IBS: a common, usually long-term condition of the digestive system.
Why IBS matters
IBS isn't dangerous, but it can affect your work, travel, sleep and social life. Symptoms tend to come and go, and often flare with certain foods, stress or rushed meals.
Because other conditions can look similar, see a doctor before deciding it's IBS, especially if you notice:
- blood in your stool
- weight loss without trying
- a sudden change in your bowel habits
Once it's confirmed, diet and lifestyle changes are the main tools, with medicine if needed.
What helps with IBS
The NHS advice comes down to steady habits and a few things to cut back on.
Habits that help:
- Eat regular meals, without skipping or rushing them.
- Keep a food and symptom diary to spot your triggers.
- Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free drinks.
Cut back on:
- fatty, spicy and processed food
- too many cups of tea or coffee
- alcohol and fizzy drinks
Other things that help:
- Oats and other soluble fibre, if you're constipated.
- Testing cabbage, cauliflower, onions and beans one at a time, since some people react to them, rather than cutting everything out.
- Regular exercise and ways to relax, which help many people.
A dietitian can guide you if you find you're avoiding lots of foods.
The first call is free
Tell Puja what's going on and she will tell you honestly whether she can help.
Checked against: NHS: Diet, lifestyle and medicines for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). General information, not medical advice.
Related words
BloatingConstipationSoluble fibreProbioticsFermented foodsLactose intoleranceTriphalaAcid refluxGluten
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