Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects millions of people in the UK, with no obvious cause.
While some symptoms may be experienced by those who do not have IBS, people diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome will experience them more frequently and over a longer period of time.
IBS is a type of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder which can cause painful and embarrassing side effects.
These conditions, also called disorders of the gut-brain interaction, have to do with problems in how your gut and brain work together.
These problems cause the digestive tract to be very sensitive with certain foods and drinks said to exacerbate these painful symptoms.
Main symptoms of IBS
- Stomach pain or cramps – usually worse after eating and better after doing a poo
- Bloating – your tummy may feel uncomfortably full and swollen
- Diarrhoea – you may have watery poo and sometimes need to poo suddenly
- Constipation – you may strain when pooing and feel like you cannot empty your bowels fully
Avoid FODMAP foods
FODMAPs are carbohydrates which are difficult for the intestines to digest. The acronym stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.”
The reason for this is because these carbohydrates pull more water into the bowel which increase gas, leading to a bloated belly followed by pain or possibly diarrhoea.
For those who suffer with IBS, FODMPAP foods should be avoided.
Examples of FODMAP foods
- Some dairy products such as milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt
- Certain fruits such as peaches, watermelon, pears, mangoes, apples, plums, nectarines
- Legumes (chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils)
- High fructose corn syrup
- Sweeteners
- Wheat-based bread, cereals, and pasta
- Certain vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, onions, brussels sprouts.
Avoid coffee
Caffeine can increase diarrhoea, another major symptom of IBS making it one to stay away from for sufferers.
Interestingly, a questionnaire in Sweden suggested that two-thirds of IBS patients drink coffee; of those, 39% of IBS coffee-drinkers reported worsened gut symptoms, including diarrhoea and stomach pain.
For warm beverages which may help reduce painful symptoms, expert recommend drinking either green, fennel, chamomile or liquorice tea.
What is IBS?
The NHS explains IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system.
The health body says: “It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time.“
It's usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life.
“There's no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms.”
If you suspect you have IBS, you should contact your GP. Before your appointment it might help to write down details of your symptoms.
The GP will go through these, and may also feel your stomach to check for lumps or swelling.
