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).

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.

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

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