IBS Symptoms: How It’s Diagnosed + First-Line Steps That Help with IBS Dietitian Lorraine Cooney

Описание: IBS is common, misunderstood, and often self-managed in ways that make symptoms worse. In this episode of The Wellness Script, I’m joined by Lorraine Cooney, specialist gastroenterology dietitian at Blackrock Clinic, and author of "Why You Can't Go" and "Gut Feeling", who breaks down what IBS actually is, how it’s diagnosed (and what needs to be ruled out first), and the practical habits that can make a real difference.

We cover the Rome IV criteria, red-flag symptoms to take seriously, why “cutting everything out” backfires, and how to start with first-line basics (regular meals, pace of eating, hydration, fibre strategy).
Lorraine explains when a low FODMAP approach can help (and why it must be time-limited + reintroduced properly), plus the role of the gut–brain axis - including gut-directed hypnotherapy and the "nocebo" effect.

Our Sponsor

This episode is proudly sponsored by Sona Vitamins, Ireland's longest-established nutritional supplement producer with over 40 years of science-led expertise. You can learn more and explore their full product range here: https://bit.ly/49nFkuv  


We cover
How common IBS is, and why so many people don’t seek help
How IBS is diagnosed (Rome IV) + what your GP may rule out first (e.g., coeliac disease, inflammation)
The first-line IBS habits that are “boring” but powerful: regular meals, slower eating, hydration, caffeine/alcohol awareness
Fibre without the flare: why soluble fibre is often better tolerated, and why “0 → 100” backfires
Low FODMAP: who it helps, how long to restrict, and why reintroduction is non-negotiable
Why the same food can feel “fine” one day and awful the next (gut sensitivity + gut–brain axis)
Gut-directed hypnotherapy: what it is, who it can help, and why it’s not “all in your head”
Food intolerance testing: why common IgG “intolerance panels” aren’t reliable
Bloating basics: constipation you don’t realise you have, incomplete emptying, and when to get checked
Supplements mentioned: psyllium husk (fibre) and peppermint oil (symptom relief)
Bathroom habits that matter: “protected time,” and why scrolling on the toilet isn’t a great idea

Medical note
This episode is for education only and isn’t medical advice. If you have red flags like blood in stool, unintentional weight loss, persistent night symptoms, or strong family history of bowel cancer/IBD, or any health concerns at all, seek medical assessment.


Guest
Gut Health Matters (Lorraine’s clinic):
https://guthealthmatters.ie/

Blackrock Clinic profile (Lorraine Cooney):
https://www.blackrockhealth.com/treat...

Lorraine on Instagram:
  / gut_health_matters  

Books
Why You Can’t Go (Gill Books):
https://www.gillbooks.ie/mind-body-sp...
Gut Feeling (Gill Books article):
https://www.gillbooks.ie/dear-reader/...

Clinical / evidence-based references
Rome IV IBS criteria (Rome Foundation PDF – “Bowel Disorders”):
https://theromefoundation.org/wp-cont...

NICE guideline (IBS in adults: diagnosis & management):
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61

Low FODMAP guidance (NHS patient leaflet example):
https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/docu...

IgG food sensitivity testing (why it’s not recommended) – AAAAI:
https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-p...

Mediterranean diet & IBS (example trials)
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/1...
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext...