4.1 Healthy eating and lifestyle with IBS

People with IBS often eliminate foods they feel cause adverse symptoms. This often results in an unhealthy and unbalanced eating pattern that lacks the essential nutrients.

The following approaches can help to reduce symptoms.

• Eat regular smaller meals, taking time to chew and eating slowly, avoiding long gaps between meals.
• Spread your five a day throughout the day.
• Avoid fatty and fried foods which can make symptoms worse.
• Make sure that your fluid intake is appropriate, as shown on the Eatwell Guide. Make sure it is caffeine-free, and limit the amount of fizzy and alcoholic drinks because they may make the symptoms worse.
• Reduce your stress and anxiety if possible.

Having medical support to reduce symptoms and advice from a registered dietician can also reduce a lifetime of distress. However, if this approach does not work, following a low FODMAP approach can help.