about ibs
Introduction to IBS
Symptoms of IBS
Looking at the main symptom of diarrhea, constipation and pain, as well as the 'red flag' symptoms.
Diagnosis of IBS
A guide to how doctors decide you have IBS.
Treatment of IBS
An overview of the different treatment approaches to IBS, including supplements, medications and hypnotherapy.
Diagnostic tests
Descriptions of the medical tests used to help diagnose IBS, including colonoscopy and barium enemas.
Causes of IBS
The current thinking on the main causes of IBS.
Part one looks at brain-gut dysfunction, low-grade inflammation, mast cells and bacterial causes.
Part two looks at food intolerance, serotonin levels, and psychological factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions I hear about IBS, as well as questions about the IBS Tales website.
Podcasts
My audio recordings of my own complete IBS story.
All in your head
Non-sufferers often decide that IBS is just "in our heads", but every IBS expert disagrees. Here's the evidence.
An interview with Dr Mark Pimentel
The doctor behind the famous SIBO research (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) answers questions about his work
and gives his views on probiotics, peppermint oil, and more.
Different types of IBS
IBS with diarrhea
An overview of IBS with diarrhea and some common remedies.
IBS with constipation
An overview of IBS with constipation and some common remedies.
IBS and pregnancy
A look at IBS and pregnancy issues, including personal stories from pregnant women.
Humour and general ranting
Top 10 Stupid Things Said to IBS Sufferers...
...and the reasons why they're so dumb. You know, things like "It's all in your
head" and "Why don't you go to the doctor?
I hate IBS
A collection of reasons why we hate IBS! All submitted by IBS Tales visitors.
IBS quotes from non-sufferers
From the traditional "It's all in your head" to the highly observant "There's always something wrong with your stomach".
Food and diet
Downloadable food diary
Use this simple food diary to try to spot links between your IBS symptoms
and what you eat.
IBS diet
A brief guide to some IBS diet tips.
Miscellaneous oddments
Spastic colon
A short article about some of the alternative names used for IBS over the
years, including spastic colon.
IBS and disability allowances
Is it possible to receive benefits/allowances when suffering from IBS? I
would love to hear your experiences.
Something to talk about
How the internet can help sufferers to express their feelings, and how
sites such as IBS Tales can form a source of support.
Have you ever had a green bowel movement?
A green bowel movement can be fairly alarming, but it is not usually a sign
of anything nasty.