Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Your Diet

If you have irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, you can do a number of things to get relief. Today, let’s focus on your diet.

Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin Rodgers, bringing you Healthy Moments from the NIH. I’m the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

For some people with IBS, eating large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea. If this happens to you, try eating four or five small meals a day. Also, certain foods and drinks can make IBS symptoms worse, such as foods that are high in fat, some milk products, drinks with alcohol or caffeine, and foods that may cause gas, like beans or cabbage. To find out if any of these are a problem, write down what you eat and drink each day, what symptoms you have, and when they occur. Share this information with your doctor.

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