What is IBS and how is it diagnosed?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gut condition characterised by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits — diarrhoea, constipation, or both — without identifiable structural or biochemical cause. Diagnosis is clinical, typically using the Rome IV criteria, and requires exclusion of other conditions (such as coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and colorectal cancer in appropriate-risk patients) through blood tests and sometimes colonoscopy.

Does the low-FODMAP diet work for IBS?

The low-FODMAP diet — which restricts fermentable carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine — has among the strongest evidence of any dietary intervention for IBS, with approximately 70% of people experiencing meaningful symptom improvement. It is a three-phase protocol: elimination, reintroduction, and personalisation. It should ideally be guided by a registered dietitian as it is complex to implement correctly and the goal is to identify personal triggers for long-term management, not permanent restriction.

Is IBS linked to anxiety and stress?

The gut-brain axis is central to IBS. The enteric nervous system (the gut's own nervous system) communicates bidirectionally with the brain, meaning psychological states directly influence gut motility, sensitivity, and microbiome composition. People with IBS have higher rates of anxiety and depression, and many describe stress as a reliable flare trigger. Gut-directed hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches have meaningful evidence for IBS symptom reduction — not because IBS is "all in the mind" but because the brain-gut connection is genuinely physiological.

What complementary approaches have evidence for IBS?

Gut-directed hypnotherapy has the strongest evidence of any psychological approach, with response rates comparable to the low-FODMAP diet. Peppermint oil (enteric-coated) has good evidence for reducing abdominal pain and spasm. Certain probiotic strains — particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium infantis — have evidence for reducing bloating and improving stool consistency. Acupuncture has positive but limited evidence. Mindfulness and CBT improve quality of life and symptom perception. An integrative approach combining several strategies is often most effective.

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IBS & Digestive Issues

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional digestive condition characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits without structural disease. Strong evidence supports dietary interventions (particula

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Reviewed by Dr. Ciara Magee · Integrative Midwifery26 March 2026Research-supported

Quick answer

Do any of these feel familiar?

Abdominal pain or cramping that is relieved or worsened by bowel movements
Bloating and distension, often worse through the day
Diarrhoea, constipation, or an unpredictable alternation between the two
Urgency — the sudden need to use the toilet that may be difficult to control
Excess gas and flatulence
Incomplete evacuation
Symptoms that fluctuate significantly with stress and emotional state

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IBS

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