IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a syndrome, not a single disease. A syndrome simply means a collection of symptoms that occur together, rather than one clearly defined cause. 

For many people, IBS becomes a label given when routine tests come back “normal” and the underlying trigger hasn’t been identified yet. 

Symptoms may include bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, belching, diarrhea, constipation (or both), urgency, and discomfort—but the real drivers often lie beneath the surface. 

Common root causes include dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) in the upper or lower gut, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), food sensitivities, low digestive enzymes, hormonal changes, or chronic inflammation. The good news is that many of these factors can be investigated using targeted testing such as stool analysis, breath tests, and food intolerance testing.

When gut issues are labelled as IBS, they often don’t stay confined to digestion. Ongoing gut imbalances can contribute to a wide range of systemic symptoms including anxiety or low mood, restless leg syndrome, skin conditions, sleep disturbances, and hormonal imbalances. 

Dysbiotic gut bacteria can interfere with estrogen metabolism, placing extra strain on hormonal pathways and contributing to PMS, acne, irregular cycles, and worsen menopausal symptoms. 

Certain bacteria can also increase histamine production or reduce histamine breakdown, which may trigger skin symptoms such as rashes, itching, flushing, or eczema. 

In addition, gut inflammation and nutrient malabsorption (such as iron, magnesium, or B vitamins) can play a role in neurological symptoms like restless leg syndrome and poor sleep. 

By identifying and addressing the root cause rather than managing symptoms alone, your digestive health can often get significantly better.

If you are interested in learning more, you can contact me here.