Is there a diet that can help manage irritable bowel syndrome?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently heard about a new diet to manage IBS. Can you tell me about it?
DEAR READER: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, gas, and bloating. A new diet for IBS targets and eliminates certain types of carbohydrates that the small intestine has trouble absorbing.