IBS and Gut Symptoms: What You Should Know Before Changing Your Diet

By Dr Timothy Eden, MBBS, RD from Eden Health and Nutrition

Read time approx. 4mins

As a GP and registered dietitian working in the UK, I wanted to write this post because almost every week in clinic I meet patients who have lived with bowel or stomach symptoms for months – sometimes years – before seeking help. Many have tried to self-manage using magazine articles, online blogs, or word of mouth. While that shows initiative, it often leads to frustration and limited success. I also hear the “low FODMAP diet” mentioned almost daily, but this is a highly restrictive approach that is not meant to be a first-line strategy and can be harmful if done without the right support. This post aims to give a clear, evidence-based overview of what to expect if you see your GP, and some first steps you can try safely with diet.

How stomach symptoms present and how common IBS is

Bowel and stomach complaints are among the most common reasons people visit their GP. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, or fluctuating bowel habits. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most frequent diagnoses, with prevalence estimates around 10–15% of adults in the UK (BDA, 2023). Although IBS is not life-threatening, it can have a major impact on quality of life.