Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), is a term often used by doctors when they can ’t think of what else to do with a patient with digestive disorders.

The most common symptoms of IBS are bloating, cramps, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

There are many potential causes including food intolerance and stress.

Wheat gluten is behind many causes of IBS. Gluten is also found in barley, oats and rye. Some people can tolerate oats as they are free of gliadin, a substance in gluten that is particularly allergenic.

Try avoiding all gluten grains for 14 days and see if your condition improves. If it does improve, try reintroducing oats and monitor your symptoms. If you are OK with oats, you can keep eating these as they are a useful source of fibre and vitamins and minerals.