Experiences with
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) include bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. These often come and go and are usually worse after eating.
Changes to your diet and lifestyle, like avoiding things that trigger your symptoms, can help ease symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
An NHS dietitian may be able to advise you on a special diet if the changes you make are not helping your symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
What happens at your GP appointment
If the GP thinks you may have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) they'll ask some questions, such as:
- what symptoms you have
- if they come and go
- how often you get them
- when you get them (for example, after eating certain foods)
- how long you've had them for
The GP may also feel your tummy to check for lumps or swelling.
Before your appointment, it might help to write down details of your symptoms to help you remember them.
Things you can do to help with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
There's no single diet or medicine that works for everyone with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). But there are things that can help if you have been diagnosed with IBS, to help improve your symptoms or avoid making them worse.
try to eat a healthy, balanced diet
keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS
try to drink at least 8 to 10 drinks of fluid (around 1.5 litres) a day, such as water or non-caffeinated drinks such as herbal tea
try to find ways to relax
get plenty of exercise
try probiotics for a month – they may help any symptoms caused by gut bacteria changes
do not delay or skip meals
do not eat too quickly
do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
do not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g)
do not drink more than 3 cups of tea, coffee or any other caffeinated drink a day
do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks
Seeing a dietitian for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
A GP may refer you to an NHS dietitian if general changes to your diet and lifestyle have not helped your IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms.
They can suggest other changes to your diet that may help your symptoms.
Low FODMAP diet
A dietitian may recommend a diet called a low FODMAP diet.
This involves avoiding foods that are not easily broken down by the gut, such as some types of:
- fruit and vegetables
- milk
- wheat products
Support from the IBS Network
The IBS Network is the national charity for people with IBS. It provides information and advice about living with IBS and offers an online forum.
Related links
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