Most health practitioners agree that there is no set cause of IBS, and that food allergies, medication, stress, hormone changes, low fiber intake, infection, parasites, lactose intolerance, laxatives, and antibiotic abuse could all be involved. The result of this is that gas and stool do not flow freely, and, viola, the above-mentioned symptoms begin to appear. After you and your health practitioner are sure that your problem is IBS, action can be taken. Many health practitioners feel that food allergies are the main cause of IBS and recommend being tested for allergic reactions to foods. Foods that trigger allergies include cheese, milk, chocolate, butter, coffee, eggs, and nuts.
Dietary changes can help relieve symptoms.
Avoid animal fat, butter, carbonated drinks, chocolate and candy, dairy products, fried foods, sugar, food additives, alcohol, and tobacco. Most health practitioners recommend a high-fiber diet and supplementing with a bulking fiber like psyllium. Drinking plenty of water is also important. Helpful supplements include aloe vera, peppermint, chamomile, melissa, valerian, ginger, and chaste berry. Diverticular disease Diverticular disease is common among the older set.