IBS Causes and Risk Factors

Your risk for irritable bowel syndrome is higher if you are female. Approximately two times as many women as men have the digestive tract disorder. In addition, if other close family members have irritable bowel syndrome, your likelihood of developing... Full Answer

Millions of women suffer from frequent stomach aches, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. In this video, Dr. Oz explains what causes these problems and the keys to relief.  Full Answer

You may find that eating dairy products and caffeinated foods leaves you with cramps and bloating. Avoid the sugars and sweeteners found in those products. Also, chocolate, milk and alcohol may lead to further constipation, while soft drinks,... Full Answer

Foods that may trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms include: Apples and other raw fruits Beans Broccoli Cabbage Caffeine Cauliflower Chewing gum, beverages, or foods sweetened with fructose or sorbitol Chocolate Dairy products Fatty foods... Full Answer

Common triggers for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include food, particularly caffeine, high fat foods, artificial sweeteners and processed foods -- but even relatively healthy foods when the portion is too large can cause a flare-up of symptoms.... Full Answer

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have a significant problem with abdominal bloating and flatulence when they increase the fiber content of the diet and do not seem to be able to adjust to the change. Because of an increased sensitivity to... Full Answer

Serotonin is one of the many chemicals that helps the gut to contract properly to produce peristalsis, the "milking" motion that moves your food from your mouth to your posterior. In addition, it is one of the chemicals in your gut responsible... Full Answer

It's not entirely clear whether irritable bowel syndrome runs in families or not. Studies have indicated that your probability of having irritable bowel syndrome is higher if you have a first-degree relative who also has the disorder. It's unclear,... Full Answer

Disturbance in the Mind/Brain-Gut Connection (the connection between the central nervous system or CNS, and the enteric nervous system or ENS) leads to faulty regulation of gut motility and peristalsis, which can also result in spasm. These... Full Answer

Up to one in five Americans has IBS. IBS often begins before the age of 35, but it can start at any age. IBS seems to run in families--people with IBS often report having a family member with IBS. Most people diagnosed with IBS (up to 75 percent) are... Full Answer