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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

General Information IBS
General information and advice for IBS Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Advice for Diarrhoea
Advice for Constipation
Diet

Changes to your diet can significantly improve IBS symptoms in some people. Eating well, being well hydrated and increasing/ decreasing your fibre intake (based on symptoms) might be helpful in managing symptoms. Links below provide further information on diet.

British Dietetic Association diet advice
Information on general healthy eating
Information on fibre, and fibre content of foods
Information and advice for being well hydrated
Physical Activity / Exercise

Being physically active can help to improve IBS symptoms, moving your body is particularly helpful if you are constipated.

Live active
General advice and information on being active
Information and guidance for exercise and local physical activity opportunities
Mental health / Stress

Stress, anxiety and low mood can make IBS symptoms worse. Links below provide information and that may be helpful if you are suffering.

Experiencing low
Mood (NHS Leaflet)
Steps to deal with stress (NHS Health Scotland) Leaflet
Information and advice for anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, phobia, postnatal depression and many other conditions
Alcohol

Alcohol can make IBS symptoms worse. Reducing alcohol intake can help to reduce symptoms, as well as having positive effects on physical and mental health.

General information and advice about alcohol
Making a change: helping you make positive choices about the amount you drink. (Public health Scotland leaflet)
Smoking

Smoking can make IBS symptoms worse.

How to stop smoking (NHS Health Scotland)
Live active
Information on stop smoking services and how you can get support to quit smoking