Reduce the amount of air you swallow by chewing more and eating slowly. Drink non-carbonated beverages. Try and cut down or avoid certain foods, such as milk products, whole wheat, bran, beans and dietetic foods. IBS is a very common disorder of the intestine, and is a diagnosis frequently made by gastroenterologists. It is a fundamental bowel disorder as there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined.
Symptoms consist of bloating, crampy abdominal pain and gasiness, and changes in bowel habits.
Some patients are constipated, others have diarrhea, and some patients have both. Avoiding dairy products may help some people, and fatty foods often cause the cramps. High fiber diets are believed to help as the keep the colon mildly distended and possibly prevent spasmodic contractions from occurring. Not all maneuvers are helpful for everyone, and drastic dietary changes are usually unnecessary. A good idea is to keep a diary of your symptoms and their relationship to what you have eaten.