Managing symptom flare ups

IBS symptoms tend to flare and change over time, so it is common for people to find their IBS symptoms improve for a long time (maybe having followed the FODMAP diet) then worsen for a period of time. So what to do if your IBS symptoms flare? 

Here are some tips to help get you through these tough times:

• Try returning to a more strict, low FODMAP diet (Step 1) for a short period of time. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually return to your 'personalized FODMAP diet' (Step 3). 
• Try over the counter remedies such as laxatives and anti-diarrhoeal medication
• Try herbal remedies such as Iberogast or peppermint oil
• Try topical therapies such as a heat pack
• Try taking probiotics
• Try psychological therapies such as stress management techniques and gut-directed hypnotherapy

With any luck, the symptom flare will be short lived and you will be returning to your ‘personalised FODMAP diet’ in no time.