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IBS Explained: What Your Gut’s Trying to Tell You

Updated: Jul 10

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(Audio) IBS Explained

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, IBS can significantly impact quality of life. Despite its prevalence, many individuals go undiagnosed or misinterpret their symptoms. This guide covers the signs, causes, and treatment options for IBS to help you better understand this common condition and seek proper care.


What Is IBS?

IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain axis, meaning it involves both the gastrointestinal system and the nervous system. Unlike inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, IBS does not cause severe inflammation or significant damage to the intestines. However, it can be just as disruptive, and if left untreated lead to broader health issues.


There are three main types of IBS:

  • IBS-D: Predominantly diarrhea

  • IBS-C: Predominantly constipation

  • IBS-M: Mixed, with both constipation and diarrhea


Common Signs and Symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of IBS vary but generally include:

  • Abdominal pain or cramping (often relieved by bowel movements)

  • Bloating and gas

  • Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both

  • Mucus in the stool

  • A sensation of incomplete evacuation


Symptoms may be triggered or worsened by stress, specific foods, hormonal changes, or illness. They tend to occur repeatedly over time rather than being constant.


Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors appear to play a role:

  • Gut-brain interaction: Abnormal communication between the brain and gut due to neurotransmitter imbalances can affect motility, sensation, immune function, and mood regulation - all key factors in IBS pathophysiology.

  • Changes in gut microbiota: Imbalances in intestinal bacteria may contribute to symptoms. It is estimated that up to 78% of patients with IBS suffer from SIBO, a condition caused by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

  • Food sensitivities: Some individuals have exaggerated digestive responses to specific foods, such as gluten or dairy.

  • Stress and anxiety: Psychological stress is strongly linked to IBS flare-ups. Sympathetic dominance, where the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)—the “fight or flight” arm of the nervous system—is overly active relative to the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) system can contribute to the IBS symptoms, especially due to its influence on gut motility, sensitivity, and secretion.

  • Gastrointestinal infections: Some cases of IBS begin after a severe bout of gastroenteritis (post-infectious IBS) or due to overgrowth of yeast in the bowels.

  • Inadequate Digestion: enzyme and stomach acid deficiencies, and improper bile acid reabsorption can result in IBS symptoms.


Genetics and early life experiences (like trauma or abuse) may also increase susceptibility.


Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves assessing symptoms and ruling out other conditions like celiac disease, IBD, and colon cancer. Rome IV criteria is used to aid in the diagnosis based on symptoms; according to this criteria IBS is diagnosed when recurrent abdominal pain is present for at least one day per week in three months, related to bowel movements or associated with changes in frequency or form (appearance) of stools. Certain specialty tests such as IBS-Smart measuring anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin antibodies, may also be utilized to aid in the diagnosis of post-infectious IBS.


Treatment Options for IBS

Conventional approaches often focus on symptom management through dietary changes, like a low FODMAP diet, and medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, antidiarrheal agents, or antidepressants. Naturopathic medicine, however, aims to identify and treat the underlying causes of IBS. In my clinical practice, I often reserve restrictive dietary interventions and medications for cases of resistant IBS not responsive to other targeted treatments.


Daily digestive care discussed in my post: "Your Daily Digest: Simple Tips for a Healthier Gut", can be a great adjunct to any targeted treatments.


Final Thoughts

If you experience persistent digestive symptoms that interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice. With the right treatment plan, most people with IBS can recover from the symptoms or see significant improvements, leading to more comfortable and active lives.


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health care regimen.


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©2025 by Nazanin Safaei, ND, MS

©2023 by Vivid Health Naturopathic.

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