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of fat in the diet should be avoided by the IBS patient.

Hidden products - fructose, sorbitol and mannitol may affect certain people. These are hidden ingredients in many foods including baked goods, sugar-free chewing gum and even fresh fruit.

Other foods - some IBS patients also have problems with foods in the nightshade family including tomatoes, chili peppers and eggplant. Potatoes, although a member of the nightshade family, seem to be well tolerated by IBS patients.

Women who have IBS may find that their IBS flares up every month a few days before they get their period. A women's fluctuating hormone levels may lead to an increase in IBS attacks.

NOT ALL DAIRY IS BAD

Although many IBS sufferers are lactose intolerant, many patients find they can tolerate yogurt with no problem. Yogurt contains live bacteria cultures which help to break down the lactose found in dairy products.

In his book The Self-Help Way to Treat Colitis and Other IBS Conditions [Keats Publishing, 2001] author De Lamar Gibbons, M.D. mentions that "The lactobacilli involved in the making of yogurt and cottage cheese produce lactase and other enzymes. They make these enzymes so they can break down lactose and other substrates for their own metabolism." Plain yogurt makes a terrific sour cream substitute for baked potatoes, while lightly sweetened vanilla yogurt can be mixed with a bit of fresh fruit for a nice breakfast treat.

Learn more about this author, Lynn Smythe.
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