MY IBS JOURNEY
Becoming Gluten Free
My first year of learning what works for my body, finding foods I can enjoy and getting to a place where IBS feels more manageable.
If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be checking every food label before buying something, I probably wouldn't have believed them.
It's been a year since I was diagnosed with IBS after months—looking back, probably years—of wondering what was going on with my body. Finally having an answer changed everything.
Learning what you can and can't eat is a minefield. It wasn't easy, and there were plenty of moments where I felt frustrated because there never seemed to be a clear answer.
It didn't take me long to realise that bread and pasta were causing problems—and they were two of my favourite foods. Strangely, I found I could still eat cake and pastries without any issues, so you could say I'm "half gluten-free"! Even so, I'm always careful about what I eat, just in case.
Over the past year, I've tried lots of gluten-free breads, and I've settled on Warburtons as my favourite. Oaf also does really nice rolls. Thankfully, I think gluten-free pasta tastes just the same as regular pasta, so that's one swap I don't mind making.
There are other foods that don't agree with me too. Sweetcorn and avocado are two of my favourites that I can no longer eat, which is disappointing. That's one of the tricky things about IBS—everyone's triggers are different, and what works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else.
For me, going gluten-free has made a huge difference, but it's only one part of managing my symptoms. Listening to my body, reducing stress where I can, and making mindful food choices have all played an important role.
Going gluten-free wasn't something I ever planned to do, but it has become part of my lifestyle, and for me, it's been one of the best decisions I've made for my health.
My advice is simple: be patient with yourself. Finding what works takes time, and it's okay if the journey isn't straightforward. Celebrate the small wins, whether that's enjoying a meal without discomfort or making it through the day feeling more like yourself.
It's been a long journey to get to this point, but I finally feel like I understand my triggers and know how to manage them. If we're going out for the day, I try not to worry about where the nearest toilet is because I don't want that fear to ruin the experience. Of course, it's always reassuring to know where one is if I need it, but after a year, I finally feel like my IBS is at a level I can cope with.
If you're reading this because you're struggling with IBS, I want you to know that you're not alone