What are the different types of IBS?
There are several different types of IBS, along with additional underlying diagnoses. Not all doctors use or are even aware of the various diagnostic categories, so don’t be alarmed if your doctor has diagnosed you with “just” IBS. However, it’s good to know which category you fall into, as the advice for the different groups varies slightly.
If you haven’t consulted a doctor about your symptoms, it’s always a good idea to do so first. Here, you can learn more about the different types of IBS and which foods are better to choose. Most people, regardless of their IBS type, generally improve with a FODMAP diet, but beyond that, there are some foods that are better suited to different conditions.
IBS-C: Constipation-predominant IBS
IBS-C (C for constipation) is characterized by constipation that can last anywhere from a few days to over a week. Symptoms of IBS-C include regular issues with:
- Irregular bowel movements (less than every third day)
- Lumpy or hard stool (types #1 or #2 on the Bristol Stool Chart)
- Straining during bowel movements
Have you been advised to eat more fiber? This is common advice given during doctor visits, sometimes along with a prescription for bulk-forming laxatives. It can help, but not for everyone, and not all types of fiber work. The key is to choose the right kind of fiber to avoid worsening constipation. The FODMAP diet helps you learn which types of fiber are good for your gut.
IBS-D: Diarrhoea-predominant IBS
IBS-D (D for diarrhea) is characterized by loose or watery stools and the following symptoms:
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Loose or watery stools (types #5, #6, or #7 on the Bristol Stool Chart)
- The urge to urgently go to the bathroom
Having IBS-D means that your intestines are working faster than usual, which means food passes through more quickly. In some cases, water and nutrients don’t have enough time to be absorbed, leading to nutrient deficiencies. You might also see undigested food in your stool. You may simply notice bits of food in the toilet. Since increased transit time means that your intestines are working faster, you might benefit from avoiding stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and nicotine. Try eliminating them for a period to see how they affect your symptoms. If you feel better, you can try reintroducing them in small amounts.
IBS-M, a mix of the different types?
Sofia Antonsson
Reg. Dietitian, Belly Balance
Read more about
IBS - What is it?
Bloated , constipated or having a gassy stomach? IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning no physical issues can be found in the stomach or intestines; they just don’t function quite as they should.
How the app works
Download the app and become part of our community. We assist you in achieving a calm and happy stomach through treatment and tools available directly in the app.
About FODMAP
By learning which foods upset your stomach, you can make conscious choices and get quick symptom relief. With the low FODMAP diet, you receive structured assistance in understanding which foods your body tolerates better than others. No more guessing and pondering – you get the answer straight away!
