Digestive troubles are the butt of many jokes, but discomfort in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is no laughing matter. In fact, it’s quite frustrating for the millions of Americans wrestling with these rather unpleasant symptoms.

About 10 to 15 percent of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , a chronic condition that can cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

While there is no cure for IBS, Dr. Linda Lee says there are certain foods and medications that can make symptoms worse. Avoiding the following foods may bring some relief: