Post Author: Victoria Tyler

How Long Does an IBS Flare up Last?

As a Functional Medicine Practitioner, I often see patients grappling with the debilitating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you’ve ever experienced an IBS flare-up, you may be frightened and concerned about how long the IBS flare up will last.

From the sudden onset of abdominal pain to bloating and changes in bowel habits, these symptoms can disrupt daily life and leave you feeling frustrated and anxious. I want to share insights from my clinical experience regarding the duration of IBS flare-ups and the underlying causes, helping you better manage your condition.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhoea or constipation. IBS can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. In my practice, I’ve observed that the severity and nature of these symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Although the NHS states that there is no known cause of IBS, my experience has shown that, upon closer examination, there is typically an underlying reason for these symptoms. IBS is thought to arise from a complex interplay of gut-brain communication, gut motility, and gut microbiota.

What is an IBS Flare-Up? And why is it so unpredictable?

An IBS flare-up refers to a sudden worsening of symptoms that can last for a variable amount of time. During a flare-up, you may experience intense abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in your bowel movements, leading to discomfort and distress.

The unpredictability of IBS flare-ups can be one of the most frustrating aspects of the condition. There are a few key reasons why IBS symptoms can appear to come out of nowhere:

Unlike conditions with clear-cut triggers, IBS flare-ups can be set off by many factors, including:

• • Food intolerances (e.g., dairy, gluten, high-FODMAP foods, or sugar)
  • Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
  • Stress or emotional triggers (even seemingly minor stress can exacerbate symptoms)
  • Gut infections (such as food poisoning or a viral infection) 
  • Hormonal changes (many women experience worsened IBS symptoms during menstruation)

How long does an IBS-flare last? Duration of IBS Flare-Ups

Stick to Low-FODMAP Foods

One of the most effective dietary approaches for managing IBS is the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) are types of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and can cause digestive discomfort. During a flare-up, it’s important to focus on low-FODMAP foods that are gentler on your digestive system.

Low-FODMAP Foods to Eat for an IBS-flare:

• Proteins: Chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, and tofu are all low-FODMAP and easy to digest. Opt for grilled or baked preparations without heavy spices.
• Vegetables: Carrots, courgettes, spinach, green beans are low-FODMAP vegetables that are less likely to cause bloating or gas.
• Fruits: Strawberries, blueberries, are IBS-friendly fruits that won’t aggravate your symptoms. However only have 2 small portions per day.
• Grains: Gluten-free grains like white rice, and boiled potatoes should be safe options during a flare-up.
• Dairy alternatives: Lactose-free milk, unsweetened almond milk, and rice milk are good substitutes for regular dairy, which can often trigger symptoms.

2. Choose Easily Digestible Foods

When your digestive system is inflamed, it’s essential to choose foods that are easy to digest and gentle on your gut. This helps reduce the workload on your intestines, giving them time to rest and recover.

What foods calms an IBS Flare up?

• White rice: Plain, cooked white rice is a go-to for many during IBS flare-ups because it’s bland and easy to digest.
• Boiled potatoes: Avoid fried or heavily seasoned potatoes. Stick to boiled or steamed versions.
• Plain crackers or rice cakes: These are easy to digest and can help calm an upset stomach.
• Bone broth or clear soups: Broths provide hydration and nutrients without putting pressure on your digestive system. Avoid fatty or creamy soups, which may exacerbate symptoms.

3. Focus on Small, Frequent Meals

During an IBS flare-up, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help prevent overloading your digestive system. Large meals can put excess pressure on the gut, leading to cramping, bloating, and discomfort. Instead, aim to eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day, and avoid skipping meals, as this can make symptoms worse.

4. Does water help an IBS flare? Yes! Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is especially important during an IBS flare-up, particularly if you are experiencing diarrhea. Water helps flush toxins from the body and prevents dehydration, a common risk with prolonged diarrhea. You may also want to drink herbal teas, such as:

• Peppermint tea: Known for its soothing properties, peppermint tea may help relieve bloating and cramping during an IBS flare-up.
• Ginger tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe nausea or digestive upset.

What Foods to Avoid During an IBS Flare-Up?

Certain foods are more likely to trigger symptoms and should be avoided during an IBS flare-up. These include:

• High-FODMAP foods: Foods such as garlic, onions, cauliflower, beans, lentils, and wheat should be avoided, as they can cause gas and bloating.
• Fried or fatty foods: Greasy or fatty foods can irritate your digestive system and worsen symptoms. Avoid deep-fried foods, fast food, and heavy cream-based sauces.
• Spicy foods: Hot spices like chili peppers can irritate the gut lining, leading to increased abdominal pain and discomfort.
• Caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can stimulate the intestines and worsen symptoms like diarrhea and cramping. Avoid coffee, caffeinated tea, and alcoholic beverages during flare-ups.
• Sugar– cakes, biscuits, chocolate, sweets, ice-cream

6. Probiotic-Rich Foods (With Caution)

Some people with IBS find relief from adding probiotic-rich foods to their diet, as these foods help balance the gut microbiome. However, during a flare-up, you may need to introduce probiotics carefully to avoid aggravating symptoms. Foods like yogurt with live cultures (lactose-free or dairy-free varieties), sauerkraut, and kimchi can be beneficial but should be consumed in  very small mounts during a flare-up as they are very difficlult to digest

7. Should I eat Cooked Over Raw Foods?

Raw vegetables and fruits can be harder to digest, especially during a flare-up, as the fiber content can irritate the gut. Opt for cooked or steamed vegetables and fruits, which are easier on the digestive system. Cooking breaks down some of the fiber, making these foods more tolerable.

Sample Meal Plan for an IBS Flare-Up Day

Here’s a simple meal plan to follow during an IBS flare-up:

Breakfast:

• Eggs and gluten free white toast

Mid-Morning Snack:

• A plain rice cake with a slice of almond butter

Lunch:

• grilled chicken with courgettes

Afternoon Snack:

• A few plain crackers and smoked salmon

Dinner:

• Baked salmon with boiled potatoes and steamed spinach.

Evening Drink:

• A cup of peppermint tea to help soothe the digestive system.

Conclusion

The duration of an IBS flare-up can vary significantly, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the underlying causes and individual responses. Effective management involves identifying triggers, possibly adhering to a low-FODMAP diet, and focusing on gentle, easily digestible foods. Staying hydrated and consuming smaller, more frequent meals can also help alleviate symptoms.

Treatment duration varies; while some patients may experience relief within days, others may require several weeks of consistent dietary adjustments and stress management techniques. By understanding your unique triggers and working with a healthcare professional, you can develop a tailored plan to minimize flare-ups and improve overall gut health. With patience and dedication, finding effective relief is entirely achievable, allowing you to regain control over your digestive health.

If you reuire further help please book a consultation

We can help you with dietary interventions

Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

Supplements

Stress

Gut Microbiome testing

References

Hurst, S. M., & Guenther, P. M. (2015). “The Importance of Water in Maintaining Health.” Nutrients, 7(1), 54-67.

Lee, Y. J., & Lee, K. H. (2015). “The Role of Psychological Factors in the Pathogenesis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, 21(2), 145-150.

Mearin, F., et al. (2016). “Bowel Disorders.” Gastroenterology, 150(6), 1393-1407.

Halmos, E. P., et al. (2014). “A Diet Low in FODMAPs Reduces Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Gastroenterology, 146(1), 67-75.

Jansson, P. A., et al. (2019). “Dietary Intervention in the Management of IBS: A Review.” Nutrition Journal, 18, 65.

Choi, S. H., et al. (2020). “The Effects of Meal Frequency and Size on Gut Health.” Nutrients, 12(10), 3121.