Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Please click on the links below to read our articles. If you are interested in research findings, click here for links to research reports.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance:  Dietary Approach to Management – Dr Janice M Joneja Ph.D. 2018

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastrointestinal Disorders, and Histamine Sensitivity. Dr Janice Joneja looks at the malabsorption problems which so often lead to a diagnosis of IBS, and how they can be managed. April 2018

Dr Janice Joneja's book, Digestion, Diet and Disease: Irritable Bowel Syndrom and Gastrointestinal Function is now available as a free download here. January 2018

Dramatic improvements in mood and anxiety, weight and digestive symptoms with a 4-week gut-friendly diet. Kate Lawrence explains more about her recent research findings. June 2017

Gastrodiet 2015 ‘An international meeting on food, diet and gastrointestinal health’ with a theme of ‘Food Intolerance: FODMAPs, gluten and beyond.' Monash University Campus, Prato, in Italy. Alex Gazzola reports. November 2015

Does SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) underly most cases of IBS? Interesting article in the Townsend Letter by Steven Sandberg-Lewis, ND, DHANP and Allison Siebecker, ND, MSOM. March 2015

Investigating why IBS affects twice as many women as men, the majority of whom are under 45. By Melanie Keller, Steven Sandberg-Lewis and Allison Siebecker in the Townsend Letter. March 2014

Stop complaining! My gut has a brain too. This article originally appeared in Gut Reaction, the journal of the IBS Network. March 2014

IBS sufferers believe that their doctor is not doing a good job. This article originally appeared in the March 2013 issue of Gut Reaction, the journal of the IBS Network. November 2013

Helicobacter and IBS: diagnosis and treatment options for people suffering from the effects of the helicobacter pylori bacterium – John Scott 2006

IBS – or is it? Describing a twenty year battle with a ‘non-existent’ digestive problem – Jean Grainger

A new test for IBS sufferers: a nutritionist introduces a new test which allows the practitioner to examine no less than 25 areas of intestinal ecology – Michael Franklin 2002

Allergy – clash of cultures: examining the reasons why the medical establishment is blind to what thousands of people know about allergy and intolerance – Professor Nick Read

IBS – another perspective: the riposte to Professor Nick Read – Professor Jonathan Brostoff

Allergy – clash of cultures part 2: following a riposte from Professor Jonathan Brostoff, Professor Nick Read replies.

Perilla extract may be an ideal remedy for IBS, helping to reduce bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, altered intestinal mobility, and transit time. November 2014

Feeding the Sensitive Gut – Professor Nick Read explains how a sensitive gut can rule your life – and how best to manage it. July 2014

Introducing The IBS Self Care Plan. Dr Nick Read, Chair and Medical Adviser,The IBS Network. October 2013

The Gourmet Rotation Diet by Joyce Weaver. A guide to a four-day rotation diet complete with introduction, food lists, menu suggestions and recipes. Quite an old book (originally published in 2002) but excellent information.

Low FODMAP diets have been found to be very helpful with intractable IBS. Interview with Jessica Biesiekierski who is preparing a theseis for her PHD on the FODMAP diet. 2011 For a list of high & low FODMAP foods check the About.com site here.

'Bacteriotherapy' Facebook group – excellent source of information about probiotics, faecal transplants and probiotic retention enemas, etc. for people with irritable bowel syndrome, SIBO, gut disbyosis and inflammatory bowel disease, etc. 2012

How a gluten-free diet helped to free me from IBS – Sophie Lee, author of Sophie's Story, my 20-year battle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, describes her journey. January 2012

Interesting interactive 'infographic' on the most effective treatments for IBS –March 2011

John Scott's free digestive enzymes - 2009

Nucleo Power: nucleotides may be more useful than previously thought for helping with digestive conditions - Alex Gazzola 2009

The many faces of IBS: using examples from her own practice, this nutritionist looks at some of the many causes of IBS and appropriate treatments – Margaret Moss 2006

Food intolerance and IBS: showing how, with the right help, sufferers can diagnose their own symptom triggering intolerances – Dr Alan Stewart 2001

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Research Reports
- IBS

Self-help guidebook improved quality of life for patients with irritable bowel syndrome July 2017

This study demonstrates that quality of life was improved for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who received an IBS guidebook. This demonstrates the considerable importance of patient education in the effective management of IBS.

Effects of varying dietary content of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates on symptoms, fecal microenvironment, and cytokine profiles in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Oct 2016
The findings of this study support the efficacy of a Low FODMAP diet in alleviating IBS symptoms, and show changes in inflammatory cytokines, microbiota profile, and SCFAs, which may have consequences for gut health. The diet induces improvement in IBS symptoms according to self-report and the biological measures may shed some light on the mechanisms behind how the diet may produce these benefits.

Irritable bowel syndrome and diet. Jan 2017
This article reviews the available dietary interventions for IBS and will considers the evidence for nutrition-based therapies (including the low FODMAP diet) to treat this condition.

Low FODMAP Diet for treating IBS
October 2016
The low FODMAP diet has been increasingly used in recent years to treat patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and those with multiple food intolerances and unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms. The low FODMAP diet restricts the consumption of fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). This study compared the efficacy of the Low FODMAP diet to the modified National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (from the US) on symptoms in patients suffering from IBS and diarrhoea. The low FODMAP diet led to significantly greater improvement in individual IBS symptoms, particularly pain and bloating.

Exposure to Giardia infection was associated with perceived food intolerance 3 years after giardiasis. Perceived intolerance to high FODMAP foods and low FODMAP foods were both statistically significantly associated with exposure to Giardia infection. November 2015

Does a low FODMAP diet help IBS? August 2015

Pending further scientific evidence, the concept of food allergy should be included as a possible cause of IBS, and a dietary approach may have a place in the routine clinical management of IBS. June 2015

Perception of lactose intolerance in irritable bowel syndrome patients. October 2014

Novel research suggests efficacy of diagnostic blood test for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). October 2013

Psychological factors like anxiety and depression may be central drivers of IBS rather than inflammation. October 2013 (see second report in article)

Concentrated milk fats increase bowel inflammation where polyunsaturated (plant) fats do not – June 2012

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is hard to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers have now discovered a way of confirming the disorder using stool samples .May 2012

Possible links between leaky gut and food processing "Leaky gut", which is implicated in several conditions, including allergy, and has been linked with IBS, may be exacerbated by modern food preparation methods - particularly high-temperature cooking and the increased use of sugars - but can potentially be prevented or improved by means of simple nutritional changes such as taking glutamine and curcumin.
June 2010

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not all in the head and really does have a  physical cause.
August 2010

New study finds structural changes in specific brain regions in female patients with IBS
July 2010

Is there a genetic element to IBS?
April 2010

Could shift work be a cause of IBS?
March 2010

Surprising causes for IBS
August 2009

IBS can have a genetic cause
Febuarya2009

IBS is a lifelong condition
November 2009

The sensitive gut
October 2007

£££££... The Cost of IBS
June 2006

Anxiety during illness may trigger IBS
March 2007

Norwegian medical researchers show that FODMAPs foods increase the amount of fluid in the intestines of IBS patients. October 2014

A recent study found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 showed a significant improvement of IBS. Since IBS is co-morbid with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), it should also cause improvement of CFS. August 2013

Systematic review: probiotics in the management of lower gastrointestinal symptoms in clinical practice – an evidence-based international guide. August 2013

Gluten-free diet appears to benefit patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). September 2012

Allergic contact enteritis to ingested foods, food additives, or both may contribute to IBS symptoms. Patch testing may be useful in identifying the causative foods. March 2013

IgG-based elimination diet, although regarded as unreliable by allergy specialists, significantly improved both IBS and migraine  symptoms in patients who suffered from both conditions. December 2012

Eliminating foods identified by an IgG test over a 12 week period resulted in significant improvement in patients with IBS with diarrhoea 2012

Hynosis helpful for IBS. April 2012

Fecal assays detect hypersensitivity to cow’s milk and gluten in adults with IBS
August 2011

Online therapy shows promise for irritable bowel
May 2011

Peppermint relieves Irritable Bowel Syndrome
April 2011

Exercise improves symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome
January 2011

IBS and creative writing
July 2010

Probiotic found in breast milk could help with digestive disorders
June 2010

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can be helpful for IBS
May 2010

Soluble fibre best for irritable bowel
November 2009

New supplement – Bimuno – helps IBS sufferers
August 2009

Pig whipworms (Trichuris suis) found to be safe and effective in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease, especially Crohn's disease
March 2009

Peppermint oil and fibre win out over IBS drugs
January 2009

Hypnosis and counseling show real promise in the treatment of IBS and Crohn's
November 2008

IBS and chilli peppers
November 2008

The effectiveness of probiotics in IBS
October 2008

Probiotics appear safe and effective in treating children with IBS
October 2008

How effective are probiotics in IBS?
November 2008

Cell transplants protect intestinal tissue from autoimmune attack in animal model
September 2008

Experts cite bifantis as promising probiotic treatment for IBS
August 2008

Oxygen colon cleanser successful at relieving symptoms of constipation and IBS
January 2008

Probiotic research finds only Bifantis can claim efficacy versus placebo for IBS symptoms
October 2007

IntestAidB
May 2007

An end to pain and shame: flatulence-arresting underwear
April 2007

Hypnotherapy effective for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
October 2007

Which fibre is best for irritable bowel?
July 2004

Fitrst Published in Febuary 2007

NB Information on this site is not a substitute for medical advice and no liability can be assumed for its use.

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