IBS: A Practical Guide to Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, can affect people in very different ways.

For some people, constipation is the main problem. Others experience diarrhoea, bloating, gas or abdominal pain. Some people experience a mixture of symptoms that can change over time.

Understanding IBS can therefore be difficult, especially when there is so much conflicting information about diets, supplements and digestive health.

Vitalaya brings the information together in one place to help you understand IBS and explore the options that may be relevant to you.

What is IBS?

IBS is a common digestive condition associated with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits.

There is no single IBS experience. Symptoms and triggers can vary considerably from one person to another.

That is why we believe IBS information should focus on understanding the individual symptoms and the different approaches available, rather than promising one solution for everyone.

Learn more: What Is IBS?

The Different Types of IBS

IBS is commonly grouped according to the main type of bowel movement a person experiences.

IBS C

IBS with constipation is commonly referred to as IBS C.

Constipation can include infrequent bowel movements, hard stools or difficulty passing stools.

Explore IBS C

IBS D

IBS with diarrhoea is commonly referred to as IBS D.

People with IBS D may experience frequent or loose stools and may also experience urgency.

Explore IBS D

IBS M

IBS M refers to mixed IBS, where both constipation and diarrhoea occur.

Symptoms can vary, with bowel habits changing between constipation and diarrhoea.

Explore IBS M

Common IBS Symptoms

IBS can involve several digestive symptoms. Understanding your main symptoms can be a useful starting point when researching different management approaches.

Bloating

Bloating is one of the symptoms commonly associated with IBS. It can occur alongside abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

Learn about IBS and bloating

Constipation

Constipation can be a major concern for people with IBS C. Fibre type, diet, fluids and other factors may all be relevant.

Learn about IBS and constipation

Diarrhoea

People with IBS D may experience loose or frequent stools and urgency.

Learn about IBS and diarrhoea

Gas

Excess gas and wind can occur alongside bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Learn about IBS and gas

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain and discomfort are common features of IBS.

Learn about IBS and abdominal pain

IBS and Diet

Food can play an important role in IBS symptoms, but there is no single diet that works for everyone.

The low FODMAP diet is one dietary approach that has been researched extensively for IBS. It is designed as a structured process rather than a permanent elimination diet, with stages involving restriction, reintroduction and personalisation. (Monash FODMAP)

Other dietary factors may also be relevant, including the amount and type of fibre in the diet.

For people with IBS, fibre is not simply a case of adding more. Different types of fibre can have different effects, and some may be poorly tolerated. NICE recommends considering soluble fibre such as ispaghula rather than insoluble fibre such as bran when increasing fibre intake in people with IBS. (Nice)

Explore IBS Diet and FODMAPs

IBS and Supplements

Supplements are widely marketed for IBS, but the evidence is not the same for every ingredient or product.

Vitalaya looks at supplements individually rather than assuming that one product will work for everyone.

We examine areas such as:

What the supplement contains
How the ingredient works
What research is available
Which IBS symptoms it may be relevant to
How it may fit different IBS types
Dosage and formulation
Potential concerns
Value compared with alternatives

Probiotics

Probiotics are among the most widely marketed supplements for digestive health.

Research suggests that some probiotic preparations may help some people with IBS, but the evidence varies between products and there is not enough evidence to recommend one universal strain or dose for everyone. (Monash FODMAP)

Explore Probiotics for IBS

Fibre

Fibre can be particularly relevant to bowel habits, but different types of fibre behave differently in the digestive system.

Vitalaya will look at different fibre supplements and the evidence surrounding their use in IBS.

Explore Fibre Supplements

Psyllium

Psyllium is a soluble fibre that is commonly considered for digestive health and constipation.

We will look at what the research says, how psyllium differs from other fibres and which products provide it.

Explore Psyllium

PHGG

Partially hydrolysed guar gum, commonly known as PHGG, is another fibre that has attracted interest in digestive health.

We will examine the available evidence and how it compares with other fibre supplements.

Explore PHGG

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is another supplement commonly discussed in relation to IBS, particularly for digestive symptoms.

Explore Peppermint Oil

How Vitalaya Looks at IBS Supplements

We do not believe that the biggest dose, the highest number of probiotic strains or the longest ingredient list automatically makes a better product.

Instead, we look at the details.

Evidence
What does the research actually tell us?

Ingredients
What is inside the product and in what amounts?

IBS suitability
Could the formulation be relevant to people with IBS?

Formulation
Are there additional ingredients that may be worth considering?

Dosage
Is the amount clearly stated and reasonable?

Potential concerns
Are there ingredients or other factors that people with IBS should know about?

Value
How does the product compare with alternatives?

This approach is particularly important with products containing combinations of probiotics and prebiotic ingredients. For example, some prebiotic ingredients such as inulin and FOS can be poorly tolerated by people with IBS. (Monash FODMAP)

Explore IBS at Vitalaya

Start with the area most relevant to you.

IBS Basics

Learn what IBS is, how it is diagnosed and the different ways it can affect people.

IBS C

Explore IBS where constipation is the main bowel symptom.

IBS D

Learn more about IBS where diarrhoea is the main bowel symptom.

IBS M

Understand mixed IBS and changing bowel habits.

IBS Symptoms

Explore individual symptoms including bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, gas and abdominal pain.

IBS Supplements

Compare different supplements and ingredients commonly considered for IBS.

IBS Diet

Learn about diet, fibre and the low FODMAP approach.

Our Approach

IBS information can quickly become confusing.

Vitalaya aims to make it easier to understand without oversimplifying the subject.

We look at the available evidence, explain what it means in practical terms and highlight where the evidence is limited or uncertain.

We also recognise that IBS is individual. Something that works well for one person may not work for another.

Our goal is not to tell you that one supplement, diet or product is the answer.

Our goal is to help you understand your options.

Important Information

Vitalaya provides general health information for educational purposes.

The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure IBS or any other medical condition. It should not replace advice from a qualified doctor, dietitian, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.

If you have persistent, severe or concerning digestive symptoms, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. IBS symptoms can overlap with other conditions, so it is important not to rely on self diagnosis. Monash University also recommends confirming an IBS diagnosis with a healthcare professional before following a low FODMAP diet. (Monash FODMAP)