Have you been experiencing bloating, stomach pain, or discomfort? Maybe you’re dealing with constipation or finding yourself urgently rushing to the bathroom multiple times a day. Chances are, these could be signs of IBS.

Instead of turning to Dr. Google for a diagnosis and cure, we recommend following this step-by-step guide. As dietitians with over five years of experience in gut health and IBS, working alongside gastroenterologists and GPs, we know the exact process to take if you suspect you have IBS. This guide will ensure you see the right professionals and get the answers and solutions you need to manage your IBS efficiently.

Step 1: Visit Your GP

Before seeing your GP, keep a journal of the foods you’re eating and your gut symptoms. This will provide valuable information during your GP visit and help pinpoint specific tummy troubles. Your GP will typically arrange a blood test and possibly a stool sample to rule out other conditions.

Step 2: See a Gastroenterologist

Your GP may refer you to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy or gastroscopy to examine your gut. If all tests come back normal, you might not get immediate answers, but that’s okay. IBS is diagnosed by ruling out other causes, so normal test results can still point to IBS.

Step 3: See a Dietitian

A dietitian can help you make healthy food and lifestyle changes to optimize your gut health. If the low FODMAP diet is suitable for you, a dietitian trained in IBS and FODMAPs will guide you through it, reducing bloating, regulating bowel movements, and improving stomach pain. You’ll learn which foods and lifestyle factors affect your gut symptoms and how to eat for better gut health.

Step 4: Address the Gut-Brain Connection

The low FODMAP diet works for about 70-80% of people. For those who don’t find relief or recognise stress as a major contributor to their IBS symptoms, it’s important to address the brain-gut connection. The Nerva app is a good place to start. The app uses gut-directed hypnotherapy to help manage miscommunication between the brain and gut. Alternatively, seeing a psychologist can be beneficial if your IBS is related to high stress, anxiety, or depression, as managing these mental health issues can also reduce IBS symptoms.

Step 5: Maintenance

After following these steps and learning the necessary tools, it’s up to you to continue managing your IBS. Long-term maintenance includes:

• Retesting FODMAPs: Your gut microbiome changes over time, so retest foods you currently don’t tolerate in six months time.
• Managing Stress Levels: Prioritise self-care, exercise regularly, maintain a good sleep routine, practice diaphragmatic breathing, and seek support from friends and family when needed.
• Engaging in Regular Physical Activity: Avoid over exercising. Gentle activities like walking or yoga are excellent for restorative movement and calming the nervous system and gut.
• Healthy Eating Habits: Eat a variety of plant fibers, prioritise regular meals, and avoid gut irritants like alcohol and caffeine.
• Staying Hydrated: Drink 2 liters of water per day.

By following this guide, you’ll be on your way to managing your IBS effectively and improving your overall gut health.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, if you need support to manage your IBS symptoms you can contact one of our dietitians HERE for a FREE 15 minute discovery call today. 

Published: 23rd May 2024

Author: Bianca Berton-Scarlet, Monash FODMAP trained Dietitian