Picture this: your stomach’s tied in knots and your mind is racing a mile a minute. It can feel like just another day dealing with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS isn’t just about tummy troubles, it’s a whole-body experience that can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated. But you’re not in it alone.
13 million people in the UK suffer from IBS, and now more than ever we need extra support [1]. IBS can cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms, including bloating, cramps, diarrhoea, and constipation [2]. If you're looking for ways to manage these symptoms and improve your overall digestive health, read on to discover our top 5 apps to support your IBS journey and digestive health in 2024.
1. Low FODMAP diet A to Z
Apple Store Rating: 4.7
Google Play: Rating: 4.7
Cost: Free
Designed specifically for those dealing with IBS symptoms by following a low FODMAP diet, this app is your trusty sidekick to make that journey as simple and effective as possible. Created by someone who knows IBS inside and out, it gives straightforward evaluations of everyday foods.
FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. In simple terms, FODMAP guides you through the dietary labyrinth, where every wrong move could spell disaster for your digestive system.
Whether you're diving into the low FODMAP diet to calm your IBS woes or just need some inspiration for meal ideas, this A-to-Z guide has your back, offering priceless support at every turn.
Why We Like the App:
- Simplified FODMAP rating system, with 700+ common foods and ingredients
- Detailed breakdown of each food's FODMAP content, including oligos, fructose, polyols, and lactose
What we don’t like.
- While the app is simple to use, the system is a little clunky and too basic. But as a food checker, it does the job.
2. Plop
Apple Store Rating: 4.6
Google Play Rating: 4
Cost: Free
In a world where we track every aspect of our lives, from steps walked to calories consumed, it was only a matter of time before someone dared to tackle the taboo topic of poo. Enter Plop, the app that’s changing the way we think about our bowel movements.
Plop allows users to record details about each bowel movement, including consistency, colour, and frequency. While this may sound like TMI for some, plop is more than just a glorified poop diary. It offers features such as personalised insights and trends based on your data. Ever wondered if that extra cup of coffee in the morning is affecting your digestive system? Plop can help you find out.
Just ‘plop’ your symptoms into the self-assessment quiz and get started!'
Why We Like the App:
- It provides nutrition tips so you can learn how to improve digestion by choosing the right gut-healthy foods and minimising high FODMAPs ingredients whilst following a low-FODMAPs diet.
What we don’t like.
- Relies on user input, which may not always be accurate or consistent. Factors like subjective interpretations of stool characteristics or forgetfulness in recording entries could skew the data, affecting the reliability of the app’s insights.
3. Bowelle
Apple Store Rating: 4.8
Google Play Rating: Not Available
Cost: Free
Imagine this: You're enjoying brunch with friends, cautiously scanning the menu, worried about which dish might trigger your IBS symptoms and leave you scrambling for excuses.
But with Bowelle, you can simply whip out your phone, effortlessly log your food choices, note any symptoms arising, and even rate your stress levels – all with just a few taps. It also allows users to record not only their food intake and symptoms but also track water consumption, and stress levels, jot down notes, and customize fields to suit their needs.
We Like the App:
- Syncs with Apple Health, so you can track everything from your steps to your sleep.
- Its user-friendly interface simplifies the tracking process.
- After tracking for six days, a report can be generated and used in conjunction with a visit to a healthcare professional.
What We Don’t Like
- You have to pay for premium for unlimited access to all of the features.
- Only available for iOS and not Android
4. Kitchen Stories Recipes
Apple Store Rating: 4.8
Google Play Rating: 4.4
Cost: Free
Whoever coined the phrase “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” clearly never dated someone with IBS. Because let’s face it, the simple joys of indulging in a cheesy slice of pizza or sharing chocolate-covered strawberries can quickly turn into a gut-wrenching affair with IBS. Luckily, with Kitchen Stories, it is much easier to show IBS the door and enjoy every bite without interruption.
While not focused on IBS specifically, Kitchen Stories is a free app providing access to over 10,000 free recipes, complete with HD video instructions for further guidance. Users can explore a wide array of recipes to suit their needs, whether you're following an IBS-friendly diet or a low FODMAP diet.
Why We Like the App
- Eases the burden of meal planning by providing structured meal plans, which relieves stress by removing the guesswork from meal choices. This is particularly important as stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, affecting digestion and overall health.
What We Don’t Like
- Certain features, like saving favourite ingredients, searching by ingredient, and saving recipes from the web, are available with a paid subscription.
5. Headspace
Apple Store Rating: 4.7
Google Play Rating: 4.5
Cost: Free
Our gut microbiome, the community of microbes in the gut, can have an influence on our brain, including our mood. In this two-way communication system, called the gut-brain axis, our gut microbiome can impact how we react to stressors, and vice versa.[3] In the Headspace app, you can tap into mindfulness which can help calm the storm raging inside, giving your digestive system a much-needed breather.
Designed to be your digital guru to combat these everyday stressors- work, chores, doomscrolling on social media- even just being a functional human being can feel like hard work at times.
Why We Like the App
- The app provides libraries catered to gut health such as “How Movement Aids Digestion”
- A big barrier to meditation and self-care is motivation. Headspace helps you form a habit, and the streaks and badges form a reward system that gives users positive reinforcement
What We Don’t Like
- The monthly subscription (£7.99 monthly, or £49.99 annually) is higher than other less popular meditation apps.
- The free trial requires entering a credit card and committing to an auto-renewal subscription.
There are a variety of IBS management apps available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing an app to help you manage your IBS symptoms and support your digestive health. Please note, that the above apps should not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis.
For more handy advice on looking after your digestive health, read our 5 Self-Care Tips for Your Gut.
App ratings were reviewed at the time this post was published.
