Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The gastrointestinal tract plays a pivotal role in your health and wellbeing. When this doesn't function correctly, it can impact your daily life and comfort. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long-term.
Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
While there is no cure for IBS, its symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle and dietary changes. Stress management, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity are also important components of managing IBS.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?
There is no specific test to diagnose IBS. Instead, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and symptoms, and may recommend tests to rule out other conditions.
Low FODMAP Diet Protocol
The Low FODMAP Diet is a three-phase exclusion diet used to help manage symptoms of IBS.
- Elimination Phase: Restrict all high FODMAP foods for 2-6 weeks.
- Reintroduction Phase: Systematically reintroduce each FODMAP group to identify triggers.
- Personalisation Phase: Long-term diet including tolerated FODMAPs and avoiding triggers.
FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.
FODMAP Types
- Oligosaccharides: Found in wheat, rye, onions, garlic, and legumes.
- Disaccharides: Lactose, found in dairy products like milk, yoghurt, and soft cheese.
- Monosaccharides: Fructose, found in certain fruits (like apples and pears), honey, and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Polyols: Sorbitol and mannitol, found in some fruits and vegetables and used as artificial sweeteners.