While food allergies may play a factor in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, they do not seem to have any influence on Tourette’s symptoms. Tourette's syndrome is a neurological problem, and food allergies do not seem to influence it. IBS may be influenced by food allergies, although more research is still needed to confirm this connection
Tourette Syndrome
According to the National Institutes of Health, Tourette's syndrome -- or TS -- is a neurological disorder that results in repetitive and involuntary movements or sounds called tics. Tourette’s is a chronic condition, although symptoms are worst during puberty. Tics can range from simple to complex, and severity varies between individuals. Tourette’s is probably a genetic problem, but the exact cause of TS is unknown. Calming activities may ease tics, and stress or excitement may make TS worse. So far, food allergies do not seem to make TS tics worse.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic problem in your large intestine, in which food moves either too slowly or too quickly through your intestine. IBS does not damage your body, though it leads to uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, stomach pain and cramping, diarrhea and constipation. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, the exact cause of IBS is still unknown, but certain foods like wheat products, milk, alcohol and coffee can irritate your symptoms.
IBS and Food Allergies
According to an article published in "Gut, the International Journal of Gatroenterology and Hepatology," there seems to be a connection between food allergies and IBS since eliminations diets seem to relieve IBS symptoms. There is a need for further study, since the mechanisms that cause these reactions is still unknown. Since the same elimination diets that are used to identify food allergies may help relieve your IBS symptoms, you may want to try an elimination diet to isolate irritating foods.
Elimination Diet
If food allergies are linked to your IBS, you may want to try an elimination diet and log which foods aggravate your IBS. Begin by eating simple, plain foods and avoiding a long list of foods, including dairy products, wheat, tea, coffee, soda, eggs, corn, peas, beans, citrus fruits, chocolate and foods with additives. Re-introduce foods one at a time, and note which aggravate your symptoms. When you have identified which foods irritate your IBS, or which you may be allergic to, cut them out from your diet permanently.
