The 'Gut Health Lie'? Why ‘Healthy’ Foods Could Be Triggering Your IBS…

1 in 5 people in the UK are living with IBS
Some lauded “gut health” products can trigger symptoms in some
Low FODMAP diet could be the key to success

Think probiotic-packed, fermented foods are the key to better digestion? For up to 1 in 5 people in the UK living with IBS, many of these “gut-friendly” staples could actually be doing more harm than good…

Despite gut health dominating headlines, the reality for IBS sufferers is far more complicated. Symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, wind, nausea, cramps and bloating can make everyday life miserable – and confusing advice only adds to the struggle.

Hattie James-Norbury, Managing Director of Bay’s Kitchen, has experienced this first-hand. Diagnosed with IBS five years ago, she’s spent years navigating the overwhelming world of gut health trends, only to discover that many foods marketed as beneficial can actually trigger symptoms.

“Gut health is everywhere right now, with over 7.5 million tagged posts on Instagram alone” Hattie explains, “but for people with IBS, many of the most talked-about foods can have the opposite effect.”

Take kimchi, for example. Often praised as a probiotic superfood, it comes with a hidden downside for sensitive guts. Traditional recipes include garlic and onions, which are both high in FODMAPs (fermentable sugars known to trigger IBS symptoms). Add in cabbage, spicy chilli and the by-products of fermentation, and it can quickly become a perfect storm for bloating, gas and pain.

And it’s not just fermented foods. Many everyday ingredients like garlic and onion, found in the majority of ready-made sauces, soups and stocks, are common triggers. For those trying to “fix” their gut by following trends, it can mean unknowingly making symptoms worse.

The root of the issue often lies in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) – types of sugars found in foods like wheat, dairy, certain fruits and sweeteners. In people with IBS, these ferment in the gut, leading to discomfort and flare-ups.

That’s where a low-FODMAP diet can help. By temporarily reducing these trigger foods, it allows the gut to settle and helps individuals identify what specifically affects them.

Now at the helm of Bay’s Kitchen, Hattie is using her experience to change the landscape for IBS sufferers. The brand, founded in 2018 by IBS sufferer Bay Burdett, creates award-winning low-FODMAP sauces, stocks and condiments – all made without onion and garlic and carefully portioned to stay within safe thresholds.

“As someone who loves food but battles IBS daily, I understand how hard it is to find convenient options that don’t cause symptoms,” Hattie says. “Our mission is simple – bring flavour and joy back to mealtimes without the fear of a flare-up.”

With products now available in UK supermarkets, Bay’s Kitchen continues its mission to make IBS-friendly food accessible and inclusive – carrying on the legacy of its founder, who sadly passed away last year.

Because when it comes to gut health, what works for some could be exactly what’s triggering others.

You can find Bay’s Kitchen products in Waitrose and Ocado.

Find out more at https://www.bayskitchen.com / @bayskitchenUK / @halffullhattie