Foods that calm IBS often include low-FODMAP options, soluble fiber sources like oats and bananas, lean proteins, and probiotic-rich foods like lactose-free yogurt, while avoiding triggers like high-FODMAP vegetables (broccoli, onions), excessive fat, caffeine, and gluten, with ginger and peppermint teas also offering relief. A low-FODMAP diet, which limits fermentable carbs, is a common strategy, so focus on foods like carrots, spinach, berries, rice, and lean meats.
For immediate pain relief, consider using heat therapy, drinking an herbal tea or engaging in gentle physical movement. For long-term symptom management, it is important to manage stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle and identify and avoid trigger foods like high-FODMAP foods.
increase how much soluble fibre you eat – good foods include oats, pulses, carrots, peeled potatoes and linseeds (whole or ground) ask a pharmacist about medicines that can help (laxatives), like Fybogel.
Treating IBS during pregnancy focuses on dietary changes, stress management, and gentle exercise, working closely with your doctor, as many typical IBS medications aren't safe. Key strategies include eating small, frequent meals, increasing soluble fiber slowly (like psyllium), staying hydrated, and avoiding common triggers like caffeine, gas-producing veggies (broccoli, beans), artificial sweeteners, and fatty/spicy foods. Stress-reduction techniques and light activity, such as walking, are also crucial for managing symptoms.
Dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium are frequent IBS comorbidities (71–73).
If you have IBS you may also experience fatigue. In fact around 60% of people with IBS experience extreme exhaustion, and fatigue is the third most common non-digestive complaint. This is more than just tiredness, it's feeling weak, ill and completely lacking in energy, and it's something I see in my clients a lot.
What Are the Best Drinks for IBS?
When you ignore IBS, it can wreak havoc on your life. Unmanaged IBS can contribute to frequent and sudden changes in your bowel habits, which can be frustrating and embarrassing whether you're at home or at work.
Lifestyle and home remedies
The best teas for IBS
What's the fastest way to relieve IBS symptoms? Drinking warm water or herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile can quickly calm the digestive system and reduce cramps and bloating.
Take several long, slow, deep breaths and go to that area. Imagine releasing the tension and discomfort there, feeling yourself relaxed and in control. You may also wish to simply imagine your body as you would like it to feel… calm, relaxed, and without pain.
If someone is looking for a IBS-friendly snack with some protein, McCallum recommends:
stomach pain or cramps – usually worse after eating and better after doing a poo. bloating – your tummy may feel uncomfortably full and swollen. diarrhoea – you may have watery poo and sometimes need to poo suddenly. constipation – you may strain when pooing and feel like you cannot empty your bowels fully.
Foods That Can Soothe an IBS Flare-Up
Stress Reduction for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In particular, experts recommend avoiding these inflammatory foods:
Treatment
People with IBD may experience flare-ups followed by periods with no symptoms. The first signs of IBD can appear after exposure to something that irritates the intestines, such as a medication (including aspirin, ibuprofen and antibiotics) or a GI infection.
IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. This is called gastroenteritis. IBS also might be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines, known as bacterial overgrowth. Early-life stress.
Conditions whose symptoms may be mistaken for IBS include: Celiac disease: While celiac disease may cause constipation, diarrhea, pain and bloating, it often also has symptoms unrelated to digestion, such as fatigue, joint pain or a rash.
Studies have found that dehydration can worsen IBS symptoms and that adequate hydration can help reduce them. It is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking sufficient amounts of water to manage your IBS. Don't wait until you feel thirsty.
What is the best bread for IBS sufferers? Sourdough bread and gluten-free bread are the best types of bread for people with IBS. The lengthy fermentation process used to make traditional sourdough bread reduces the amount of fructans, which are the kind of carbohydrates in bread that cause IBS symptoms.
Certain foods may contribute to constipation or diarrhea, so you might make different diet choices depending on your type of IBS. In general, foods that may be easier for people with IBS include: Water, Ginger Ale, Sprite, and Gatorade. Soy milk or rice milk.