Additional advice

For mild IBS-type symptoms, customers might find it helpful to adopt the following lifestyle changes:^1,2

• Take regular exercise – it can help to reduce symptoms
• Make time for leisure activities and to relax if symptoms are triggered by stress
• Keep a food diary to identify trigger foods they should avoid
• Try taking a probiotic (food supplement) for 4 weeks – it may help
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids, but cut down on alcohol and fizzy drinks, caffeinated tea and coffee
• Do not delay or skip meals, or eat too quickly
• To relieve IBS-related constipation, eat more soluble fibre (e.g. oats, pulses, carrots, peeled potatoes and linseeds)
• Cut back on spicy, fatty and processed foods.