Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) isn’t often talked about—and yet over 1 in 10 people experience it. Women are twice as likely to be affected, making it a significant issue that deserves more awareness and better solutions.
While it can be uncomfortable to discuss, IBS can affect everything from your comfort and energy to your food choices and freedom. The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence or settle for vague answers.
Let’s break down what IBS is, how to identify it, and what steps you can take to manage (and improve) your symptoms using a functional nutrition approach.
What is IBS, Really?
IBS is a syndrome, not a single disease. That means it comes with a cluster of symptoms—and it can look different for everyone.
Common symptoms include:
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Abdominal cramps that ease after using the bathroom
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Bloating, especially after meals
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Alternating constipation and diarrhea
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Food sensitivities and unpredictable digestion
While anyone can occasionally experience these issues, recurring symptoms may signal IBS. A formal diagnosis can be helpful, but many women find their healing begins with understanding their body—not just their diagnosis.
Living with IBS: From Inconvenient to Incontinent
For some, IBS means bloating and discomfort. For others, it can include urgency or even incontinence. If that’s you, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.
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Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a powerful solution, especially for women post-pregnancy or those dealing with muscle weakness.
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Incontinence products may provide short-term support while you address the root cause.
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Diet and targeted support play a huge role in how symptoms show up (and how often they disappear).
Finding the Root Cause (Not Just Managing Symptoms)
Because IBS is so multifactorial, one of the smartest things you can do is dig deeper than surface-level solutions. That’s where functional lab testing comes in.
While many food sensitivity tests fall short, the MRT 178 (Mediator Release Test) is the gold standard I recommend for identifying hidden triggers—especially when symptoms seem random or tied to inflammation.
Want to investigate possible post-infectious IBS? A newer biomarker test can evaluate anti-vinculin and anti-CdtB antibodies, which have been linked to SIBO and IBS. Some gastroenterologists or integrative practitioners may order them through specialty labs or you can view IBS-Smart at home lab here.
If you’re curious about testing options or need help ordering a lab that will give you actionable answers, reach out to me directly. I only recommend labs I trust—and that I’ve seen deliver results for my clients.
Can Diet Really Make a Difference? (Yes.)
What you eat can either calm your gut—or aggravate it. The key is personalization.
Some common IBS trigger foods include:
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White flour products (bread, pasta, crackers)
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Fried foods
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Red meat and full-fat dairy
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Chocolate and sugary baked goods
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Alcohol—especially beer
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Artificial sweeteners and gums
The best way to discover your triggers? Keep a food and symptom journal or work with a dietitian to uncover patterns.
At the same time, focus on what supports digestion and regularity:
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Cooked vegetables (rather than raw)
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Smoothies, broths, and soups
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Lean proteins like poultry and fish
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Gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice
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Omega-3 rich foods and low-FODMAP choices
Targeted supplements like digestive enzymes, spore-based probiotics (such as Probiospore or Megaspore), and even prokinetics can support digestion and motility.
Don’t Forget the Gut-Brain Connection
IBS isn’t just physical—it’s deeply connected to your nervous system. Stress ramps up cortisol, which can interfere with gut motility, increase bloating, and worsen cramping.
Working on stress management isn’t optional—it’s essential. This might look like:
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Breathwork or meditation
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Journaling and movement
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Counseling or mindset coaching
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Better sleep hygiene
If your gut is constantly on edge, your brain probably is too—and healing goes both ways.
You Don’t Have to Navigate IBS Alone
IBS might be common, but it’s not “normal.” There are root causes to explore and powerful, personalized tools that go beyond symptom suppression.
If you’re looking for support, I offer 1:1 coaching and functional lab testing to help women uncover their unique triggers, reduce symptoms, and reclaim confidence in their body.
Ready to find relief?
Send me an email and let’s take the first step together.
