Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Most patients with IBS suspect that their diet has some role to play in causing their symptoms. Many people believe that they are suffering a food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity. True food allergy is rare; intolerance or sensitivity is more common. See the Food allergy and intolerance factsheet for more information.

Not all IBS-sufferers will have food-related problems. However, for many people diet does play a part. The following is a guide:-

Do you suffer from constipation with your IBS?

Have a good look at your meal patterns. Do you go for a long time without eating and drinking?

A regular meal pattern could mean a regular bowel pattern. Skipping breakfast could mean that your bowels are missing the important reflex triggered by the first meal of the day. Fluids, especially water, mean that the contents of your bowel stay soft - passing a rock hard stool is difficult and painful! Aim for 8 - 10 glasses a day, more if you sweat more than most or eat a high fibre diet.

Studies have shown what many people with IBS have known for many years, that bran makes their bowels worse not better. It seems that the IBS bowel rebels against bran and even wholemeal breads cause grief for some people. The good news is that the type of fibre in fruit and vegetables can work wonders, especially when combined with other suggestions mentioned above. Aim for 5 portions of fruit or vegetables (ideally a mixture) every day.

Do you suffer from Diarrhoea?

Again, look at your lifestyle. Are you the type of person who is always rushing around, missing meals and then fitting in a large dinner late at night?

This is an extreme scenario, but taking time-out for food and drink away from the stresses of the day may help.

"When asking people about their diets, I always check on how much tea, coffee, cola drinks, fruit juice (especially clear apple juice) and alcohol people drink. When a patient confesses to having a pint mug every time they have a cup of tea or that the kettle is always boiling, then I know that their diarrhoea may be because their bowels simply can not cope with the volume of that drink."

Foods containing sorbitol such as diabetic products and some sweets can cause diarrhea in a sensitive individual.

Diarrhoea symptoms with IBS may indicate a food intolerance. This is different from allergy (where symptoms re usually rapid) and symptoms can take longer to appear ranging from a few hours to 24 hours after eating. Often people suspect a specific food or a number of foods but find it difficult to pinpoint the culprit. The best thing to do is to keep a food and symptoms diary for a week or two and to see if a pattern emerges. Once the food has been identified, then you need to think whether it affects the balance of your diet. If for example you find that chocolate sets you off, then avoiding chocolate is not going to have a major impact on your diet. If, however, you find that it is milk or bread that disagrees then you may need to have your diet checked and possibly supplemented with a suitable vitamin or mineral tablet so as to avoid long - term health problems.

If you suspect a food intolerance, ask your GP to refer you to a State Registered Dietitian with experience of working with IBS diet therapies. The dietitian may suggest you follow an EXCLUSION DIET, which needs careful interpretation and monitoring.

Are you a Bloater?

Bloating may be a main symptom or it can come with constipation or diarrhoea. Women often complain that skirts that usually fit can not be done up on certain days when the bloating is at its worst. Refer back to the previous tips if you have additional symptoms other than bloating.

Certain foods can cause excessive wind. People with IBS do not produce more wind than the average person, but it seems it hangs around longer in their bowels, and if trapped can cause pain.

Common foods include onions, artichokes, baked beans, lentils, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, under-ripe bananas, cold potato salad and pasta that has been cooked, cooled and reheated (such as a cold pasta salad). Fizzy drinks may also make the problem worse for some people.

Another factor to think about is whether you are simply eating too fast or talking whilst eating and so gulping down excessive air. Slow down and keep conversation until after dinner!

If you have IBS, helpful advice and information can be obtained from the IBS Network.

Updated 4/2009