Research does not indicate what causes irritable bowel syndrome, a condition of the bowel that causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. Though doctors do not know the cause, they do know that, for many people, some foods can trigger a flare-up of the condition. Knowing some of these common foods may help a person determine a diet that works best with her condition.
Fatty Foods
Foods high in unhealthy fats may trigger irritable bowel syndrome. Fried foods, such as French fries, can bring on symptoms, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Most fast food, such as hamburgers, contains a high amount of fat. Other foods may include meat with high fat content, baked goods, deep fried foods and many processed foods found in the frozen section of supermarkets.
Dairy
Some people may experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome when eating dairy products, explains MayoClinic.com. Common sources of dairy include milk, cheese and yogurt. Dairy-based ice cream may also trigger the condition.
Caffeine
Consuming caffeine may increase the likelihood of painful symptoms, says the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Coffee and tea usually contain significant amounts of caffeine. Many carbonated beverages contain caffeine as well.
Alcohol
Excessive amounts of alcohol could trigger irritable bowel symptoms, says the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The amount of alcohol may differ from person to person. In some cases, a single glass of wine may cause discomfort.
