IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a condition where a person experiences pain or discomfort in their intestinal area. It is often accompanied by diarrhea, though some experience constipation (or sometimes both). The cause of IBS is unknown, though stress and anxiety may exacerbate it. Handling stress and improving your diet may help. Below are some tips to try. Bite This:1. Fruit. The insoluble fiber from fruit skin (apples, pears, peaches) may aid with bowel regularity. The fleshy part (called pectin) may help bulk stool, for those suffering from diarrhea. Aim for 3 servings of whole fruit daily.2. Water. Let's face it- your body needs water from head to toe and your bowels are no exception. Aim for a minimum of 6 (8 oz) cups of plain water daily. It keeps you from getting dehydrated if you have diarrhea associated with IBS.3. Whole grains. Swap out that white pasta for whole wheat and white rice for brown. Adding more whole grains may aid with regularity when you suffer IBS. Go for a minimum of 3 whole grains/day, though more is fine if within your calorie limit.4. Vegetables. Fiber from vegetables may also keep you regular, though you'll want to limit gassy ones (see Not that below). Aim for 5 servings of vegetables daily.5. Yogurt. Yogurt is a great source of pro-biotics- healthy bacteria that help recolonize the gut and prevent disease. Kefir is another good source.Not That:1. Sorbitol. Ever eat an entire bag of sugar free chocolate? I'm guessing you couldn't leave the house afterwards. Sorbitol and other sugar alcohols that end in TOL (mannitol, xylitol, etc) are not absorbed well and can exacerbate diarrhea.2. Gassy vegetables. Though I hate to knock broccoli, it may not be your best bet if you suffer IBS. Kale, cauliflower, greens and other cruciferous vegetables may also give you some gut pain after consumption.3. Beans. Again, I love beans and think they're one of the healthiest foods on the planet. But when you have IBS, you may want to use Beano to help digest beans or avoid them during a flare up.4. Dairy products. While yogurt may be tolerated well by those with IBS, milk, ice cream and pudding may make IBS worse. The bacteria in yogurt typically aids in digesting lactose, which is why it may not be an issue.5. Caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that may decrease transit time and worsen symptoms of diarrhea. In addition, caffeine is a natural diuretic, which may lead to dehydration if consumed in excess. Limit use of tea, coffee, caffeinated soda and chocolate.