Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Understanding IBS – In Plain English

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of those conditions that’s easy to dismiss — until you actually have it. While it doesn’t cause the same visible damage to the digestive tract as IBD, it can still have a huge impact on daily life.

Put simply: IBS is a functional gut disorder — meaning the digestive system isn’t working as it should, even though it may look “normal” on scans or tests.

How does it start?

There’s rarely just one cause, but IBS often develops after:

• A gut infection or food poisoning – This can trigger long-term changes in how the gut works.

• Imbalance in gut bacteria – Too much of certain bacteria, or not enough of the beneficial kinds.

• Stress and anxiety – The gut and brain are deeply connected; stress can change gut motility and sensitivity.

• Food triggers – Certain foods can set off symptoms, especially if the gut lining is already sensitive.

• Genetics – Family history can make you more susceptible, but lifestyle and environmental triggers usually play the bigger role.

In my own case, IBS symptoms really kicked in after periods of high stress and travel, combined with a diet that wasn’t serving me. Over time, my gut became hypersensitive to even small changes in food or routine.

What does it feel like?

IBS symptoms vary from person to person, but can include:

• Bloating and excessive gas

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Constipation, diarrhoea, or both (alternating)

• Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied after going to the toilet

• Increased symptoms during stressful times or after certain foods

I remember feeling like my gut had a mind of its own — unpredictable, inconvenient, and often embarrassing. Even “healthy” foods would sometimes set me off, which made eating feel like a gamble.

Why symptoms alone aren’t the full story

IBS is often managed by avoiding trigger foods, but this is just one piece of the puzzle. What worked for me was addressing the root causes — calming the gut, restoring balance to my microbiome, and supporting my nervous system so my digestion could reset.

I discovered that:

• Resting the gut and giving it a break from irritating foods made a huge difference

• Repairing the gut lining helped reduce sensitivity over time

• Managing stress was just as important as changing what I ate

That’s why I created The IBS Low FODMAP Diet — a simple, step-by-step guide that walks you through my approach to soothing symptoms, identifying triggers, and building a calmer, more reliable digestion.

Take Your First Step Towards Relief

You don’t have to keep guessing or restricting your life.
[Download The IBS Low FODMAP Diet] – and start working with your gut instead of fighting against it.