fun treat. 

1. Avoid sugar-free sweets: Avoiding high fructose corn syrup is just a good life hack to have, but especially on Halloween with most of the treats having some type in them. Going for the sugar-free candy sounds great in theory, but in practice it can actually cause more harm. Sugar-free candy contains Polyols, a sugar alcohols like Mannitol and Sorbitol that can cause IBS symptoms. This Halloween, choose those candies that are made with invert sugar, maple syrup, or rice malt syrup. 

1. Go for the right kind of chocolates: What is most recommended as the best chocolate for the gut is Dark chocolate, however it’s important to keep an eye of what kind of dark chocolate. Those that have a percentage of 70% to 90% Dark Chocolate are completely rarity free. Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate contain Lactose and Disaccharide  (which is on the FODMAP as a food not easily digestible) Also keep in mind that Dark Choclate contains caffeine, the darker the chocolate is the more caffeine it contains. So keeping an eye on your portions and going for the fun-sizes are best.