How do diet and stress affect ibs?

Exacerbate: Both of these make IBS worse. Stress management can help reduce symptoms of ibs. As for diet, slowly increasing fiber in one's diet can help alleviate symptoms, but can also worsen symptoms. Common foods that have been found to make IBS worse are cabbage, beans, legumes and lentils.

Can make it worse: Re: diet, this is individual, but looking at this link will give you some ideas about what foods might be aggravating the ibs: http://www.Webmd.Com/ibs/features/finding-right-diet-ibs stress is definitely a trigger and can exacerbate the symptoms of ibs. This is where mind-body medicine techniques for stress reductions are important to learn!

Could improve it: Reducing stress by learning breathing techniques as well as utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy is very helpful in treating ibs. Also, managing your diet effectively can reduce the symptoms. Consult your doctor, dietitian and psychologist for recommendations and treatment.