Most people with IBS try changing their diet to improve their IBS symptoms and many also wonder if changing when and how often they eat might help too. It turns out that scientists have been wondering the same thing too. A recent cross-sectional study of 4,669 adults sought to examine the relationship between meal and snack frequency and IBS.

Previous studies have suggested that a diet low in short chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs), good sleep hygiene and regular exercise can play a part in IBS management. But there’s still much to be learned about the impact and influence of eating patterns – ie., when we eat, how quickly we eat, how regularly we eat, impact of drinking fluids with meals, etc.

To this end, Vakhshoori and colleagues set out to investigate whether main meal and snack frequency are associated with IBS. The short answer is NO. The researchers used a self-administered questionnaire to determine:

1.      how many main meals do you eat daily - 1, 2 or 3?

2.     how many snacks to do you eat daily – 1-2, 3-5 or >5?

And then analysed this data in conjunction with an amended Rome IV diagnostic criteria to rule in/out IBS. To make this a little bit fun, perhaps make note of how YOU would answer these questions! [As an interesting footnote, women tend to answer more accurately than men. But the fact that this (and most) questionnaires rely on memory recall and honesty isn’t great].

The overall finding was that there was NO significant statistical association between the frequency of main meals or snacks and IBS. More helpful however for those looking for practical ways to avoid aggravating their IBS symptoms was the differences in eating patterns between IBS and healthy subjects. IBS patients ate more quickly, with less regularity, chewed less and ate more spicy foods. A-ha!

“IBS patients, in comparison with healthy subjects, took their lunch fast, ate their foods with less regularity, chewed the food less and had more consumption of spicy foods”.

While frequency of meals and snacks might not be associated with whether you have IBS or not, here are some thing that might help lessen your symptoms:

•       eat slowly

•       chew more

•       choose quality of food over quantity

•       be mindful of your food intake over 72 hours (maybe in a food diary?) to determine whether the timing of your meals & snacks improves or exacerbates your symptoms.

Want to read more about this study? Read Vakhshoori's article here

Maybe one of the reasons skipping meals appeals to you is because you have been finding it hard to find a gut-friendly option. Many people with IBS struggle with breakfast and others find it hard to make time to pack a gut-friendly option for lunch.