Build a steady routine
Keep meals regular, drink enough fluids and change one personal trigger at a time.
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Eat regular meals, take time to chew and drink enough fluids. A short food and symptom diary can reveal personal triggers. Adjust one likely trigger at a time, such as excess caffeine, rather than removing many foods together. Aim to keep meals balanced and varied.
Choose fibre and diet changes carefully
Add soluble fibre gradually. A low-FODMAP trial should be brief, dietitian-guided and followed by food reintroduction.
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Soluble fibre, found in foods such as oats, may help, especially with constipation. Increase it gradually because a sudden increase can worsen gas. If symptoms persist, a dietitian may guide a short low-FODMAP trial followed by food reintroduction, rather than permanent broad food restriction.
Support the gut and brain
Activity, sleep and relaxation can help. Medicines and gut-directed therapies are selected for your symptoms.
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Regular activity, sufficient sleep and relaxation can help symptom control. Your clinician may choose medicines according to your bowel pattern and pain. Gut-directed psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy, can also help some people. Review benefit and side effects together before changing the plan.