The Link Between Poor Eating Habits & Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

For years, I suffered secretly with bowel problems, not knowing that it was also a shared problem among many other people across America.

I always kept thinking I just had a bad case of diarrhea, or maybe had an intestinal flu. The reverse was a thought that I needed a laxative, or needed something to help me for my constipation problem.

The problem at one time in my life was somewhat uncontrollable and caused me some problems that made my life somewhat embarrassing and complicated.

Then finally one day after an office visit to my Doctor, I finally became aware of what my problem was; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Finally putting a label on my known problem was only half my battle. I now needed to know what to do.

I was then advised by my doctor to start changing various foods in my diet and see which ones I have eliminated and if it helped to alleviate my problem.

My Doctor could have written me a prescription for medications that may have helped me also. However, I hate taking pills as it is, so I was far better off not to get a prescription anyways.

Understanding what IBS is and what caused it has helped me somewhat with my problem.

I have to admit, I usually notice the problem more with the diarrhea rather then when I am constipated. Because both events do occur when it comes to IBS.

What is really horrible about IBS for me, is I can't eat a lot of green leafy vegetables or things like tomatoes and onions I avoid completely unless someone else has put them in a salad. (I will usually pick them out of the salad).

Spicy foods and a lot of pepper on my food is also a no-no on my diet.

Because I found out Caffeine to be a known culprit to cause me my constant upsets for IBS, I rarely if ever drink carbonated or caffeinated cola's or pops. I also discovered food with a high acidic content to also cause me flare ups.

I do drink hot tea and find that to be helpful and calming at times. I also take advantage of yogurt. I will eat Yogurt especially if I have to take antibiotics. Antibiotics will generally cause my IBS to flare up too.