Constipation affects everyone. Even if you think you’ve never experienced it, chances are that on some level you have. An article published by HealthScout.com notes that “…[a] regular bowel movement can mean anything from three per day to one every three days.” But they are also quick to comment that, “If you are experiencing hard, compacted stools that are difficult or painful to pass, the urge to move the bowels (even though you just had a movement), or no bowel movement for over three days in adults and four day in children, you may have constipation.”

Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be hard, and finding a diet that helps you cope is vital. Symptoms such as cramps, diarrhea, bloating, and gas are all associated with IBS, so eating foods that help lessen the will effect come as a relief to those who suffer. Conversely, eating foods that irritate the bowels will have the opposite effect. Foods such as greasy fried potato chips, dairy products, alcohol, or caffeine can all serve to increase the symptoms.