Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can express itself in many different ways, resulting in different symptoms that may change over time. Therefore, IBS is not a straightforward condition to treat and the IBS management does not suit a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.
There are many IBS treatments available, including medications, dietary change, hypnotherapy and herbal remedies, with varying levels of evidence supporting their use.
Therefore, two people (even with the same type of IBS – constipation predominant, diarrhoea predominant or mixed) may not respond to the same treatment.
At Monash University, we focus on diet therapies because this is our area of research expertise. We recommend people follow a low FODMAP diet for a short period of time followed by a period of rechallenges, during which higher FODMAP foods are reintroduced enabling people to assess their tolerance to the various FODMAP subgroups. Most people should not need to stay on a strict low FODMAP diet for life. The reason we suggest rechallenging with higher FODMAP foods is discussed in previous blog posts:
https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/just-2-6-weeks-it-is-not-diet-for-life_8/ and https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/low-fodmap-diet-not-lifetime-diet/
The complexities of treating IBS mean that consultation with a Dietitian is very important, especially in people very sensitive to dietary factors such as FODMAPs.
How a Dietitian can help:
You may also find this blog post helpful: https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/top-5-reasons-why-you-should-see_22/
In the long term, we advise that a strict low FODMAP diet is not continued, even in super sensitive individuals. We also recommend you repeat unsuccessful food challenges because IBS symptoms and tolerance to different foods changes over time. Reintroducing foods very gradually can also improve your tolerance.
