Written By: Heather Van Vorous, author of "Eating for IBS"

An estimated 15-20% of all Americans have IBS, a physical disorder characterized by lower
abdominal pain or discomfort, in association with diarrhea and/or constipation, and often gas,
bloating, and nausea. There is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but there are many very
effective ways of controlling and even eliminating symptoms through diet. The key elements are:
a high soluble fiber foundation to all meals and snacks, low fat, avoidance of trigger foods, and
the careful incorporation of insoluble fiber. Eating safely for IBS does not mean deprivation,
starvation, or boredom - it simply means learning what foods, and how they're eaten, can
prevent or trigger symptoms.

There are two types of sufferers: those who are stressed and need to control their
diets during these stressful times and secondly, those who have attacks due to both
the type of food they consume and stress. Hence, their diets would have to be
managed at all times.