Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - could diet play a part?

Bloating, diarrhoea, low abdominal pain, constipation - all common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms can be affected by what we eat - foods which may seem good, such as muesli, sweetcorn or nuts, can aggravate some of these symptoms. To help patients NICE and the British Dietetic Association (BDA) have jointly produced a detailed IBS dietary information sheet.

Symptoms of IBS often become noticeable between the ages of 20 and 30 and affect up to 1 in 10 people at some time in their lives. The massive impact on the quality of life of the individual and symptom recurrences can be severe enough to stop them going to work, taking public transport, and participating in leisure activities. Many people want to try to manage their condition themselves and they need to have the best advice on issues around diet.

The NICE guideline supports diagnosis and symptom management within primary care and GPs may wish to print off this information sheet, which can also be downloaded from either the NICE or BDA websites.
Some simple measures, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, using oats as a source of soluble fibre, taking time when eating and taking time to relax, are all set out in the NICE/BDA resource.

Grouped around the main symptoms it offers evidence-based clear guidance for patients, in straightforward language, to encourage self-management of diet related IBS symptoms.

For some patients medication may be needed, but for many, the advice on this sheet will help to make a real difference.

Dietary information sheet

Mandy Harling & Alaster Rutherford