IBS Symptoms: 5 Hidden Reasons Your Gut Is Acting Up

IBS Symptoms: 5 Hidden Reasons Your Gut Is Acting Up (And What You Can Do About It)

If you’re constantly battling IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, pain, unpredictable bowel movements or fatigue, you’re not alone – and you’re not crazy. Your gut is trying to tell you something. Often, we’re so busy firefighting the symptoms that we miss the root causes hiding in plain sight. Let’s change that.

Here are 5 often-overlooked reasons your IBS symptoms keep showing up — and what you can do to start feeling better, fast.

1. IBS Symptoms and FODMAPs: The Fermenting Foods That Fight Back

Certain foods trigger IBS symptoms more than others – and high-FODMAP foods top the list. FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and easily fermented by gut bacteria. This can cause major bloating, gas, and discomfort.

Common FODMAP triggers include:

• Dairy (especially conventional pasteurised milk)

• Gluten (wheat, barley, rye)

• Onions, garlic, apples, broccoli, avocado

• Artificial sweeteners, alcohol, caffeine

An elimination diet can be a game-changer in identifying your personal triggers. But remember – FODMAPs are symptom triggers, not root causes. Cutting them out may bring temporary relief, but we need to dig deeper for long-term healing.

2. Stress: The Silent Agitator Behind IBS Symptoms

Ever noticed how your gut flares up when life gets overwhelming? Stress affects your gut through your nervous system, inflammation levels, and even your gut bacteria. It’s a powerful player in IBS symptoms – and too often ignored.

If you’re worried about your gut health, I’d highly recommend downloading my online course The Ultimate Gut Health Programme to help support your digestive system, whilst avoiding triggering symptoms.

It’d be impossible to include all you need to know in one blog, but the programme will have all you need to know to ensure you’re soothing your digestive system, whilst eating delicious and filling foods.

Stress reduction isn’t fluffy self-care – it’s essential gut health medicine. Try:

• Walking in nature

• Deep breathing and meditation

• Hobbies and social connection

• Acupuncture or gentle exercise

Your gut and brain are in constant communication via the vagus nerve. When stress levels rise, gut function often plummets. Taking steps to manage your stress can literally reset your digestion.

4. Dysbiosis: When Your Gut Bacteria Are Out of Whack

Gut bugs run the show when it comes to digestion. If your microbiome is out of balance (a condition known as dysbiosis), you may be left battling IBS symptoms without even realising why.

Dysbiosis can result from:

• Antibiotic or medication use

• Poor diet

• Chronic stress

• Environmental toxins

• Excess alcohol or smoking

Symptoms of dysbiosis include:

• Bloating, gas, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea

• Skin issues (acne, rashes, eczema)

• Low immunity

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Joint and muscle pain

Good news? Your microbiome is highly modifiable. With the right support, your gut can re-balance and begin to heal.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live with IBS Symptoms Forever

Even if you’ve been told your gut issues are “just IBS,” that doesn’t mean you have to accept the symptoms. IBS symptoms are a sign something’s out of balance. When you take the time to explore the deeper causes — food reactions, stress, dysbiosis, SIBO — you unlock the path to real healing.

Start by tuning in, tracking your symptoms, and making small changes. Every step you take is one closer to a calmer, happier gut.