Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is commonly characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating and alteration of bowel habits, and is a difficult condition in which the bowels do not function as they should. The muscles of the colon may overreact to food, stress, exercise and hormones and is more likely to occur subsequent to an infection or a stressful life event. The next most common cause of IBS flare-ups is gluten, a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley and rye. Gluten gives elasticity to dough helping it to rise and keep its shape. Other foods that tend to cause symptoms include chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and fatty foods. The most common cause of IBS is overwhelmingly poor diet. Treatments do exist that attempt to relieve symptoms, including dietary adjustments and weight loss. In many cases, a simple diet change will significantly improve painful symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Diet Doc offers a clinically monitored nutrition plan to help patients lose weight and also develop improved dietary habits, often providing long term relief from IBS symptoms related to poor diet.