It's not news to people with IBS, no matter how recently they've been diagnosed. Diet has a major impact on the type, frequency and severity of your IBS symptoms - and therefore on your overall quality of life.
Whether that impact is positive or negative is up to you to a large extent. Diet should be one the first areas -- if not the first -- you re-examine when putting together a comprehensive action plan for self-managing and treating your IBS symptoms.
Make changes for the better
No two "IBS diets" will be exactly alike, because no two people with IBS have the same trigger-symptom profile, not to mention the same favorite foods or eating patterns.
To figure out which foods are best for you, you need to be willing to do some research, talk with your doctor and even experiment a little. You also need to commit to stick to a diet plan if you truly want to minimize your triggers and symptoms.
Take an honest look at what you're eating - as well as how much, and how often. Are you drinking a lot of coffee in the morning, for example, or eating "fast food" on the run? Those foods and beverages - along with eating quickly or at irregular times - are some of the most common triggers for IBS symptoms. The daily tracker can help you become more conscious of your food habits and their impact on your IBS.
Get support from your care team
Don't hesitate to ask for professional help in "fixing" whatever might not be working in your diet. Your doctor can refer you to dietitians and other specialists with expertise in IBS nutrition.
Together, you can discuss your problem foods and agree on changes to help you get back on track. Even something as simple as replacing soda with water, for instance, can make a difference.
As part of this educational process, you'll hear a lot about fiber's ability to regulate your digestive system. Extra fiber from plant foods or fiber products can make your stools soft but firm - and more comfortable to pass.
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