Why Keep an IBS Food Diary?
Irritable bowel syndrome affects around 10-15% of the UK population. One of the most effective ways to manage IBS is identifying which foods trigger your symptoms — and that starts with a detailed food diary.
An IBS food diary helps you:
- Identify trigger foods: Spot patterns between what you eat and when symptoms occur
- Track symptom timing: Note whether reactions are immediate or delayed
- Monitor symptom severity: Understand which foods cause mild vs severe reactions
- Share with healthcare providers: Provide detailed records for GP or dietitian appointments
- Guide elimination diets: Track progress when removing and reintroducing foods
Important: NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracking tool, not a diagnostic or treatment app. IBS should be diagnosed by a GP or gastroenterologist. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
Common IBS Trigger Foods
While triggers vary between individuals, research has identified foods that commonly affect people with IBS:
High-FODMAP Foods
- Dairy: Milk, soft cheeses, ice cream, yoghurt
- Wheat: Bread, pasta, cereals, biscuits
- Certain vegetables: Onions, garlic, cauliflower, mushrooms
- Certain fruits: Apples, pears, watermelon, stone fruits
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas
- Sweeteners: Sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol
Other Common Triggers
- Caffeine: Coffee, energy drinks, some teas
- Alcohol: Especially beer and wine
- Fatty foods: Fried foods, rich sauces, takeaways
- Spicy foods: Chillies, curries, hot sauces
- Artificial sweeteners: Found in diet drinks and sugar-free products
How NutraSafe Helps Track IBS
1. Log Every Meal Quickly
Scan barcodes or search for foods to log meals in seconds. NutraSafe shows complete ingredient lists so you can see exactly what's in each product — including hidden additives that might affect your gut.
2. Record Digestive Symptoms
When symptoms occur, log them with details:
- Type: bloating, pain, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation
- Severity: mild, moderate, severe
- Timing: how long after eating
- Duration: how long symptoms lasted
3. Identify Patterns
NutraSafe analyses your food diary and symptoms to surface potential triggers. See which foods consistently appear before your symptoms and which seem to be well-tolerated.
4. Check Ingredients Before Buying
Use the barcode scanner in shops to check ingredients before purchasing. Spot FODMAPs, artificial sweeteners, and other common IBS triggers before they end up in your trolley.
Features for IBS Management
Additive & E-Number Detection
Some food additives can trigger IBS symptoms. NutraSafe identifies all E-numbers and additives in products, helping you avoid artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol E420, mannitol E421) and other potentially problematic ingredients.
Detailed Ingredient Analysis
See every ingredient in a product, making it easier to spot hidden sources of common triggers like garlic powder, onion powder, inulin, and wheat derivatives.
Meal Timing Tracking
Log when you eat, not just what you eat. Meal timing can affect IBS symptoms — eating too quickly, eating late at night, or irregular meal patterns may all play a role.
Export for Healthcare Appointments
Share your food diary and symptom records with your GP, gastroenterologist, or registered dietitian to support more informed discussions about your care.
Start Your IBS Food Diary
Track meals, log symptoms, and discover patterns with a food diary built for the UK.
Download Free on iOSFrequently Asked Questions
An IBS food diary tracks what you eat alongside digestive symptoms like bloating, pain, and bowel changes. Over time, patterns emerge showing which foods may trigger your symptoms.
Most healthcare professionals recommend keeping an IBS food diary for at least 2-4 weeks to identify patterns. Consistent daily logging produces the clearest insights.
No. NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracker, not a diagnostic tool. IBS should be diagnosed by a GP or gastroenterologist. The app helps you track patterns to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Yes. Food logging, barcode scanning, and reaction tracking are free. Premium (from £2.99/month) adds advanced pattern analysis and detailed reports.
Last updated: February 2026
Always check the label. NutraSafe helps you spot potential triggers and track reactions — but ingredients change and cross-contamination varies by batch. The packaging is your source of truth.