Hi all,

I am a 34 and been suffering with my stomach since my early 20s and was diagnosed with IBS. I am currently suffering with awful bloating daily, constipation and episodes of loose stools. I have tried so many different things to improve it but nothing has helped. I had stool sample a year ago which showed a small amount of inflammation but nothing to be concerned about. I have however been referred to the hospital for further testing due to my late father having crohns/bowel cancer but have been waiting nearly a year for appointment. Does anyone have any advice on easing symptoms? Its really getting me down now. Many thanks

Hi Chantelle,

Try using a heating pad on your tummy. I take medication for loose bowels so I can’t recommend anything else for you in case it causes you more constipation. I have had IBS since I was 13 and am now 64. I wish you well and I hope you see a doctor soon.

Hi, I’ve had IBS for many years, bloated tummy, constipation, wind and pain…I recently went to Italy for the week end and was very nervous of flying and the whole week end I had a dreadful time with wind and not going properly …since coming home 2 weeks ago I’ve had a nagging pain and can’t go properly also bloated, I’m taking fibogel just started 2 days ago … could this just be my IBS anyone else suffer this way with it… I’ve never had diarrhoea with it..

I also have a baggy bowel apparently due to straining for years

Any advice would be appreciated

Hi Redlady,

Gas usually comes from fermentation caused by vegetables, fruits, or dairy. You’ll need to experiment with them to see which ones cause you the least struggle.

What you’re describing as a 'baggy bowel' reminds me of my own early IBS symptoms. At that time, I struggled with IBS-C (constipation-predominant) for two years and was worried my bowel would stay permanently stretched out from the frequent constipation. Don’t worry; the colon tends to return to its normal state once you get the constipation under control.

For me, corn is a major trigger; it’s like it completely halts my bowel's mobility. Corn flour or starch is in almost every cookie, many frozen french fries, and most processed foods—except for some dark chocolates (70%+). I eventually realized my issue was a corn allergy because I wasn't just getting constipated—I was getting mild brain fog, too. I suspect the allergy itself triggered my IBS early on, leading to the kind of chronic sensitivity typical for IBS patients. You might not fully 'recover,' but you can definitely manage the symptoms.

Citrus fruits are a trigger for me, along with the citric acid found in nearly all sodas and juices.

Again, it’s all about experimentation. You need to monitor yourself to find a balance in how much dairy, fruit, or veg you can handle. I’d also suggest getting an extensive allergy test.

Interestingly, potato pancakes have the opposite effect on me—they give me an urgent need to go the next day. But unlike with beans, for example, it doesn't lead to extreme wind. I think my intestines react poorly to the 'resistant starch' that forms when potatoes are cooked and then cooled. I’ve mostly stopped eating anything made of potatoes, as I suspect they are a leading IBS trigger for many people.

If you're looking for 'safer' vegetables, try watermelon, tomatoes, and peeled cucumbers, for example. I suggest peeling every vegetable or fruit; IBS means your bowel is already irritated, so you don't want to make it worse with indigestible skins. Just be sparing with the tomatoes, as they have a higher acid content.

In short: know your allergies, experiment with your diet, and find your balance.

Living with IBS: Lessons I’ve Learned and My Top Tips