What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects up to 1 in 7 people worldwide. It is characterised by recurrent abdominal symptoms including:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramping
• Excessive wind
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Altered bowel habits.

More Information On IBS

How To “Cure” IBS: The DIY Guide To Do It Naturally IBS Treatment 101: Proven Diet and Lifestyle Remedies Best Probiotics For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Explained in Plain English 8 IBS Symptoms You Need To Know About The Beginner’s Guide to SIBO: Antibiotics and Diet Recommendations IBS Medication: A Sales-Free Look At What Works SIBO and IBS: Cutting-Edge Findings with Gastroenterologist Dr. William Chey Your Guide To Peppermint Oil: Proven Uses, Health Benefits, and Who MUST Avoid It

Treating IBS With A Low FODMAP Diet

A relatively new medical diet, called the low FODMAP diet, has been proven to reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in up to 75% of sufferers (1). The diet restricts poorly absorbed sugars, known as FODMAPs, found in many healthy foods including some fruit and vegetables, grains and dairy products. The restriction of these sugars in the diet reduces a process called fermentation from occurring. Fermentation is the process where the healthy gut bacteria that live in our large intestines break down and ‘feed’ off the FODMAPs. Fermentation actually has multiple benefits important to general health, however, in people who are sensitive, it is this exact same process that triggers undesirable gut symptoms. Fortunately, it is unlikely that all FODMAPs will trigger these symptoms in sensitive people, so there is a second part to the diet where individual FODMAP groups are re-introduced as a challenge to determine the individual’s personal tolerance level. The end result of the diet is one where there is a balance of FODMAP restriction and FODMAP re-introduction personalised to the individual’s own tolerance level. This personalised diet keeps gut symptoms to a minimum, while also supporting gut health and maintaining a variety of healthy foods in their diet.