IBS is characterized by bouts of recurrent cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation that can very greatly in its intensity from person to person and even from one attack to the next in each individual. In its most severe form it can cause many suffers to have difficulty maintaining a normal life both socially and economically. Read our article on Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

IBS can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can vary in degree and severity and also be common to other illnesses. Most doctor’s rely on the following to determine if a patient is suffering from IBS:

• If abdominal pain lasts for more than 12 weeks out of a 12 month period.
• If the pain is abated after using the bathroom.
• If there is any change in the regularity, or frequency, of bowel movements. Also any change in color, or appearance is considered indication of a problem.
• If the patient suffers from constipation.
• If there is mucus or blood in the stool.
• If there is bloating.

While many lifestyle influences such as stress relief and exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS, diet is more than just relief, it is preventative measures to help stop the symptoms from occurring at all. Read our article on Eating for IBS.

IBS is triggered by certain foods, but unfortunately not every person will have the same triggers so there is no tried and true definitive for the perfect diet. The best method of determining your personal preventative diet is to keep accurate track of the foods you eat and which ones bring on an attack. Read our article on Which Diets Trigger IBS.

Knowing which foods are most likely to cause an attack of IBS can help to begin the elimination quickly. Foods that contain gluten, dairy products, fatty foods, drinks with caffeine, and alcoholic beverages are all very likely to produce extreme reactions to those that suffer from IBS.

Eating large amounts of food at one sitting can also be a problem for those that suffer with irritable bowel syndrome. It is better to eat small portions more often to give your digestive system a chance to absorb the food slowly.

Knowledge and experimentation with a variety of food products go hand in hand when working to discover the best solutions for each individual circumstance. The combination of the two gives each person the power to combat their illness in the best way for themselves. Read our article on The Importance of Diet for IBS Sufferers.