Q. I have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. How do I reduce my fibre, not increase it?

A. To reduce your fibre intake, aim to eat low-fibre versions of breads, grains and cereals such as

• white bread - not wholemeal or grainy
• white rice - not brown
• puffed rice - not whole wheat cereals
• flaked cereals - not muesli, oats or bran cereals
• no bran cereals or high-fibre types

Places where fibre lurks

You may also be eating a lot of fibre from vegetables and legumes (think baked beans, lentils, chick peas and three-bean mix) which could contribute to wind or other bowel symptoms.

Fruit too can be a problem, so opt for lower fibre types such as peeled apples, peaches and apricots.

Avoid dried fruits like prunes, apricots, sultanas and raisins which are concentrated in fibre due to the loss of moisture.

Windy vegetables such as cabbage and cauliflower should also be well-cooked and eaten in small amounts.