Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Common symptoms of IBS include:
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Cramping
• Diarrhoea
You may find your symptoms come and go over time and are triggered by stress, illness, specific foods or eating patterns. Different foods may cause different symptoms in individuals. The dietary goal for IBS is to find a healthy way of eating that gives you good control of your symptoms.
Fibre intake should be monitored and adjusted in individuals with IBS according to its effect on their IBS symptoms. It should be noted that different types of fibre have different effects on the bowel and can be chosen according to an individual’s symptoms and therapeutic goals. Studies show that dietary fibre intake tends to be lower in individuals with IBS than in the general population. Some people find that either too much or too little fibre can make their symptoms better or worse. As a registered Dietitian, I can tailor your diet according to your IBS symptoms and help modify the fibre in your diet accordingly to produce the best outcomes for your IBS.