Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder whose features commonly include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, distension, excessive gas and increased urgency to defecate (poo).

While the cause of IBS is unknown, the following factors are thought to contribute to its occurrence:

• Gut sensitivity
• Altered gut motility
• Bacterial / dysbiosis
• Leaky gut
• Infections

IBS is a chronic condition meaning it will often be a lifelong. However, symptoms of IBS can be transient and their severity can come and go over time. The diagnosis of IBS should always be done by your General Practitioner using the Rome IV criteria. This is due to the common symptoms of IBS being very similar to other more serious conditions including coeliac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease which should be ruled out first.

While there is currently no cure for IBS, the first treatment choice for people with IBS is a Low FODMAP Diet. The FODMAP diet is a 3-step diet used to help identify food triggers and manage the symptoms of IBS. Due to the highly restrictive nature of the FODMAP diet, it’s inclusion should always be under the guidance of a Monash FODMAP Trained Dietitian to avoid long term food avoidance and nutrient deficiency.

Any questions?

We have our Dietitian, Georgia Walker who is Monash FODMAP trained and ready to assist you in the process of following a FODMAP diet. Call the team at Sandringham Sports Physio on 03 9583 5248 or email us at physio@sportsphysio.com.au