wheat and IBS
Wheat is found in bread, many breakfast cereals, pasta, cakes and biscuits and is one of the most consumed cereals in the UK. In IBS, the consumption of wheat can be associated with an increase in symptoms. This may be due to the content of fibre, fructans or resistant starch (starches that are not easily digested and therefore pass through the intestine more or less intact resulting in some of the symptoms of IBS) .Increasing the intake of other cereals and reducing, but not necessarily excluding wheat may be beneficial. Individuals should consult a state-registered dietitian before excluding foods from the diet as this can lead to nutritional inadequacy and an unbalanced diet.
What is IBS? IBS is a common functional disorder of the gut (i.e. there is a problem with the function of the gut but the structure is normal).
What are the symptoms of IBS? There a variety of symptons associated with IBS. The following should be accompanied by at least two of the following symptons.
How does IBS differ from coeliac disease? IBS is a chronic, relapsing and often lifelong functional gut disorder.
How to manage IBS? Diet and lifestyle factors may trigger or worsen the symptons of IBS.
Gluten and IBS There is some research that shows certain individuals with IBS may experience relief from their symptons following a gluten free diet.
