We’ve heard it endless times before, fruits are healthy and at least 7-8 servings should be consumed daily.  However, have you ever questioned where this recommendation of 7-8 servings of fruits came from?  Also, if fruits are seasonal, does it really seem natural to consume large amounts of them throughout the year?

Unfortunately, most will not ask these questions and will blindly follow the recommendations given to them by so called “health experts.”  However, for those with digestive disorder such as IBS, fruit can actually do more harm than good. 

Many may be asking the question how something as natural as fruit can be bad for the body.  We understand how this can be confusing, but there is more to the story that isn’t being told.  In fact, it’s highly likely that you will look at fruit with a different set of eyes and values after you’re finished reading our post.

The Problem with Modern Fruit

Many are under the impression that fruit bought at the grocery store is how fruit naturally grows in nature.  However, this could not be further from the truth.  In fact, almost all store bought fruit has been extensively hybridized by man in order to contain more sugar (fructose), less seeds, and to be much bigger than its original fruit.

This extreme hybridization can lead to serious problems in the body, especially those suffering from IBS.  This is because the human body was never designed to handle such large amounts of fructose (sugar) that is present in almost all modern day fruits.  In fact, research has shown that diets high in fructose can actually contribute to disorder and disease in the body such as fatty liver disease (1).

Furthermore, the high amount of sugar present in all hybridized fruits can have an extremely damaging effect on the gut.  This high amount of sugar can make the gut more permeable and can cause intestinal inflammation (more on this below).  However, many will not think twice about eating these hybridized fruits.  In fact, many believe that eating large amounts of these fruits daily is actually healthy.

With that said, if you suffer from IBS, it can be extremely beneficial if you avoid such fruits.  Although small amounts may not cause negative side effects, treating these fruits as a staple can be disastrous to both digestive health and overall health of the body.

How Fruits can Irritate IBS

As mentioned before, the high amounts of fructose present in all hybridized fruits can be extremely damaging towards the intestines.  This high fructose intake can inflame the intestines and can be a promoter of conditions such as IBS.

This intestinal inflammation caused by fruit typically occurs because of fungal overgrowth’s such as candida in the gut.  It should be mentioned that most patients with IBS almost always suffer from a fungal overgrowth in the gut such as candida (2). 

Consuming large amounts of fruits in the presence of a fungal overgrowth such as candida can be extremely problematic.  This is because candida operates on a sugar metabolism.  This means it uses sugars coming from the diet in order to survive and reproduce.  It’s for this reason that individuals who follow diets that are high in sugar and starchy carbohydrates are more susceptible to developing a candida overgrowth in the gut.

It’s important to understand that candida will actually burrow itself into the digestive lining and create high amounts of intestinal inflammation.  It also releases several different toxic byproducts during the fermentation process of converting sugars to alcohol.  These toxic byproducts have been known to be extremely inflammatory and can cause a whole host of health problems in the body.

Eat Seasonal Fruit Instead

To be clear, this post was not created in order to bash fruits.  In fact, if not overly hybridized and in season, fruit can be extremely healthy for the body.  However, finding this type of fruit can be very difficult.

However, most farmer markets will sell seasonal fruits that are locally grown and usually organic.  Also, most fruits found at farmers markets are not overly hybridized and are typically fruits that are native to the area.  A quick way to tell if a fruit has been extensively hybridized is to see if it contains seeds.  If the fruit contains little to no seeds, this is a clear indication of excessive hybridization. 

Also, most store bough berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are still great options.  These fruits have not undergone high amounts of hybridization and still resemble the original fruit.  In fact, most super markets will sell wild blueberry varieties in the frozen food section.

Try Using Healthy Sweeteners

Instead of relying on fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth, there are various natural sweeteners that can be used that will not cause intestinal inflammation.  In fact, the sweeteners listed below both have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which can be great for inhibiting the growth of candida which is common in those with IBS.

1. Raw Local Honey

Raw Honey (preferable local) is a great natural sweetener that can help curb sugar cravings without compromising the gut.  In fact, raw honey has been used for centuries in order to treat various digestive conditions and was frequently given to those with stomach woes. 

Interestingly, research has shown that raw honey can help inhibit the growth of several different candida species (3).  That being said, many find that raw honey helps improve their overall digestion tremendously.

2. Stevia Lead Extract

Stevia leaf extract is a great way to curb sugar cravings without the guilt.  In fact, stevia is actually sweeter than most fruits.  However, unlike fruits, stevia will not irritate the intestines.  As an added benefit, stevia has been known for centuries to be a powerful anti-microbial and anti-fungal herb.  In fact, it was used extensively among several different cultures and tribes in order to treat and fight infection.

Follow a Correct IBS Diet

Many are confused as to what type of diet should be followed when it comes to IBS.  In fact, it’s hard to blame anyone for being confused due to the high amounts of misinformation around the subject.  For example, many health experts will simply tell an IBS patient to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Yet, taking this advice can have disastrous effects on intestinal health due to the large amounts of anti-nutrients present in these foods.  Instead, a diet based around nutrient dense and traditional foods can offer the best benefits for those suffering with IBS.  Luckily, we’ve outlined the best foods for IBS already over on our Diet Protocol Page.

However, if you suffer from poor digestive health, plant foods should always be limited until the gut is healed.  With that said, the diet should be focused on high quality animal foods that will build and provide the body with all the nutrients required for necessary repair and healing.

Cut Sugar Cravings with Healthy Meals

When the body is well fed and nourished, sugar cravings typically do not occur.  In fact, sugar cravings are often a sign that you are deficient in trace minerals.  Luckily, our Intestinal Health Cookbook provides over 20 different mineral and vitamin rich recipes that can be great for those with IBS.

In fact, many are amazed that the recipes in our cook book can actually be good for them due to the amazing flavor and taste contained in each recipe.  We highly recommend our cook book for those new to eating a IBS friendly diet as it can help you stay true to eating healthy gut healing foods.

Always Choose Organic Fruits

If your still determined to have fruits in your diet despite knowing the facts, at least buy organic fruits.  Most fruits are heavily sprayed with pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides in order to get a higher yield of fruit.  The use of pesticides allows producers to maximize on profits, but this all comes at the expense of your health.

In fact, fruits such as bananas are one of the most heavily sprayed fruits in the world.  If it weren’t for chemical spraying, the modern day banana would have been wiped out in the 50’s by a mysterious fungus called Panama Disease.

It should be noted that no long term studies have been conducted on the possible negative side effects these pesticides can have on health.  Always choosing organic, whether it be fruit, or any other food item, is extremely important. 

So, if you must have fruit, please make sure that it’s at least organic!