Irritable Bowel Syndrome Explained
UPDATED: January 2025
Do bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or even reflux feel like unwelcome guests in your daily life? Do your symptoms flare up daily or unpredictably, leaving you feeling frustrated, exhausted, or unable to do the things you love? If you’ve found yourself avoiding favorite foods, struggling with restrictive eating, or just feeling like your digestive system is running the show, you’re not alone. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to live like this.
Let’s dive into what we now know about IBS—what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how I can help you find relief. As a dietitian in Canada, I’ve specialized exclusively in digestion and digestive conditions like IBS since 2017. This laser focus has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the gut—so much so that I often know more about digestion than other practitioners. With this expertise, I’m here to help you navigate your IBS journey with confidence, clarity and the most current medical evidence.
Understanding IBS: More than Just a Sensitive Stomach
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common yet complex condition that affects the digestive system. It’s not “just in your head,” and it’s certainly not something you’re imagining. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it’s related to how your gut works rather than a structural issue like an ulcer or blockage.
Common Symptoms with IBS
Bloating and gas: Feeling like your belly is blowing up like a balloon.
Abdominal pain/discomfort: Described as either a dull ache, cramping or sharp stabbing pain, and it can come and go.
Diarrhea: Urgent or loose stools that can interrupt your day.
Constipation: Feeling backed up or incomplete after bowel movements.
Reflux: Heartburn or a burning sensation that climbs up your chest.
Many people with IBS also experience symptoms that worsen as the day progresses, leaving them feeling uncomfortable, drained, and struggling to enjoy eating or activities.
The Current Science Behind IBS
Thanks to years of research, we now understand much more about the physiology of IBS. Here’s a quick rundown of what might be happening in your body:
Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Your gut and brain are in constant communication. In IBS, this connection can become misaligned, leading to heightened sensitivity and misinterpreted signals.
Altered Gut Motility: The movement of food and waste through your digestive system can be too fast (leading to diarrhea) or too slow (leading to constipation).
Microbiome Imbalance: The trillions of microbes in your gut can become unbalanced, contributing to bloating, gas, pain, and irregular bowel habits.
Visceral Hypersensitivity: Your gut has an abnormal response to normal digestive processes, making pain or discomfort feel amplified.
Immune Activation: In some cases, a low-grade immune response or inflammation can play a role.
The Diagnostic Criteria for IBS
For a long time, IBS was thought of as a condition of exclusion—a diagnosis given when no other cause for symptoms could be found. But that’s not the case anymore. IBS is now diagnosed based on a clear pattern of symptoms, as outlined in the Rome Criteria. This includes recurrent abdominal pain associated with bowel movements, changes in stool frequency, or stool form.
At the same time, it remains crucial to screen for other conditions because the symptoms of IBS can overlap with those of other gastrointestinal disorders. Ruling out conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or cronic constipation ensures an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment approach.
A Bright Future: Managing IBS with Confidence
Here’s where the optimism comes in: the landscape of IBS management has never been better. Evidence-based strategies are reducing symptoms and changing lives. Here’s how:
Tailored Nutrition Guidance: I will teach you about how to eat for good digestion and avoid common dietary triggers. If needed, a gentle low-FODMAP diet may be a game-changers for you, and I’ll guide you step-by-step to find what works for you in your life. Our goal is to keep your gut happy all day, everyday.
Effective Bowel Regiment: It is essential to have regular bowel movements that are satisfying and leave you feeling like you are fully empty. A colon full of stool can worsen digestive symptoms like bloating, gas and pain. Establishing a consistent and effective bowel routine is a key part of managing your symptoms and improving overall gut health.
Targeted Supplements: I use a handful of safe, effective and evidence-based supplements to aid in digestion and as rescue remedies as needed.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Small changes in sleep, stress management, and physical activity can make a big difference.
Ongoing Support: Having someone in your corner who understands IBS and can help you navigate the journey is invaluable. That’s where I come in!
The Road to Relief
IBS doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right approach, you can feel better—not just a little better, but significantly better. In my practice, over 80% of patients report feeling more than 80% better within just one month of working together. That’s life-changing.
If you’re ready to take control of your symptoms, reclaim your comfort, and start enjoying your meals and days again, I’m here to help. Let’s tackle IBS together—your gut (and your future self) will thank you
