It’s no secret that digestive problems can turn a good day upside down. For many people, ongoing issues like bloating, gas, and unpredictable bowel habits can feel like a constant guessing game. One day you’re fine; the next, you’re struggling with uncomfortable, even painful symptoms. That’s the reality for people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. While it’s common, IBS can be tricky to manage because everyone’s triggers are a little different. Understanding what sets off your symptoms is one of the most helpful ways to get things under control.
What is IBS?
IBS is a long-term condition that affects the large intestine. It’s what doctors call a functional gut disorder, so there’s nothing physically wrong with the bowel that can be picked up on scans or blood tests, but it still doesn’t quite work the way it should. Common symptoms of IBS can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Nausea.
For some, these symptoms come and go, while for others, they stick around and make day-to-day life unbearable. Most people are diagnosed with IBS after other conditions have been ruled out.
What is the difference between IBS and IBD?
IBS is often confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBS and IBD are very different conditions.
IBD causes inflammation and can lead to more serious issues like internal bleeding or weight loss, while IBS usually doesn’t typically cause long-term damage, or progress to other serious conditions like cancer.
What are some IBS triggers?
The frustrating thing about IBS is that there isn’t one root cause, and it will differ from person to person. Instead, it can be caused by a mix of things that can trigger flare-ups, from what you eat and drink to how much sleep you’re getting or how stressed you feel. Hormonal changes, infections, and even certain medications can also play a part.
Because the symptoms vary so much, finding your specific triggers can be a process of trial and error. Keeping a symptom diary that tracks your meals, stress levels, and daily routine can help you spot patterns and sense what’s happening in your gut. Here’s a breakdown of the triggers we know:
- Diet
Diet is one of the most common triggers for IBS symptoms. Some foods are known to irritate the digestive system. Caffeine and alcohol are frequent offenders, as they can overstimulate the gut. Foods high in fat or artificial sweeteners can also cause trouble. Many people find relief by reducing foods high in what’s called FODMAPs, fermentable carbohydrates that the gut struggles to digest.
These include certain dairy products, wheat, and foods sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. Vegetables like cauliflower, asparagus, peas, as well as legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, can also be tough for some people’s digestive systems to handle.
When your diet triggers IBS symptoms, it may be best for you to make a change and try some foods that are more gentle on your gut. Simple proteins such as eggs, poultry, and seafood, along with non-dairy options like soy or almond milk, can be easier on the stomach. Vegetables like carrots, lettuce, potatoes, and zucchini are good choices to incorporate into your diet.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but making small changes and paying attention to how your body reacts to different foods can make all the difference in managing and preventing IBS flare-ups.
- Stress, depression, anxiety
Did you know that there is a strong connection between your gut and brain? It’s often referred to as the “gut-brain axis”. Often when you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, it’s common to feel it in your stomach too. This is because your gut reacts to emotional changes just like any other part of your body.
Many people with IBS notice their symptoms tend to flare up during times of high stress or emotional strain. It might be before a big event, during a difficult time at work, or when life feels overwhelming. Managing mental health isn’t always easy, but it can be one of the most effective ways to keep IBS under control.
When do you need to seek medical attention for IBS?
IBS can usually be managed at home with some lifestyle tweaks, but it’s important to know when to get things checked out. If you start noticing new or worsening symptoms, you should seek out medical attention. Some concerning symtoms that require you to seek medical advice immediately include if you experience:
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing pain that doesn’t ease
- Anaemia.
Even if your symptoms aren’t severe, it’s worth seeing a doctor if they start affecting your daily life. You don’t have to live in discomfort or try to figure it all out on your own. And, if you don’t want to see a traditional doctor for it, you can explore naturopathic routes.
Where can you go for help with IBS?
IBS can be debilitating to say the least, but there are ways to identify your triggers, relieve your symptoms and make it more manageable. If you’re experiencing IBS symptoms and want to learn more about it and how to manage it, we recommend checking out this helpful site from the The Shift Clinic. The Shift Clinic is a functional medicine clinic in Brisbane. They can teach you more about your IBS and help you find more natural and functional means of dealing with it.
Final thoughts
IBS might seem difficult to handle, but that doesn’t mean it has to control your life. Learning what triggers your symptoms and making small, consistent changes can make a huge difference. Whether adjusting your diet, managing stress, or getting professional advice when needed, every step helps you get closer to a calmer, more comfortable gut. With patience, most people find their symptoms easier to manage over time. It’s all about understanding your body and giving it the care it needs to work its best.
