Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common conditions affecting the digestive system but it’s about much more than bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.

Your gut plays an important role in your overall health, from digestion and nutrient absorption to immune function, blood sugar regulation and the health of your gut microbiome. And as we get older, looking after these systems becomes increasingly important if we want to support healthspan not simply lifespan.

So, if your gut is regularly unhappy, it’s worth understanding what’s going on.

IBS is a functional disorder of the gut. This means that the bowel can look structurally normal when investigated, but the way it functions can be disrupted.

People with IBS can experience a combination of symptoms including:

Abdominal pain or discomfort Bloating and abdominal distension Constipation Diarrhoea Changes in stool consistency Urgency or needing to rush to the toilet Feeling that you haven't completely emptied your bowel Excessive wind, rumbling and flatulence Nausea

Symptoms can come and go, and they can look very different from one person to another.

How is IBS diagnosed?

There isn't a single test that confirms IBS. Instead, doctors use your symptoms and medical history, alongside appropriate investigations where necessary, to rule out other conditions. The Rome IV criteria define IBS as recurrent abdominal pain, on average, at least once a week over the previous three months, associated with changes in bowel movements — such as frequency or stool consistency.

This is important because IBS should not simply be assumed because you have bloating or changes in your bowel habits. Other digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it's important to speak to your GP and have appropriate causes ruled out before assuming IBS.

IBS and healthy ageing

This is where I think IBS deserves a bigger conversation.

It can be tempting to think of IBS as simply a digestive problem, something to manage with a low-FODMAP diet or by avoiding the foods that trigger symptoms.

But your gut is connected to so many aspects of your health.

Your digestive system is responsible for breaking down food and helping you absorb the nutrients you need to maintain muscle, bone, hormones, immunity and energy as you age.

Your gut microbiome also interacts with your immune system and produces a range of compounds that can influence your metabolism and wider health.

And when your gut isn't functioning well, it can become much harder to eat a varied, nutrient-dense diet.

You may start eliminating more and more foods because they cause symptoms. You might avoid fibre because you're worried about bloating. You may eat less because you're nervous about triggering your gut. Or you may find yourself relying on the same small selection of “safe” foods.

That can become a problem for healthy ageing.

As we get older, maintaining muscle mass, consuming enough protein and fibre, eating a diverse range of plants and getting the vitamins and minerals we need all become increasingly important.

So, for me, managing IBS isn't simply about “stopping the symptoms", it's about understanding why your gut is struggling and finding a way of eating that allows you to feel well without unnecessarily restricting your diet.

Can IBS be improved?

Absolutely, but there isn't one solution that works for everyone. IBS can involve a complex interaction between the gut microbiome, gut motility, digestion, food sensitivities, stress and the gut-brain connection. Hormonal changes can also influence digestive symptoms, which is particularly relevant for women as they move through midlife and menopause.

This is why I don't believe in simply handing everyone with IBS the same list of foods to avoid. Instead, I look at the bigger picture:

What is happening in your gut? What are you eating? Are you getting enough fibre and protein? How diverse is your diet? How are you digesting and absorbing your food? How is stress affecting your gut? And are there other factors contributing to your symptoms?

The aim isn't to create a smaller and smaller list of foods you can tolerate, it's to help you build a healthy, resilient gut that supports you for the long term. Your gut matters for longevity. Healthy ageing isn't about simply adding years to your life. It's about adding healthy years maintaining your strength, energy, independence and quality of life as you get older.

And your gut is an important part of that picture.

If you're experiencing ongoing IBS symptoms, getting the right diagnosis is the first step. From there, understanding your individual triggers and supporting your gut, diet and lifestyle can help you move beyond simply managing symptoms and towards better long-term health.