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Why do I still get IBS-D symptoms despite diet control?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had IBS-D for almost two years, and no matter how carefully I eat, I still have flare-ups that come completely without warning. I have cut out dairy, gluten, and spicy food, but nothing seems to make a consistent difference. Is it possible that food is not actually my main trigger, and something else is driving my symptoms?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Syed Asif Rafiq

Education:

MD Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Syed Asif Rafiq is a renowned and experienced Gastroenterology in Pulwama. He brings with him an experience of 13 years and has been associated with some of the best hospitals in Pulwama. A dedicated compassionate doctor who handles many challenging cases with the latest cutting edge technology. He offers patient-friendly scientific advice to your problems while maintaining the highest professional and ethical values.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your situation is quite common in people with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea predominance (IBS-D). While food can trigger symptoms in some patients, it is not always the main driver of IBS. The condition is considered a functional disorder, meaning the bowel structure is normal, but its motility, sensitivity, and nervous system regulation are altered.

Another contributing factor to the development of this condition is the brain-gut axis, or the communication between the digestive system and the brain. The emotional state of a patient, their inability to fall asleep, or stressful situations can increase the intestinal sensitivity, causing fast bowel movements and sudden diarrhoea.

Dysbiosis is another cause of irritable bowel syndrome because it can disrupt the bacterial balance in the intestine, leading to bloating, gas, and unusual bowel movements.

As a result of the above, it is important to note that eliminating foods such as dairy and gluten may not always provide positive results unless one is indeed intolerant. To eliminate many foods from one’s diet, an effective strategy may be to try the low-FODMAP diet.

For example, I will recommend some medications that can assist even if there is no effect from dieting alone:

* Loperamide medication can treat urgency and diarrhoea.* Rifaximin and antispasmodics might be beneficial in some cases.

Furthermore, stress management, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy have been shown to significantly improve IBS symptoms.

IBS-D often results from multiple interacting factors, not just food. With a combined approach addressing diet, gut bacteria, and stress, many patients achieve much better symptom control over time.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For any further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 28, 2026
Reviewed At July 13, 2026

Education:

MD Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Syed Asif Rafiq is a renowned and experienced Gastroenterology in Pulwama. He brings with him an experience of 13 years and has been associated with some of the best hospitals in Pulwama. A dedicated compassionate doctor who handles many challenging cases with the latest cutting edge technology. He offers patient-friendly scientific advice to your problems while maintaining the highest professional and ethical values.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Syed Asif Rafiq is a renowned and experienced Gastroenterology in Pulwama. He brings with him an experience of 13 years and has been associated with some of the best hospitals in Pulwama. A dedicated compassionate doctor who handles many challenging cases with the latest cutting edge technology. He offers patient-friendly scientific advice to your problems while maintaining the highest professional and ethical values.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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