What is IBS?

​IBS is a functional bowel disorder which affects around 2 in 10 people in the UK. It is 1.5 times more common in women and is thought to affect up to 15% of the world's population.

It features a variety of symptoms which vary depending on the individual but these can include:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Alternating bowel habits

IBS can be classified in 3 main types. IBS-C (predominant constipation), IBS-D (predominant diarrhoea) and IBS-M (mixed bowel habits).

IBS can lead to anxiety, depression and can impact hugely on everyday life

The exact cause of IBS in an individual is unclear and no currently cure exists as each patient will have different experiences of the condition.

Symptoms can be reduced by changing diet habits, exercising, medication and reducing stress.

IBS shares symptoms with a number of other gastrointestinal conditions, therefore it is important that you are diagnosed with IBS by your GP/doctor before you start an elimination diet.