You’ll have heard of the term IBS, and it goes without saying that people often diagnose themselves before seeing a doctor. It pops up in conversations about gut health, bloating and dodgy digestion. But, in reality, many people don’t really know what IBS is, and what it isn’t. 

This guide is here to offer gentle guidance, not a diagnosis. At Gut Wealth we always encourage you speak to your GP if you’re worried about your symptoms. What we can do is help you understand some of the patterns people often notice with IBS so you can get curious about your gut instead of worrying about it - because you’ll learn that worrying can be contributing to your gut troubles. 

You know your body best. Think of this as helpful information to help you notice what might be going on.

What Does IBS Actually Mean?

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

It’s way more common than you might think, and it’s one of the most common digestive conditions in the world. Depending on the country, somewhere between 4 in 100 people and 1 in 10 people live with IBS. In the UK, it’s about 1 in 20. 

IBS is usually defined by ongoing abdominal pain alongside a change in bowel habits. That might mean diarrhoea, constipation, or a mix of both. Other symptoms can include: wind, bloating, distension, cramps and even mucus in your poo. 

While most people probably think it’s just a “funny tummy”, Doctors often describe IBS as a condition involving the communication between the gut and the brain. You may hear it called a disorder of gut-brain interaction.

Your gut and brain are constantly talking to each other through nerves and signals. In people with IBS this communication can become a little more sensitive. The nerves in the gut may react more strongly to normal movements in the bowel. Doctors sometimes call this visceral hypersensitivity. So it’s not just a dodgy belly after eating a trigger food. 

In simple terms, the gut may feel things more intensely than usual.

IBS can be diagnosed at any stage of life, but it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. It is also diagnosed about twice as often in women as in men in the UK - but that might just be because men often don’t want to go to the doctors! 

The Common Patterns People Notice

IBS tends to show up as a pattern of digestive experiences that come and go.

You might have good days where everything feels normal. And then days where your stomach feels uncomfortable, bloated or unpredictable.

One common pattern is abdominal pain or cramping. This can range from mild discomfort to something more noticeable. For many people the pain improves after going to the toilet. But also they may feel panicky about not making it to the loo. 

Changes in bowel habits are another key sign. Some people experience urgency, loose stools and chronic diarrhoea. Others experience slow transit and chronic constipation. Some switch between the two so they don’t know what’s coming next.

Doctors sometimes group IBS into different types:

• IBS C where constipation is the main symptom

• IBS D where diarrhoea is more common

• IBS M where people experience a mix of both

Bloating and wind are also very common. Your stomach may feel swollen or tight, especially after eating. Sometimes this can make clothes feel tighter and uncomfortable.

Some people also notice mucus in their stool, fatigue, nausea, back discomfort or bladder symptoms alongside digestive changes.

Symptoms can appear daily or they may come and go over weeks or months. The unpredictable nature of IBS can be one of the most frustrating parts. And the impact it can have on your mental health of not knowing what’s coming next and not feeling in control.

Getting to the Bottom (ahem) of Why These Symptoms Happen

Doctors are still learning exactly why IBS develops.

For some people it starts after a gut infection or a course of antibiotics. Changes in the gut microbiome have also been linked to IBS. Your gut microbiome is the community of trillions of bacteria and other microbes living in your digestive system that help break down food, support your immune system and influence how your gut functions. At Gut Wealth, we like to think of your gut microbiome as a city, with lots of bacteria and activity going on, all working together. 

With IBS, there may also be a family tendency, although there is no single gene that causes IBS. 

Researchers also know that the gut, immune system, emotional state and gut microbes all interact with each other. Stress and emotional wellbeing can sometimes influence digestive symptoms because of that close link between the gut and brain.

IBS is complex and there is rarely one single cause - but for many it is manageable with making daily good gut choices and reducing stress. 

Why Patterns Matter More Than One Symptom

Most people who are diagnosed with IBS recognise several symptoms happening together over time.

It is the pattern and recurrence that matter more than a single symptom.

For example, someone might notice recurring bloating, abdominal discomfort and changing bowel habits. Someone else might notice food triggers, urgency and flare ups during stressful periods.

Recognising patterns in your own body is not about looking for problems. It is simply useful information - and also helps you categorise and manage what’s actually happening for you. 

The more you understand how your digestion responds to food, stress, sleep and routine, the easier it becomes to support your gut.

When To Speak To Your Doctor

If you recognise some of these patterns, having a conversation with your GP is a sensible next step.

IBS is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and by ruling out other conditions. There is no single NHS test that confirms IBS. Your doctor may arrange a few simple checks such as blood tests or a stool test to make sure there are no signs of other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease.

Once other conditions have been ruled out, doctors can feel confident diagnosing IBS based on the pattern of symptoms. You can keep a food and symptom diary to help track what’s going on for you, and help guide that conversation with the GP so you don’t feel overwhelmed. 

There are also a few symptoms that should always be checked by a doctor. These include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Blood in your stool

• Persistent diarrhoea that wakes you at night

• A fever

• Anaemia diagnosed through blood tests

• A persistent change in bowel habits for several weeks

If you notice any of these, it is important to seek medical advice always. We know it can feel embarrassing to talk about but you want to set your mind at ease and find out what’s going on. And doctors have seen and heard it all before!

Living Well With IBS

The encouraging news is that many people find ways to manage IBS and reduce symptoms.

Lifestyle approaches are often the first step. Regular movement, solid sleep pattern and managing stress can all help support digestion. Getting some basic wellness things done every day are commitments to your overall wellness and your gut will thank you for it. 

Healthy eating habits can also make a difference. Many people find that regular meals, smaller portions and reducing alcohol or caffeine helps calm their gut. And, believe it or not, chewing your food really well can help with calmly symptoms - because you’re giving your digestive system less work to do. 

Over 8 in 10 people with IBS report food related symptoms. In some cases a dietitian may help identify trigger foods. 

Of course, supplementation and introducing beneficial bacteria, like Gut Wealth Daily Capsules, can also calm digestive upset, improve bowel regularity and reduce bloating - all very common with people with IBS. You don’t have to live like that forever, even if it’s felt that way. 

If lifestyle approaches are not enough, doctors may suggest medications that help with symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or gut sensitivity. But these also may have side effects so always ask questions. 

IBS is very individual. But you can make daily good gut choices to help feel that you’re managing symptoms. 

Getting To Know Your Gut

If you suspect your digestive symptoms could be IBS, the first step is curiosity rather than panic.

Many people find it helpful to keep a simple diary for a few weeks. You might note what you eat, how you slept, stress levels and how your digestion feels (and notes of how regular your bowels are). Patterns often become clearer over time.

At Gut Wealth we believe understanding your gut should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

Our products are designed to support digestive wellbeing and everyday gut comfort. They are not a medication for IBS, but they can be a helpful part of a wider routine that supports your digestion - and Gut Wealth’s 1000s of customer reviews are a great place to start to understand how life changing they’ve been for many. 

If some of the patterns in this article sound familiar, you are not alone. IBS is one of the most common reasons people visit their GP - some say it takes up to 10% of GP’s time. 

Your gut isn’t your enemy. You deserve to feel at your best, so making good gut choices means more gut freedom. 

Gemma 

Founder of Gut Wealth