Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While the cause of IBS is unknown, certain foods can trigger symptoms. Here's a general guide on what to eat and what to avoid if you have IBS:

Foods to Eat:

• Soluble Fiber: Foods high in soluble fiber can help regulate bowel movements. These include oats, psyllium, oranges, strawberries, and carrots.

• Lean Proteins: Foods like chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are well tolerated by most people with IBS.

• Low-FODMAP Fruits: Some fruits are lower in FODMAPs, such as bananas, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries.

• Certain Vegetables: Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, potatoes, and zucchini are generally well tolerated.

• Lactose-Free Dairy Products: Lactose can be a trigger for some people with IBS, so lactose-free milk or hard cheeses may be better tolerated.

• Gluten-free Grains: If you're sensitive to gluten, opt for gluten-free grains like quinoa, rice, and oats.

Foods to Avoid or Limit:

• High-FODMAP Foods: FODMAPs are certain types of carbohydrates that are difficult for some people to digest. Foods high in FODMAPs include onions, garlic, apples, pears, stone fruits, milk, yogurt, honey, and wheat.

• Gluten: Some people with IBS are also sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

• Certain Vegetables: Some vegetables can cause bloating and gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, and beans.

• Artificial sweeteners: These can cause diarrhea in some people, so avoid sweeteners like sorbitol and aspartame.

• Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, caffeine can stimulate your intestines and cause diarrhea.

• Alcohol and carbonated drinks: These can lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort in some people with IBS.

• Fatty Foods: Foods high in fat can speed up intestinal contractions and cause diarrhea.

Because IBS is a complex condition with many potential causes, the most effective dietary plan will differ from person to person. A diet low in FODMAPs, a group of carbohydrates that can be difficult to digest, helps many people with IBS. However, because it involves eliminating many foods to determine individual triggers, such a diet should be followed under the supervision of a healthcare provider or a dietitian.