What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gut disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

💥 Triggers: Stress, certain foods, and irregular bowel habits.

✅ It’s chronic but manageable with proper diet and lifestyle.

What Causes IBS?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors may play a role:

• Gut-brain connection issues
• Abnormal gut movements
• Increased gut sensitivity
• Stress and anxiety
• Infections or changes in gut bacteria

How is IBS Diagnosed?

There is no single test for IBS. It is diagnosed based on your symptoms and by ruling out other conditions. Your doctor may advise:

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• Colonoscopy (if needed)
• Food allergy/intolerance testing (in select cases)

We follow internationally accepted Rome IV criteriato diagnose IBS.

Treatment and Management

IBS has no permanent cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with:

1. Diet Changes

• Low FODMAP diet (avoiding gas-producing foods)
• Identify and avoid trigger foods (spicy, oily, milk, gluten for some)
• Eat slowly and avoid skipping meals

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Regular exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Stress management techniques (yoga, meditation, counselling)

3. Medications (as needed)

• Antispasmodics for cramps
• Laxatives for constipation
• Anti-diarrheals for loose stools
• Probiotics
• Low-dose antidepressants (in selected patients with severe symptoms)

We individualize treatment plans depending on whether you have IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M.

Key Dietary Principles

🍞 Follow a Low-FODMAP Diet

FODMAP = Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.

These are fermentable carbs that cause gas, bloating, pain in IBS.

3 Phases of the Diet:

• 1️⃣ Elimination – Avoid high-FODMAP foods for 4–6 weeks.
• 2️ Reintroduction – Gradually reintroduce foods.
• 3⃣ Personalization – Customize your safe diet.

🚫 High-FODMAP Foods to Reduce

🍉 Fruits:

❌ Apples, pears, watermelon, mango, cherries, plums

Bananas, berries, grapes, oranges

🥦 Vegetables:

❌ Garlic, onions, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms

✅ Carrots, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers

🍞 Grains:

❌ Whole wheat, rye, barley

✅ Rice, oats (limited), quinoa, gluten-free grains

🥫 Legumes:

❌ Kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas

✅ Rinsed canned lentils/beans, mung beans (small amounts)

🥛 Dairy:

❌ Milk, soft cheese, cream

Lactose-free milk, hard cheese, almond/soy milk

🍬 Sweeteners:

❌ Sorbitol, xylitol, sugar-free gums

✅ Honey, maple syrup (small amounts)

☕ Beverages:

❌ Soda, beer, excess coffee

✅ Herbal teas (peppermint, ginger), water

✅ Tips:

• ✔️ Consult a dietitian
• ✔️Read labels for hidden FODMAPs
• ✔️ Track your food with a diary
• ✔️ Practice portion control

Safe Foods & Lifestyle Tips

✅ Include These Low-FODMAP Foods

Fruits: Bananas, berries, grapes, oranges

🥦 Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, spinach, lettuce

🌾 Grains: Oats, rice, quinoa, gluten-free pasta

🥛 Dairy: Lactose-free milk, hard cheese, almond milk

🥩 Protein: Chicken, fish, tofu, eggs

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle Tips

• ✔️ Manage stress – try yoga, meditation
• ✔️ Exercise regularly – walk, swim, light workouts
• ✔️ Stay hydrated – sip water throughout the day
• ✔️ Avoid large water intake with meals

Treatment & Contact

🍽️ Diet & Food Diary

Low-FODMAP diet + a food diary is key for symptom control.

💊 Medications

• 🧴 Antispasmodics – for pain
• 💩 Laxatives – for constipation
• 🚽 Anti-diarrheals – for loose stools

🦠 Probiotics

May help with bloating and gut health.

Fiber Supplements

Soluble fiber like psyllium is helpful in balanced doses.