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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Controlling Symptoms With Diet

Table of Contents


Overview

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem with the intestines. IBS can cause belly pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Most people can control their symptoms by changing their diet and easing stress.

No specific foods cause everyone with IBS to have symptoms. Many people find that they feel better by limiting or eliminating foods that may bring on symptoms. Make sure you don't stop eating all foods from any one food group without talking with a dietitian. You need to make sure you are still getting all the nutrients you need.


How can you manage IBS with diet?

Changing your eating habits

For some people, changing what they eat makes IBS symptoms better. Different things work for different people.

Here are some ideas to get you started. Don't try them all at once. It's best to try one or two things at a time. It can take a few weeks before you know if it's helping.

Avoiding foods that might cause symptoms

Many people find that their IBS symptoms get worse after they eat. Sometimes certain foods make symptoms worse.

Foods that may increase symptoms include:

Other types of food that can make IBS symptoms worse include:


Credits for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Controlling Symptoms With Diet

Current as of: September 20, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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