Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS (aka IBD) sounds like a gloomy diagnosis. What exactly does it mean? The phrase denotes that something is causing irritation in the bowels. That ‘something’ is often ingested, like a food or drink. Combine that food with stress and… wait for the eruption. Common culprits include spicy foods, dairy products, especially cow’s milk or cheese, coffee or other caffeinated beverages, wheat and/or gluten, carbonated drinks, fruit with seeds (like raspberries or strawberries), tomatoes, or greasy foods (fried foods, potato chips). Your doctor may not have the time or patience to determine the suspect foods or ingredients, so your best bet is to keep a food journal. Fresh or dried blood in your stool may indicate a more serious condition. See your doctor immediately. Intestinal problems can progress quickly.

These are common irritants for those with IBS include. Check the list below to see which foods cause you intestinal upset and avoid them whenever possible.

Lisa Tsakos