Constipation vs IBS: When to Seek Help from a Dietitian

Understanding the Difference

Constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share some symptoms — bloating, discomfort, irregular bowel movements — but they’re not the same condition.
Knowing the difference helps you get the right support and relief sooner.

• Constipation happens when bowel movements are infrequent, hard, or difficult to pass.

• IBS is a functional gut disorder involving changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, or both) along with bloating or pain that improves after going to the toilet.

(Learn more about signs of an unhealthy gut in our Gut Check: Recognize and Improve an Unhealthy Microbiome blog.)

Common Signs of Constipation

• Fewer than three bowel movements per week

• Hard, dry, or pellet-like stools

• Straining or feeling of incomplete emptying

• Bloating or discomfort after meals

Possible causes:
Low fibre intake, dehydration, certain medications, or reduced mobility (common in older adults or those with disabilities).

Dietitian tip: Don’t ignore constipation. Chronic constipation can lead to discomfort, fatigue, or poor appetite — all of which impact your overall health.

What IBS Feels Like

IBS can present differently for everyone, but it’s defined by ongoing digestive changes not explained by another condition.
Typical symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping that eases after a bowel movement

• Alternating constipation and diarrhoea

• Gas, bloating, or excessive wind

• Unpredictable toilet patterns

IBS subtypes:

• IBS-C (constipation dominant)

• IBS-D (diarrhoea dominant)

• IBS-M (mixed pattern)

How a Dietitian Can Help

At Appetite for Nutrition, our NDIS-registered dietitians specialise in gut health and functional gut disorders. We help identify triggers, optimise fibre types, and guide you through proven strategies — without over-restricting your diet.

Your personalised plan may include:

• Adjusting soluble and insoluble fibre types

• Reviewing hydration and meal timing

• Trialling probiotics or a modified FODMAP approach

• Reviewing medications or supplements with your GP team

(You might also like our gut friendly meal plans in our shop including Low FODMAP 

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve had ongoing symptoms for more than 3–4 weeks, or if you experience:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Blood in stools

• Persistent bloating or fatigue

• Changes in toilet habits that disrupt daily life

…it’s time to see your GP and a dietitian.
Together, they can rule out other conditions and create a nutrition plan that works for you.

Evidence-Based Nutrition for Digestive Comfort

You don’t have to live with ongoing discomfort or guess what’s wrong.
Our gut health dietitian team helps you understand your body’s signals and find lasting relief with practical, evidence-based nutrition.

👉 Book a consultation with a gut health dietitian today to get support for IBS, constipation, or other digestive concerns — in-person across Melbourne or via Telehealth Australia-wide.