Although the causes aren’t clear, there are certain things that seem to stimulate the condition. It is important to note that not all things stimulate all people -- there are wide variations in triggers.

Factors that Aggravate IBS  

Some things to watch for include:

1)    Foods that activate problems – Severe symptoms may be triggered by consuming certain foods and can range from milk to spicy foods to chocolate, fruits, nuts, cabbage, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages. It’s a good idea to pay close attention to what seems to generate problems and try to cut back on the triggering foods.

2)    Stress – Massive deadlines on work or school projects can exacerbate irritable bowel syndrome in some people. This is believed to be an aggravating factor, rather than the cause of problems.

3)    Hormones – In women, who suffer from IBS at twice the rate of men, menstruation can exacerbate the condition around or during the cycle.

4)    Various illnesses – Gastroenteritis, sometimes referred to as infectious diarrhea, can create too much bacteria in the intestines, sometimes triggering an irritable bowel syndrome attack.

Beyond the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and the potential for transformation into colitis, Crohn’s or cancer, the cycle of diarrhea and constipation that’s part of IBS can aggravate hemorrhoids in the tract and may not allow the intake of certain nutritionally dense foods that promote good health.