When Millie Mackintosh, a British lifestyle influencer and former reality‑TV star, opened up about her IBS management plan, readers got a behind‑the‑scenes look at how a protein‑heavy, paleo‑style diet and a single daily probiotic shot are reshaping her everyday life.
She shared the details in an exclusive interview with Women's Health UK, published under reference code a44932857 on March 12, 2024. The timing matters: the conversation arrives just as the UK’s National Health Service reports a 12% rise in IBS‑related GP visits over the past year, affecting roughly 3.2 million Brits.
Background: IBS in the UK and Mackintosh’s Journey
According to the latest British Society of Gastroenterology data, women account for about 65 % of all IBS diagnoses. Mackintosh first learned she had the condition at age 18 during a gap‑year backpacking trip through Bali and Thailand. She recalled severe cramps forcing her to miss social events, a turning point that nudged her toward long‑term gut‑health research.
While some sources claim she was diagnosed at 15, Mackintosh herself clarified in the Women's Health interview that the formal diagnosis came at 18, roughly 15 years before the article’s publication. The discrepancy highlights how personal timelines can blur in the media spotlight.
Day‑to‑day diet: Two breakfasts, protein focus, and batch cooking
Her mornings start at 6:30 AM UTC with a blended drink – vegan protein powder, almond milk, frozen berries, and an occasional pinch of matcha for a caffeine‑free lift. After a quick walk to the gym (7:00 AM), she heads back for "second breakfast": scrambled or poached eggs, rye toast or avocado, and a handful of vegetables. Mackintosh says the dual‑breakfast approach keeps blood‑sugar steady and prevents the post‑lunch slump that often triggers IBS flare‑ups.
Lunches are all about simplicity and balance. She follows a "one‑carb, one‑protein, veggies" rule, usually prepping turkey meatballs, brown rice, and steamed broccoli in batch on Sundays. The meals sit in reusable Tupperware containers, ready for a work‑day grab‑and‑go.
Post‑workout, she swears by a berry‑laden protein shake – vegan protein, plant‑based milk, and a spoonful of almond butter – though she admits the exact mix varies "depending on my mood." The key, she stresses, is consistency, not perfection.
- 6:30 AM – protein smoothie (vegan powder, almond milk, berries, matcha)
- 7:00 AM – gym session, then eggs with veg & rye toast
- 12:00 PM – batch‑cooked turkey, brown rice, veg
- Post‑workout – berry protein shake
- Morning – one shot of Symprove probiotic
She also limits high‑FODMAP foods like garlic, onions, and certain legumes, a nod to the broader advice from dietitians featured in other Women’s Health pieces.
Probiotic breakthrough: Why Symprove matters
Symprove entered Mackintosh’s routine after a friend recommended it during her twenties, when she was "still suffering with IBS, mainly with a really swollen and sore stomach." Within a week, she noticed a dramatic reduction in bloating and a smoother digestion pattern.
Her regimen is simple: a single 10‑ml dose taken straight in the morning, no need for refrigeration or fancy timing. When she skips it, she experiences a noticeable return of discomfort, confirming the probiotic’s role in her gut‑microbiome balance.
This mirrors the experience of fellow British star Catherine Tyldesley, who also credited Symprove with ending chronic abdominal pain that had required multiple hospitalisations. Both women’s stories have sparked conversation on social platforms, where thousands are now asking about the product’s efficacy.
Reactions from the health community
Registered dietitian Dr. Elaine Tew told Women’s Health that while probiotic strains vary in potency, Symprove’s multi‑strain formula aligns with emerging research suggesting live‑culture supplements can modulate IBS symptoms. However, she cautions that probiotics are not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution and should be paired with dietary adjustments.
Nutrition expert Dr. Lenherr added that Mackintosh’s largely animal‑protein focus sidesteps many high‑FODMAP pitfalls common in plant‑based diets, but warned that long‑term restriction of legumes could affect fiber intake. He recommends rotating in low‑FODMAP legumes like canned lentils to keep the gut flora diverse.
Fitness coach Jamie Collins, who works with Mackintosh on Instagram, highlighted the synergy between the diet and her high‑intensity interval training schedule – both demand quick recovery, which a stable gut can provide.
What’s next for Mackintosh and IBS awareness
Looking ahead, Mackintosh plans to launch a short‑form video series on Instagram Live, walking fans through a week of her meals and answering live questions about gut health. She also hints at collaborating with a UK gastroenterology charity for a public‑policy push encouraging insurers to cover evidence‑based probiotics for chronic IBS sufferers.
For readers, the takeaway is clear: managing IBS isn’t about a single miracle food but about a consistent, personalized routine that balances protein, low‑FODMAP carbs, and targeted supplementation. As Mackintosh puts it, "I’m focused on maintaining gut health, rather than fixing it."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Millie Mackintosh’s diet differ from typical low‑FODMAP plans?
Mackintosh leans toward a protein‑rich, paleo‑style approach, prioritising animal protein, eggs, and low‑FODMAP vegetables. Traditional low‑FODMAP plans often emphasize reducing all fermentable carbs, which can limit variety; Mackintosh instead focuses on portion control and avoiding high‑FODMAP triggers like garlic and certain beans.
Why does she take Symprove every morning?
Symprove contains live‑culture bacteria that need to reach the gut alive. Taking it on an empty stomach maximises survival through stomach acid, and Mackintosh finds the single‑dose routine easy to remember, which improves adherence.
Can others with IBS safely copy her two‑breakfast routine?
The split‑breakfast method works for many because it stabilises blood‑sugar and reduces hunger‑driven over‑eating, a common IBS trigger. However, individuals with different energy needs or who struggle with weight management should consult a dietitian before adopting the same calorie load.
What do experts say about combining probiotics with a paleo‑style diet?
Experts like Dr. Tew note that a low‑carb, protein‑focused diet can support probiotic efficacy by providing fewer fermentable substrates that might otherwise feed harmful bacteria. Still, a balanced intake of prebiotic fiber is recommended to nurture the beneficial strains introduced by supplements.
Will her upcoming Instagram series include medical advice?
Mackintosh says the series will focus on personal experience, meal prep demos, and Q&A sessions. She emphasizes that viewers should always seek professional medical guidance before changing diet or supplement routines.
