IBS
Symptoms, types, triggers and managing IBS flare-ups.
About this topic
1 in 20 people have IBS - and it's still widely misunderstood.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects around 1 in 20 people, but it's still really badly understood and often misdiagnosed. If your gut swings between bloating, cramping pain and unpredictable trips to the loo - and you have been told more than once that it is "just stress" - you're not imagining it, and you're far from alone in feeling that way.
We'll help you work out whether what you're experiencing sounds like IBS, understand the three types (IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M) and why knowing what you're dealing with actually helps, and separate the myths from the evidence on diets like low-FODMAP. We also cover the connections that often get missed, including the well-documented overlap between endometriosis and IBS that leaves many women waiting years for a correct diagnosis.
Start with How Do I Know If I Have IBS?, then find your type in IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M. IBS is a diagnosis only your GP can confirm - these guides are here to help you have a better conversation with them, not to replace it.
Guides & articles
All articles in IBS
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have IBS?
Typical signs are recurring tummy pain linked to pooing, along with bloating and a change in how often or how urgently you go. Only a GP can diagnose IBS.
What are the different types of IBS?
IBS-C is constipation-predominant, IBS-D is diarrhoea-predominant, and IBS-M is mixed. Knowing your type helps you target the right support.
Is a low-FODMAP diet a permanent fix for IBS?
No. It is a short-term diagnostic elimination phase followed by careful reintroduction. Staying on it long term can starve your good gut bacteria.
What triggers an IBS flare-up?
Stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, illness and disrupted routines are all common triggers. Tracking yours is the most useful first step.
Also explore
Bloating
Why you're bloated and how to fix it.
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Constipation
Get things moving - causes, relief and prevention.
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Diarrhoea & Urgency
Loose stools and dashing to the loo - causes and help.
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Gut Basics
New to gut health? Start here.
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News & Press
Awards, media coverage and product updates.
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Managing IBS day to day?
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