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Food-related conditions have increased in number nowadays. There are several syndromes that our grandparents did not know of and IBS is one of them. Though there are many theories about its causes, food seems to be the main 'culprit'. A diet high in processed foods, fats, refined carbohydrates and containing chemical additives and preservatives is one of the primary causes of IBS. That is why half a century ago, when people used to have more healthy eating habits, this syndrome was still unknown.

The symptoms of IBS can be very annoying: abdominal pain and cramps combined with constipation or diarrhoea, as the case may be, gas, bloating and many more. Imagine the discomfort that such symptoms bring and the extent to which they can change the life of an individual. No one can live with a chronic condition like this and fortunately no one has to. Though there are no clearly definable causes of IBS and everything depends on a series of factors that may or may not trigger this condition, it is obvious that food plays an important part in all this. Thus it seems logical to cure the condition by changing our eating habits.

You must know which food is good for you and which food disagrees with you. You all learn from experience so by the time this syndrome prepares to settle in, you will have acquired enough knowledge of your own digestive system (IBS is more common with adults than it is with children and teenagers) and will be able to fight against it by removing the 'dangerous' foods from your daily diet.

'Diet is the foundation of health', they say. This is true but rather frustrating as many people find it hard to give up certain foods they enjoy eating even when they are strongly advised to do so by doctors and nutritionists. Yet, an appropriate diet is the only possible cure for IBS and a very convenient one ' no antibiotics with annoying side-effects, no injections, only a careful choice of foods that are meant to re-establish the natural course of your digestion.

Wheat, dairy products, sugar and artificial sweeteners, coffee, fizzy drinks, chocolate, citrus fruits are some of the dietary elements that cause IBS problems in most people. Red meat, fat and fried food may also favour this syndrome. By studying the way you feel after eating or drinking one of the above you will find exactly which one to avoid. Any food has the potential to cause food allergies which are likely to trigger IBS and several other disease conditions. If an allergy is the cause of IBS, the first thing you should do is cure the allergy.

Besides food, there are some other possible causes of IBS such as Candida and stress. Anti-fungal medication will cure the former while relaxation techniques will help you get rid of the latter. Along with a proper diet, regular exercise such as walking will not only help the bowel function better but also relieve stress. Medication is sometimes prescribed for severe constipation and diarrhea but such drugs should be avoided as they may bring undesirable side effects.