What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and how can diet help manage symptoms?

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent fluctuating symptoms, including abdominal pain or discomfort, altered bowel habits, bloating, distension, tension, or hardness, which are often made worse by eating, and may include passage of mucus ¹.

How can dietary modifications assist in managing its symptoms?

• People with IBS should be given information on diet and lifestyle, including having regular meals, avoiding missing meals or long gaps, and drinking at least 8 cups of fluid daily, especially water or non-caffeinated drinks ¹.
• Reducing intake of high-fibre foods such as wholemeal bread, cereals high in bran, and whole grains may help, especially if symptoms include diarrhoea or bloating ¹.
• For predominant symptoms of constipation, soluble fibre supplements like ispaghula or foods high in soluble fibre such as oats and linseed are recommended, with gradual increase to minimize bloating ¹.
• Reducing insoluble fibre, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and gas-producing foods can help if diarrhoea and bloating are prominent ¹.
• Probiotics may be considered, taken for at least 4 weeks, with monitoring of effects, but should be discontinued if no improvement ¹.
• In cases where symptoms persist, a trial of a low FODMAP diet under specialist supervision may be beneficial, as it reduces fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols that can exacerbate symptoms ².

These dietary strategies aim to reduce symptom triggers and improve quality of life for people with IBS ¹,².