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What foods should I avoid so my IBS won't act up?

By Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: May 21, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: What foods should I avoid so my IBS won't act up?
Answer: There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to specific foods and IBS, because a variety of factors -- stress, hormones -- can affect the severity of IBS symptoms. Therefore, you may find that a food that bothers you after one meal may be fine another time. It also is important to remember that simply eating a large meal may exacerbate symptoms, regardless of the types of foods eaten.

That said, there are some foods that do have the potential for aggravating the digestive system:

  • Fatty and fried foods
  • Foods and drinks containing artificial sweeteners
  • Gas-producing vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, beans)
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Fruits, if you have an intolerance to fructose
  • Dairy products, if you suffer from lactose intolerance

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