Irritable Bowel Syndrome | Causes & Risk Factors

Do certain foods cause IBS?

No. Foods don't cause IBS. But some foods may make you feel worse. Foods that may make symptoms worse include the following:

• Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea or soda
• Milk products
• Alcohol
• Chocolate
• Wheat, rye or barley

Keeping a diary for a few weeks may be a good way to find out if a food bothers you. Record what you eat and what your symptoms are. If you notice a pattern or think a food makes you feel worse, don't eat it. But don't cut out foods unless they have caused you problems more than once.

If gas is a problem for you, you might want to avoid foods that tend to make gas worse. These include beans, cabbage and some fruits.

If milk and other dairy products bother you, you may have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means that your body can't digest lactose (the sugar in milk). If this seems to be the case, you may need to limit the amount of milk and milk products in your diet. Talk to your family doctor if you think you have trouble digesting dairy products.

How can stress affect IBS?

Stress may trigger symptoms in people who have IBS. Talk to your family doctor about ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, relaxation training or meditation. He or she may have some suggestions or may refer you to someone who can give you some ideas. Your doctor may also suggest that you talk to a counselor about things that are bothering you.