Have an IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) diagnosis? Don’t stop there…..

Why an IBS diagnosis is just the beginning.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that is said to affect around 50% of Australians at some point in their lives. It is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. While the exact cause of IBS is not known, there are several underlying factors that can contribute to its development. In this article, we will explore some of the possible causes of IBS and how they can be addressed. After 16 years of working with patients, I know that you do not simply have to put up with your symptoms and just cover them up with anti-spasmodic, anti-diarrhoeal or laxative medications.

Firstly, if you have been diagnosed or told you have IBS, what testing has been done by your medical professional to get to this conclusion? I would hope that you have had some blood tests, maybe an ultrasound or x-ray or even been referred to a Gastroenterologist.

So if you have truly had a diagnosis of exclusion, as in excluding other organic/physical diseases. Then you want to look at the underlying cause of your IBS. There are way too many causes to discuss them all in this article, but lets go over a few the top 5.

5. Food allergies & intolerances

Food intolerances and allergies can trigger IBS symptoms in some people. Common food triggers include dairy products, gluten, fructose, and artificial sweeteners. If you suspect that a specific food is causing your IBS symptoms, you can try eliminating it or some intolerances or allergies have testing available.

4. Structural abnormalities

Structural abnormalities, such as a hernia or a narrowing of the intestine, can cause IBS symptoms. These abnormalities can affect the way the intestines work and lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. If you have structural abnormalities, it is important to see a doctor to determine if they are causing your IBS symptoms.

3. Infections

Infections, such as gastroenteritis, can cause IBS symptoms. This is because the infection can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the intestines and lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. If you have had a recent infection and are experiencing IBS symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions. In children, it is quite common for the lymph nodes in the gut to remain inflamed and cause significant pain post-virally.

2. Stress

Stress is a known trigger for IBS symptoms. When you are under stress, your body produces hormones that can affect the way your intestines work. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhoea. To manage stress-related IBS, it is important to find ways to reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or gut-centered hypnotherapy. I also support patients in their ability to cope with stress with the help of nutrients and herbs.

1. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)

SIBO is a condition where there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This overgrowth can cause IBS symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain. You can also have body-wide symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, restless legs, and headaches. Testing for SIBO is available, through a trained practitioner in SIBO, like me!

I often see patients who have been told they have IBS but have not had any testing done!!! It was based on symptoms alone. I guide my patients through proper diagnosis, testing that is available, and what underlying causes they should consider and I use natural medicines to reduce their symptoms, treat the underlying causes, and then maintain great gut health.

If you have any questions about the information in this article please send me an email, or if you would like to see if I can help with your tummy troubles, then please book a FREE 15-minute discovery call on my CONTACT page.

I have created a guide to help you understand the 5 ways you can begin to
reduce your symptoms of bloating, pain and gas.

This guide is easy to understand, so that you can begin implementing changes today and  
get relief as soon as possible.

Don’t suffer any longer!

A bit about me!

 I am Danielle Elliott a qualified Naturopath and the owner of Tummy Rescue.

I have been helping kids & adults improve their health for over 16 years, with the last 11 years concentrating on helping patients with any kind of gut disorder. I began focussing on everything gut related after my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. And lucky I did……as my husband and both our kids have Coeliac Disease and my daughter has a dairy allergy.

So…. I am well and truly where I am meant to be!

I love being able to help people to soothe and calm their symptoms, investigate the causes and support and improve their gut function.

I also get to write educational pieces to train practitioners and am often interviewed for podcasts and summits, which is another really rewarding part of my work. I love educating people (this is something I do in every consult), because I do believe knowledge is power. It gives you the tools to make the changes you need to!

So, when you opt-in to my E-book, you are beginning on a journey of learning and discovery, of how you can reduce your symptoms of bloating, gas & pain and improve your gut health.

I would be honoured to help you along the way.

Danielle xoxo