IBS is a long-term condition that causes frequent stomach pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or sometimes both. IBS affects about 10–15% of people globally; women are nearly twice as likely to have IBS as men. The good news is that IBS does not damage the intestines and is not dangerous. With the right care, most people can manage symptoms and live healthy, active lives.
IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain connection, meaning the signals between your brain and digestive system do not always work as they should. This can make the gut more sensitive or react differently to normal activities. While the exact cause is still being studied, it is known that stress, infections, dietary factors, and past trauma can contribute to IBS.
IBS symptoms differ for everyone and can change over time. They may include:
There is no single test for IBS. Doctors diagnose IBS by reviewing your symptoms, medical history and ruling out other conditions through blood tests, stool tests and occasionally a colonoscopy if needed. Today, doctors use well- defined symptom guidelines to identify IBS and confirm that it has been present for several months.
IBS can affect people of any age. It is linked to:
There is currently no known cure, but most people manage their symptoms successfully with:
| Category | High-FODMAP Foods (Avoid / Limit) |
Low-FODMAP Foods (Better Options) |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy | Cow’s milk, yoghurt, soft cheeses | Lactose-free milk, hard cheeses (cheddar, parmesan), some soft cheeses like brie & feta (small portions) |
| Fruits | Apples, pears, mangoes, watermelon, dried fruits, and large amounts of ripe bananas | Oranges, unripe bananas, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe |
| Vegetables | Garlic, onions, cauliflower, asparagus, mushrooms | Carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, spinach, green beans, green tips of spring onions |
| Grains | Wheat, rye, barley (in most breads, pasta, cereals) | Rice, oats, quinoa, gluten-free bread, corn tortillas |
| Legumes | Chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans | — |
| Proteins | — | Plain cooked meat, poultry, fish, eggs, firm tofu |
| Nuts & Seeds | Cashews, pistachios | Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds (in controlled amounts) |
| Sweeteners | Honey, high-fructose corn syrup, sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, etc.) | Maple syrup, table sugar, rice malt syrup |
| Oils | — | Garlic-infused oil (without garlic pieces) |
Many people with IBS lead full and active lives when they work with their doctor and care team to personalise their management plan.
Simple steps make a difference:
If symptoms change suddenly, become severe, or include blood, it is essential to seek medical attention to rule out other potential diseases.