Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS) can occur in up to 20% of the population. While the cause is unclear, in some cases it can occur after a bout of gastroenteritis or food poisoning.

It is a condition affecting the digestive system and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain

• Wind

• Constipation and/or diarrhoea

• Bloating

The symptoms of IBS are also common in other bowel conditions. It is important to consult a doctor who can rule out other conditions such as coeliac disease or other diseases which may affect the bowel before being diagnosed with IBS.

Diet can have a large impact on IBS. In recent times a specific group of foods in the diet has been shown to worsen IBS symptoms in some suffers. This group of foods is known as FODMAPS (stands for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols), and they are types of sugars which are poorly absorbed in the gut which can trigger symptoms.

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There can also be other dietary triggers for symptoms of IBS. It can often be tricky trying to identify which foods are triggering your IBS symptoms triggers, especially when the foods that help to control the symptoms of IBS will be different for different people. Therefore, it is recommended you consult with a dietitian with experience in gastrointestinal nutrition.

 

Kerryn can assess your diet and your symptoms and advise you about a diet that may help manage the symptoms of IBS and ensure foods eaten meet nutritional needs.