Thai food is a favorite for those who have IBS because it’s got lots of mild flavor and is generally light, but you need to watch out for some pitfalls. Many appetizers include fried items, and they’re big on coconut, peanut sauce, and cooking oils, which are in almost all their entrées and may be potentially problematic ingredients. Pad Thai, for example, has peanuts plus sesame and canola oils.
Luckily, you can get some much better options. Grilled marinated squid and prawns have less fat than fried appetizers. Satay, substituting the peanut sauce with fresh lime, is another great choice. Most Thai noodles served are made from rice and boiled or steamed, so they should be safe as well.
Steamed rice is preferable to Thai Fried Rice, which is sautéed in oil. Tom Yum Gai, is a very light flavorful broth featuring Asian mushrooms and lemongrass.
Finally, choose the fresh tropical fruit over the deep-fried bananas for dessert — many Thai restaurants offer an exotic selection including mango, papaya, and pineapple, which can be a refreshingly different option for those who eat the same safe fruits on a day-to-day basis.
