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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

    Related Topics
    Digestive Health Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    I've suffered from IBS for many years and wondering what foods or lifestyle factors could help manage it?
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  • 7

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    Kaye Haslam

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    As a private practice Dietitian/Nutritionist with over 30 years experience I have a special interest in weight management & related health issues such as Diabetes, … View Profile

    I'm surprised if you have suffered from IBS for many years why you have not sort dietary advice before now.
    Depending on your symptoms & lifestyle there are many things you could try to relieve your discomfort, such as high fibre, maybe FODMAPS restrictions, stress management to name some things you could try.
    I would recommend you see a Dietitian close to you for dietary advice 

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  • 13

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    Dr Simon Benstock

    Gastroenterologist

    Dr Simon Benstock completed his advanced training in Gastroenterology at Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s hospitals in Sydney. His major interests are colon cancer … View Profile

    IBS is extremely common in Australia, and may be due to a number of factors including diet, stress, gut flora (the organisms that live in your bowel) and medications, but it is often overdiagnosed as there are so many non-specific that might be due to other conditions.
    Particularly if you are over 40 years old, other potentially sinister conditions should be excluded, such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, parasitic infection or even malignancy.

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    Marie Weiss

    Counselling Psychologist, Psychologist

    Marie has been practising as a Psychologist for over 22 years, specialising in counselling and psychotherapy.She has worked for many years as a student and … View Profile

    From the responses above, there could be many factors involved and it sounds like a good idea to explore and/or exclude possible medical issues and to consider your diet.

    As a psychologist with specialist training in understanding the body-mind connection, and who's worked with people with chronic IBS,  I'm also aware that IBS and related symptoms can at times be directly related to stress, as mentioned above. That may not be the case for you, however for some, the symptoms can be eased.. sometimes significantly by becoming more aware of  the psychological triggers and issues with the help and guidance of a psychologist and making relevant personal changes.

    Something to consider in the mix!
    Wish you all  the very best.

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