IBS in January: Why symptoms feel worse after Christmas

IBS doesn’t take a break over the holidays. Find out why symptoms feel worse in January and why getting help now makes a difference.

IBS is always on your mind

January can be a tricky month for digestion, but for people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), symptoms are never far from your thoughts. The festive period just makes them more noticeable - rich foods, alcohol, and disrupted routines bring flare-ups into sharper focus. One persons' trigger isn't always the same as what triggers someone else.

Waiting rarely helps

IBS doesn’t suddenly settle if you leave it alone. Often, it’s when symptoms are at their worst that getting support makes the biggest difference. Patterns and triggers are easier to spot while symptoms are real, so practical strategies could work faster.

Practical steps you can start today

• Keep a food and symptom diary to spot triggers

• Stabilise blood sugar with regular protein, complex carbs and healthy fats

• Gentle movement - even short walks can aid digestion and reduce stress

• Consider yoga to soothe the nervous system

• Consider working with Joanne of Health and Hart, a nutritionist experienced in IBS for tailored advice

What if its only affecting your sport or at certain times?

It can be easy to say it doesn't really bother you. But if it changes your habits, when or how you exercise or what you do, or how you plan then it might be on your mind more than you realise. When you start to get help analysing what is happening we can also look at sport performance or other health issues you may have.

If IBS is always on your mind, don’t wait for it to settle — book a free Nutrition Refresh today and start feeling more in control.

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