Advice and resources : IBS and other gut conditions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Learn what IBS is and how you can get diagnosed by visiting the NHS website. 

• NHS UK - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Diet and IBS

Dietary changes can help IBS symptoms and sometimes a few simple changes are all that‘s needed.

If you haven’t been referred yet, please watch the following video which goes through some advice for IBS. If, after following this advice, symptoms are still not manageable, please ask your GP to refer you to the dietitians for specialist advice.

If you’ve already been referred to the dietitians and you have been sent here, please follow the advice in the video for 4-6 weeks then get in touch with us to arrange an appointment if your symptoms are still unmanageable.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for IBS

Research suggests that the brain and gut are connected – in fact, they’re sending signals to one another all the time. IBS can be related to your brain and your digestive system not communicating well with each other.

This can lead to a vicious cycle of worry and stress which disrupts eating and sleeping patterns and the bio-chemical messages that affect your digestive and mental health. This doesn’t mean your physical symptoms aren’t real or that they are ‘all in your head’. We use this brain-gut connection to treat IBS.

Talking Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help you reduce your physical symptoms and improve your quality of life. Through the process of understanding how your body works and how your thoughts, behaviour and physical symptoms affect each other as well as giving you practical techniques to achieve long-lasting improvements.

• About CBT from NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies

Other bowel conditions

Coeliac disease

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease or if you’re struggling to manage the condition, please ask your GP to refer you to our specialist dietetic clinic.

We trust Coeliac UK as an information source and we recommend all people with the condition join the charity.

• Visit the Coeliac UK website
• Learn more about coeliac disease on NHS.UK

Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is a very common finding when looking at the colon and many people get no symptoms at all. The symptoms of diverticular disease and diverticulitis are similar to those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

You can learn more about the symptoms by visiting the NHS website. Check with your GP whether you need dietary advice for diverticular disease or IBS before you’re referred to us.

• NHS UK - Diverticular disease and diverticulitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

If you have IBD and require dietary support, please request a referral to our specialist dietetic clinic.

If your IBD is currently active, we recommend you’re under a gastroenterology team for medical management. Please ask your GP to refer you to your local hospital for this as you cannot access medical support through our dietetic clinic.

Visit the websites below, to learn more about IBD and the resources available through charities.

• Visit the Crohn's & Colitis UK website
• Visit the Guts UK website
• Learn more about IBD on NHS.UK