Quick summary
IBS and bloating are among the most common digestive complaints, yet they are often misunderstood. This article explores:
- How to approach IBS in a more comprehensive, evidence-informed way
- What are common causes of bloating and IBS-type symptoms
- Why standard testing often fails to identify the root issue
- Why digestive symptoms frequently reflect broader gut–brain–hormone imbalance
- How a whole-gut, individualised approach can support digestive comfort
Digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas and irregular bowel habits are often grouped under the term IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). While this label can be helpful, it does not explain why symptoms are occurring. To understand this more fully, it’s important to consider the gut as part of a larger interconnected system.
For a foundational overview see my post for more details: Gut Health and the Microbiome: A foundational guide for gut health, digestion, hormones and immunity. [1]
Definition: IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS ) is a functional digestive condition characterised by abdominal discomfort and altered bowel habits without detectable structural disease. IBS is also known as mucous colitis, spastic colon or intestinal neurosis, and it affects the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT). IBS is three times more common in women than men.
Common IBS and Bloating Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of IBS vary from person to person and range from mild to severe enough to affect a person’s ability to work or socialise. Symptoms typically occur shortly after eating and include:
- Abdominal bloating or distension
- Gas or pressure (flatulence)
- Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating patterns
- Passing of mucous in the stool
- Food sensitivities and nausea
- Headache or brain fog
- Fatigue, anxiety, depression
Overall, IBS and bloating are the most commonly associated symptoms in the cluster.
Why IBS Is a Description, Not a Diagnosis
It is important to clarify that IBS describes symptoms, not causes. Underlying contributors may include:
- Gut dysbiosis/ microbiome imbalances
- Gut–brain axis dysregulation
- Stress and nervous system imbalance
- Food intolerances or allergies
- Hormonal shifts such as menopause
- Surgery – women may be more likely to develop IBS after hysterectomy or surgery involving the ovaries
- Some medications e.g. antibiotics or pain medications
Why IBS and Bloating Are Often Persistent
IBS symptoms may persist when contributing factors such as stress, gut dysbiosis, hormonal changes or immune activation are not addressed. The naturopathic management of IBS usually involves addressing and prevention of symptoms, stress management, alleviation of diarrhoea or constipation, and discovering and addressing the underlying cause, the key to resolving the syndrome for good.
Often IBS and bloating are signs of parasitic infections of the gut. I wrote about it in my article: Parasite natural treatment considerations. [2]
Gut–Brain–Hormone Interactions
Stress hormones and female sex hormones directly affect gut motility, sensitivity and inflammation, which is why IBS often worsens during perimenopause and menopause, and during menstruation. It is known and acknowledged that the digestive function is strongly influenced by:
- Stress hormones (e.g. cortisol)
- Vagal tone – it refers to the activity of the vagus nerve, which is a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system
- Estrogen and progesterone balance
Hormones and neurotransmitters produced in the gut such as serotonin can affect mood and stress levels, emphasising the importance of gut health and the balanced microbiome for overall mental health.
Find out more about hormone interactions in my article: Melatonin: the hidden daytime hormone that powers your hormones. [3]
Testing and Clinical Considerations
IBS is diagnosed primarily based on symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions, as there is no definitive test for IBS. Commonly utilised diagnostic tools may include a detailed medical history review, tests like blood tests or colonoscopy to rule out other gastrointestinal and other issues. Naturopaths also utilise tests like microbiome composition analysis, parasite stool testing, food and intolerances testing. Overall, testing may help to clarify:
- What is happening in the gut and other tissues/ organs
- Results must be interpreted in context and be relevant for an individual
- Remembering that “normal” doesn’t mean optimal as the test ranges are getting broader because of the sicker population. Naturopaths use optimal ranges to interpret results based on research as well as traditional clinical understanding and experience.
If you’d like help and direction re which test could be relevant to you, I offer the “Test don’t guess” bundle [4] on the website.
Find out more about food intolerances testing and its applications for IBS and gut health in my article: IgG food sensitivities testing and clinical applications. [5]
Foundational Support Strategies
There are a few key foundational strategies I utilise in clinical practice that are best applied before any protocol or therapies prescribed, as they significantly increase effectiveness and satisfactory outcomes. These include:
- Gentle dietary adjustments based on symptoms, client feedback and food intolerance testing
- Correcting meal content, timing and digestive capacity to absorb and utilise nutrients
- Nervous system regulation and stress reduction
- Lifestyle balancing including sleep, sun exposure, darkness at night, being in Nature
The overall aim is to avoid overly restrictive dietary approaches, especially long-term, as these are hard to sustain for most people. For example the popular low FODMAPs diet often recommended for IBS, is a short to medium term approach (about 3 months) and not an eating pattern to be followed long-term, as it has negative impact on the microbiome. [6] Personalised therapies taking into account client’s circumstances, work requirements and budgets are recommended.
Lifestyle factors are of key importance not only for IBS and bloating but also for calming the nervous system and overall health and wellbeing. Find out what these elements are in my posts: Melatonin, sunlight and circadian rhythm a complete guide for hormones, sleep and midlife health [7] and Sunlight as medicine: sleep, mood and metabolism. [8]
Key Takeaways
- IBS is not a single condition but a syndrome. It’s a symptom pattern, not a diagnosis
- Bloating often reflects nervous system dysregulation and gut-brain axis imbalance
- Hormonal shifts can worsen digestive symptoms at any age
- Stress is a major factor in development and persistence of IBS
- Individualised care is essential
- Foundations come before protocols = my clinical approach
FAQ
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), also known as mucous colitis, spastic colon or intestinal neurosis, is the most commonly occurring motility disorder affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It is characterised by irregular and uncoordinated movements in the muscles surrounding GIT. The condition is three times more common in women than men.
The first step in identifying IBS is a detailed medical history to establish potential triggers, as medical tests such as blood test, endoscopy, imaging or stool test don’t usually show anything abnormal. Therefore, IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that we can only diagnose IBS after ruling out other conditions as well as diet and environmental triggers that could be causing your symptoms.
The causes of IBS are still unknown and no anatomical cause has been identified to date. However, some research points to dysregulated gut-brain interactions. Other potential causes include: microbiome imbalance and bacterial overgrowth, gut infections (treated with antibiotics affecting the microbiome), aftermath of food poisoning (this is quite commonly seen in the clinical practice), chronic stress and anxiety, food intolerances and allergies, hormone imbalances, diet high in processed foods and low in fibre, and medications.
Symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically occur shortly after eating and may include: abdominal pain and/or cramping, abdominal distension and bloating, excessive gas/ wind, and irregular bowel habits such as chronic diarrhoea or constipation, or alternating between both, headache, fatigue, depression and anxiety are also common. Overall, only a small number of people have severe symptoms. Most people can manage their symptoms by adjusting their diet, managing stress, and modifying lifestyle factors. Foundational therapies listed above, diet and gut supplements for a period of time can help to address IBS long-term or permanently.
There is no one specific therapy that works for everyone, but most people with IBS can find a treatment plan that works for them. Lifestyle and diet changes are often the best long-term strategy to ease the symptoms. It takes time to re-balance the gut and the microbiome as well as calm the nervous system (assess and minimise stress!). In my clinical experience it’s possible to either minimise symptoms or reverse them by following foundational wholistic therapies described in the above post.
Yes. Diet can both trigger and play a key role in managing IBS symptoms, as certain foods and dietary habits are known to trigger symptoms or exacerbate existing discomfort. Common foods that can pose a problem in IBS are thought to be wheat, gluten and diary products. For individuals with IBS, adopting a healthy diet is not only about symptom management but also about improving overall gut health and wellbeing.
Some foods and drugs may aggravate symptoms including: gas-forming foods (e.g. cabbage family plants), processed foods, high fat foods, lactose in milk, artificial sweeteners and additives, fat substitutes, coffee and alcohol, some medications (e.g. antibiotics, reflux drugs).
Next steps
I hope you learnt something new and practical about addressing IBS and bloating symptoms. If you have been searching for an online gut naturopath or nutritionist [10] helping clients Australia-wide please get in touch.
Book an online consultation [11] now or click on the button below to book a free 20-minute initial discussion to talk about your circumstances and how I can help.
[11]I look forward to connecting with you and to supporting you in your health journey.
Best of Health
[12]
Joanna Sochan
Wholistic Health and Lifestyle Therapist
Natural and Lifestyle Therapies for Abundant Health and Wellbeing
Additional resources
- Digestive first aid for bloating, indigestion, reflux, constipation and diarrhoea [13]
- Overcoming skin issues, bloating and excess weight – a case study [14]
- How to improve gut health naturally: why 30 plant foods per week changes everything [15]
- Top nutrition tips for insomnia [16]
Disclaimer: The above material is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, prescription or recommendation. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should not make any changes in their health regimen or diet before first consulting a doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition or their particular circumstances.
Joanna Sochan is a Natural Therapist and founder of Naturimedica Wholistic Wellcare. She has a passion for helping clients transform their lives by becoming healthy and well naturally. Joanna has 15 years experience in clinical practice and has special interest in solving complex cases, gut health, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances (menopause), senior health (bone health and osteoporosis) and weight loss. She helps clients individually (mostly online) Australia-wide and also offers online therapeutic programs, eCourses and self-help eBooks. View full bio [17].