Irritable bowel syndrome: Controlling symptoms with diet

Why is diet important in irritable bowel syndrome?

Many people find that their irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms become worse after they eat. Sometimes certain foods make symptoms worse.

No particular foods cause everyone with IBS to have symptoms. Doctors do not advocate a particular diet to manage symptoms. But through trial and error, many people find that they feel better when they stop eating certain foods. These foods may cause the intestines to contract, which can aggravate IBS in people who have diarrhea as their main symptom.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: May 23, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
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