Summer may start in June, but for me the quintessential summer holiday is the Fourth of July. Like other holidays, July 4th poses unique challenges if you suffer from IBS. The typical fare is not very GI system-friendly and bathroom facilities at picnic areas are sometimes hard to find, or due to lack of cleanliness, hard to use. To help you to get the most enjoyment out of your July 4th holiday, I have put together a short guide, “How to Avoid Digestive Fireworks on the Fourth”. My wish for you is that your system stays nice and quiet so that you are able to relax and soak up the old-fashioned joys of America’s Independence Day.