Here are some tips to help avoid or reduce meal-related discomfort.

IBS Diet

Certain foods are known to stimulate gut reactions in general. If you have IBS, eating too much of these might make symptoms worse.

Cramping and diarrhea

Examples that may provoke symptoms of abdominal cramps and diarrhea include:

• Meals that are too large or high in fat
• Fried foods
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Eating too much of some types of sugar can be a problem. Examples include:

• Sorbitol - a common sweetener in many dietetic foods, candies, and gums
• Fructose - another sweetener and found naturally in honey as well as some fruits

Gas and bloating

Some foods are gas producing. Examples include:

• Beans
• Cabbage
• Legumes (like peas, peanuts, soybeans)
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Lentils
• Brussels sprout
• Raisins
• Onions
• Bagels

Fiber

Fiber is part of a healthy diet. When adding fiber to the diet, do it slowly over a period of weeks to help avoid discomfort.

If fiber seems to cause discomfort, it is usually insoluble fiber that is the problem. These are mainly found in:

• Cereals
• Bran
• Whole grains

Soluble fiber is less likely to be a problem. These are mainly found in fruits and vegetables. Find out more about diet and IBS.