Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be an overwhelming and sometimes isolating condition. For some, it brings daily discomfort. For others, the symptoms come and go, often without warning. Whether your symptoms lean towards constipation, diarrhoea, or fluctuate between the two, recognising the signals your body is sending and understanding how to support your digestion through a personalised approach can be transformative, not just for your gut, but also for your overall mental wellbeing. 

What Is IBS and How Does It Affect You? 

IBS is a functional digestive condition, meaning it impacts how the gut behaves rather than causing structural damage. That’s why symptoms are often persistent, but standard medical tests don’t always show anything unusual. 

The condition comes in several subtypes: 

• IBS-C (constipation-dominant) 

• IBS-D (diarrhoea-dominant) 

• IBS-M (mixed type, alternating between constipation and diarrhoea) 

The way IBS shows up in your body is unique to you. That’s why a personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategy is important, not just to reduce symptoms, but to restore gut-brain harmony. 

Common Symptoms of IBS 

IBS symptoms may include: 

• Bloating or abdominal discomfort 

• Pain or cramping that may ease after a bowel movement 

• Constipation or urgent diarrhoea 

• A feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bowels 

• Frequent wind or burping 

These symptoms aren’t just a digestive nuisance. They can affect confidence, social engagement, and emotional wellbeing, all signs of how deeply connected your gut and brain truly are. 

Why Symptoms Fluctuate: The Role of Triggers and the Gut-Brain Axis 

IBS often gets worse during times of stress, emotional shifts, or dietary changes. That’s because your gut and brain are constantly in communication via the gut-brain axis, a complex network of nerves, hormones, and microbes. When this communication becomes dysregulated, digestion can become erratic. 

Key triggers include: 

• Stress and anxiety, which influence gut motility and sensitivity 

• FODMAP-rich foods, like onions, garlic, and certain grains 

• Hormonal changes, particularly around menstruation 

• Imbalance in the gut microbiome, such as SIBO or dysbiosis 

Understanding your personal mix of triggers is one of the most important steps toward finding long-term digestive balance. 

Supporting IBS Through Personalised Nutrition 

The food you eat shapes how your gut functions, and how your brain feels, too. In IBS, this connection becomes even more important. A personalised approach may include: 

• Tracking patterns 

• Exploring low-FODMAP foods 

• Eating more fibre 

• Hydrating well 

• Creating calm around meals 

These changes can calm an overactive digestive system and rebalance signals between the gut and brain. 

When to Seek Help for IBS 

If you find yourself constantly second-guessing what to eat, avoiding plans due to gut discomfort, or feeling that your digestion is controlling your day-to-day life, it might be time to explore a more tailored solution. 

I offer individualised nutrition programmes to help people manage IBS in a way that works with their body, not against it. Together, we’ll uncover your personal triggers, improve digestion, and support your mental clarity and resilience.