Living with IBS and Gut Symptoms

Bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea and unpredictable bowel habits — these are symptoms that affect up to 1 in 7 people worldwide. For many, this is diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a long-term gut condition that can disrupt work, social life and overall wellbeing.

While IBS is common, no two people experience it the same way. That’s why a personalised, dietitian-led approach can make such a difference.

Why See a Registered Dietitian for IBS?

As a CORU registered dietitian and qualified nutritionist in Galway, I work with people every week who struggle with adverse gut symptoms. Unlike general nutrition advice found online, a dietitian’s support is:

• Evidence-based: IBS treatment guidelines recommend dietitian involvement (NICE, 2021; BDA).
• Personalised: your food triggers, gut microbiome, stress and lifestyle all play a role.
• Safe: fad diets or cutting too many foods can worsen nutrient deficiencies and gut health.

Common Dietary Approaches for IBS

1. First-Line IBS Advice

Before restrictive diets, simple strategies often help:

• Eating regular meals and avoiding skipping
• Reducing caffeine, alcohol and very fatty foods
• Keeping well hydrated
• Limiting fizzy drinks and artificial sweeteners (polyols)

2. The Low FODMAP Diet

For some, symptoms are linked to certain fermentable carbohydrates (called FODMAPs). Research shows that a dietitian-guided low FODMAP diet can reduce symptoms in up to 70% of people with IBS.

This involves:

• Restriction (short-term, under dietitian supervision)
• Reintroduction (testing food groups to find triggers)
• Personalisation (building a flexible, long-term diet)

It should only be done with a dietitian, as cutting too many foods can harm the gut microbiome.

3. Gut Health & the Microbiome

New research (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025) shows the importance of gut resilience — the ability of your microbiome to recover after stress, illness or antibiotics. Supporting your gut bacteria may help reduce IBS flare-ups.

Dietitian strategies include:

• Prebiotic fibres (oats, garlic, onions, asparagus – when tolerated)
• Probiotic foods (live yogurts, kefir, sauerkraut)
• Polyphenol-rich foods (berries, olive oil, green tea)

Beyond Food – Stress and IBS

The gut-brain axis means stress, sleep and mental wellbeing play a huge role in IBS. As both a clinical nutritionist and trained psychotherapist, I integrate these aspects into care — helping clients manage symptoms holistically.

When to Seek Help

If you have persistent gut symptoms, don’t suffer in silence. A registered Irish dietitian can help if you experience:

• Ongoing bloating, pain or altered bowel habits
• Suspected IBS
• Side effects after antibiotics
• Concerns about food intolerance or gut health

Always check with your GP first to rule out red-flag symptoms (unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, family history of bowel disease).

Key Takeaway

IBS and gut symptoms are common but manageable. With the support of a CORU registered dietitian in Galway, you can identify triggers, protect your gut health, and build a flexible way of eating that reduces symptoms and improves quality of life.

📩 To learn more or book a consultation, visit Galway Nutrition & Therapy Clinic.