Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gut condition that affects how the bowel works. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination. Symptoms can be chronic, unpredictable, and have a significant impact on daily life.
Nutrition plays a central role in managing IBS symptoms. Effective dietary management focuses on identifying individual triggers, improving gut comfort, and maintaining nutritional adequacy, rather than overly restrictive or long-term elimination diets.
Why It Matters
Without appropriate dietary support, people with IBS may experience:
Ongoing abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel disturbance
Reduced confidence around eating and social situations
Unnecessary dietary restriction leading to poor nutrition
Fatigue and reduced quality of life
Increased anxiety around food and symptoms
Evidence shows that targeted dietetic intervention, including structured approaches such as the low FODMAP diet when appropriate, can significantly improve symptoms in many people with IBS.
Who This Service Is For
This service is designed for adults who:
Have been diagnosed with IBS
Experience ongoing symptoms such as bloating, pain, diarrhoea, or constipation
Feel unsure which foods trigger their symptoms
Have tried dietary changes without clear improvement
Are concerned about long-term restriction or nutritional adequacy
Want structured, evidence-based guidance tailored to their symptoms
If you are unsure whether this service is right for you, please get in touch and I will be happy to advise.
What to Expect in Your Assessment
During your session, your dietitian will:
Review your current situation – including symptom history, bowel pattern, medical background, medications, lifestyle factors, and current dietary intake.
Explain IBS clearly – how gut sensitivity, diet, stress, and bowel function interact to cause symptoms.
Assess nutritional requirements – ensuring dietary intake remains balanced and nutritionally adequate.
Identify dietary triggers or risks – such as excessive restriction, low fibre intake, or poorly tolerated foods.
Provide practical dietary strategies – including:
Regular meal patterns
Symptom-specific dietary adjustments
Guidance on fibre type and intake
Use of the low FODMAP approach where appropriate
Discuss real-life application – meal planning, shopping, eating out, work and social situations, and long-term symptom management.
Make recommendations to your GP (if appropriate) – for further investigations, medication review, or referral if red-flag symptoms are identified.
Agree a personalised plan – clear, achievable steps to improve symptoms while maintaining a varied and balanced diet.
Your plan will be tailored to your individual symptoms and needs and, where appropriate, can be shared with your wider healthcare team to support coordinated care.
