FAQs about IBS symptoms

When do I need to see my doctor?

This is a question I’m often asked. The simple answer is – if your bowel habits change suddenly, you have blood in your stools or you have sudden weight loss it would be sensible to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you’ve had IBS symptoms for some time, then your doctor may suggest some investigations to rule out other causes for your symptoms. These may be blood tests to detect deficiencies or gluten sensitivity (coeliac disease, for example). If these are inconclusive or you have other risk factors, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy or endoscopy. Try not to worry though, as a diagnosis of IBS is usually made by ruling out other conditions.

What can I do to improve my IBS symptoms?

IBS sufferers preferably want a quick fix. Making changes to your lifestyle and diet can help ease IBS symptoms. This includes: relaxation; exercise; or dietary changes to help improve your IBS symptoms. Find the right relaxation technique for you. The ‘Headspace App’ is a good starting point and offers a free trial period. You don’t need to join a gym or enrol on a boot camp to get exercise. Find something that you enjoy and you can easily fit into your life. This could be swimming, jogging or even a lunchtime walk. Regular exercise in the fresh air is great for physical and mental health. Simple dietary changes can help your IBS symptoms, whether you have IBS-D (loose stool type) or IBS-C (constipation type) or even a mixture of both. See my previous blogs for more information on simple dietary changes.

Is the low FODMAP diet for me?

The low FODMAP diet could be the next step if you’ve already made some changes to your diet and lifestyle. If your symptoms haven’t improved sufficiently, get in touch. I’m an IBS Dietitian and I offer a free initial telephone consultation to ensure that following a low FODMAP diet is right for you. If we decide it’s an effective IBS treatment for you, we can arrange a virtual consultation (usually only 2 sessions are needed). The low FODMAP diet is a temporary diet and involves some restrictions to the foods you eat in the short-term. Once your symptoms have improved, a period of reintroduction of foods will enable identification of triggers. I’ll help throughout the process making things easier for you by sharing my experience and practical tips. It’s tricky to tackle alone, which is why the best results are seen when an IBS sufferer has expert help from an IBS Dietitian.

I’m vegan (or vegetarian), is the low FODMAP diet for me?

People are always a little anxious about considering the low FODMAP diet if they’re vegan or vegetarian. However, in some ways it can be a little easier, especially as you’ll already be used to thinking about your diet. But, there will be another level of complexity to weave into your daily diet and that’s where my experience and skills can help. I’ve had many vegan/vegetarian patients in the past who have gone on to have great success with the diet and improvement in their IBS symptoms. That’s why I offer advice, support and additional advice to those who have more specific needs. See some delicious low FODMAP recipes on my website.

Is low FODMAP a weight loss diet?

NO, is the simple answer. Only try the low FODMAP diet if you have IBS symptoms. There are plenty of weight loss diets available, so use these instead if you just want to lose weight. But yes, it is true that some people do find they lose weight on this diet and it can help to kick-start further weight loss, but it shouldn’t be relied upon for weight loss per se. For those who are underweight, this can be an important factor. They will need advice to have extra low FODMAP snacks and nutritious drinks to prevent any weight loss and even promote some weight gain. It’s therefore important to ensure that the diet is undertaken with the guidance of an expert IBS Dietitian trained in FODMAPs.

I have a holiday coming up, so should I wait?

After some difficult years, our social lives are getting back to some normality. There is always something on the horizon… a holiday, a wedding or a birthday celebration. You can still enjoy this, especially with some additional advice from me. I can give special advice for managing your diet for these special events such as meals out, weddings and holidays. So, by the time they come around you could be feeling so much better. There really is no time like the present! So, what are you waiting for? Arrange a call to discuss whether the low FODMAP diet is right for you and look forward to a brighter future…. For more information, low FODMAP recipes and testimonials see my website.

Do I need help to improve my IBS symptoms?

Many IBS sufferers find an association between their symptoms and the foods they eat. So, sufferers start to exclude foods from their diet in an effort to identify their triggers. This usually results in a restricted diet and can lead to nutritional deficiencies, especially when excluding whole food groups. This also makes social situations difficult and can worsen mental health. In the UK, ~1 in 5 people suffer from IBS symptoms. The low FODMAP diet is an efficient way of identifying food triggers. It’s tricky to do alone though, so should always be supported with the skills and knowledge of an IBS Dietitian trained in FODMAPs. With support, sufferers can identify their triggers and improve management of IBS symptoms. An IBS/FODMAP dietitian will provide practical ways to help fit the low FODMAP diet into your lifestyle and ensure that you still get a balanced diet. I’m an IBS Dietitian based in Cardiff, but work across the UK. I offer a free initial telephone consultation, so why not arrange a call today.

About Debra Thomas, BSc RD

I am a Registered Dietitian with the Health Care Professions Council, a member of the British Dietetic Association and a listed member of the BDA’s Freelance Dietitians’ Group. As founder of FODMAP Consultancy, I offer one to one virtual consultations across the UK. Usually only 2 sessions are needed.

Get in touch today to book a free 15 minute initial consultation.