Essential IBS Facts

  1. IBS can only be diagnosed by a qualified medical professional - please do not attempt to self diagnose - see your GP if you think you might have it.

  2. There is no cure for IBS, but it will not develop into anything else, and does not mean that you are more likely to get another illness.

  3. Treatment for IBS is based on your symptoms - there is no magic pill, but treatments for each individual symptom can be very effective.

  4. Self management is the best way of improving the symptoms of your IBS. Understanding how your lifestyle and diet can make your symptoms better or worse can be of real benefit. The Gut Trust has a unique self-management programme for IBS on the members area of its website (membership is required to access).

  5. You can help by cutting down the amount of insoluble fibre in your diet (insoluble fibre is bran and the like), and by avoiding spicy foods. If you have diarrhoea, you might want to cut down on the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat, and avoid artificial sweeteners. If you have constipation, increasing the amount of water you drink is often helpful.

  6. Complementary therapies can be very beneficial, but check our advice first.

  7. Probiotics can be helpful in managing your symptoms. The important factor is the type of probiotic and the amount of active ingredient it contains. If you taking a specific probiotic and it is not helpful within a month, you may want to try a different one.

  8. There is a lot of advice available on the internet: be careful where you get your advice from. There are also many treatments and therapies which say that they can "cure" IBS. This is impossible - be wary of quack cures, particularly ones that cost a lot of money.

  9. Understanding your illness helps you have an informed discussion with your GP and make good choices in your own life. We recommend reading the NICE information for patients, and the information available on this site.

  10. You are not alone. Support and understanding from organisations such as the Gut Trust and its network of self-help groups makes a real difference in understanding and living with your symptoms, overcoming anxiety and building your self-confidence. Becoming a member of the charity helps you reduce your sense of isolation, seek help and assistance when necessary, and supports others who are in the same position as you are.