What is IBS?
IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is now recognised as a 'disorder of the gut-brain axis'. This means that the research and science has found this 'axis' or the 2 way communication between the brain and the gut (called the Vagus nerve) has a very important role in IBS. The vagus nerve is a major part of our nervous system - switching from the 'fight or flight' stressed mode, to the calm 'rest and digest' mode. When you are anxious, you can normally feel it in your gut - loose stools, the butterfly feeling, knotted stomach, loss of appetite or even wanting to comfort eat. Evidence also shows that your diet can impact your mood and mental health. There is no 'cure' for IBS, however there is a lot we can do to manage IBS symptoms, improve overall gut health and calm our nervous system. Another major consideration in IBS is the hypersensitivity of the nerves around the gut. When the gut is even very slightly irritated in those with IBS, for example from bloating, it puts pressure on these hypersensitive nerves. These then send messages to the brain that cause pain in the area and stress, which is a viscous cycle.
Types of IBS include:
IBS - C = constipation dominant
IBS - D = diarrhoea dominant
IBS - M = mixed both constipation and diarrhoea
IBS - U = unspecified
The Rome Foundation IBS criteria: this is how GPs diagnose IBS after ruling other conditions out:
- Abdominal pain at least one day per week in the last 3 months.
- Plus 2 or more bowel symptoms of the following:
- worsening/ improving when opening bowels
- change of frequency
- abnormal or change in appearance - I can show you the Bristol stool chart
- Onset at least 6 months ago, and continuous for the last 3 months
It is important to state that it is ideal to get a GP diagnosis for IBS. However I can help you take a list of questions to ask, what to tell your GP and a list of NHS tests you are entitled to request. This can be done alongside the work we will do in the 12 week program so don't worry. GPs can test for other related conditions to rule out. Other health conditions with overlapping IBS symptoms include: IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Crohn's, Ulcerative or Microscopic Colitis), histamine intolerance, SIBO, coeliac disease, certain cancers, infection (eg. H.Pylori), endometriosis, bile acid diarrhoea, lactose intolerance and more. It is important to notify the GP of any of the more serious symptoms such as: blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, irregular/ very heavy periods or infertility.
As with all health conditions, there is no guarantee that my IBS programme will resolve all your symptoms. However, this then means you can confidently rule out IBS, inform your GP and we can investigate other conditions. In most cases, IBS can be well controlled once you have identified your root causes and triggers. You can then widen your variety of foods, further improve your gut and regain your confidence! The majority of IBS sufferers also have an imbalanced microbiome - not enough good gut bacteria and not enough diversity of species which is crucial for our brain, metabolism and our immune system.
I will help you understand the different types of fibre that you can personally tolerate to improve your IBS. I can recommend and arrange functional private testing, such as for: SIBO, gut microbiome, enzyme deficiency, allergy, vitamin and mineral deficiency, immune function (i.e more advanced coeliac antibodies), thyroid and liver function and much more. I can help advise you on evidence based supplements specific for YOUR health and which over the counter medications best to take for IBS flare ups.
My aim is to calm your nervous system/ vagus nerve and identify which foods trigger bloating in YOUR body. You will initially and temporarily remove these trigger foods, re-introduce and track how much of these foods YOU can tolerate. This should avoid triggering the warning signals to the brain that cause pain and bowel problems. You may have heard of the FODMAP diet. This can be very beneficial if supported by trained professionals and is not intended long term as we need the fibre for overall gut health. An innovative, safe, technical device can be hired out to calm the vagus nerve, the same way meditation does. We will investigate YOUR digestive system and improve the way foods are broken down right from the start, to balance the microbiome, nervous system and immune system.
My 12 week IBS programme is a systematic, evidence based, yet innovative approach to controlling IBS and improving gut health:
- We investigate your personal root causes and risk factors
- We can consider if any functional testing is needed
- You will learn to lay the Gut Health Foundations essential to underpin IBS: diet, sleep, stress management, movement,
- You have the opportunity to improve your Vagus nerve using safe technology, to calm the gut brain connection
- You will understand the FODMAP diet with a plan how to systematically identify YOUR trigger foods for IBS and re-introduce to find YOUR tolerance level.
- You can try evidence based supplements I may recommend if needed,
- You will improve your gut microbiome, digestion process, reduce inflammation and overall wellbeing
- You will understand how your hormones impact your IBS if you are female.
- You will learn how to prevent and manage flare ups when travelling, during holidays like Christmas, when eating out
- Food intolerances you thought you had CAN be improved, unless specific genetic conditions
- Live healthily, long term, with confidence and be the YOU you want to be!
IBS is a very complex condition, with multiple puzzle pieces. With my Food Science degree background, holistic Nutritional Therapy masters level knowledge and compassionate Health Coaching experience - I will guide you to feel better. This systematic yet personalised approach has helped so many people regain their love for life without pain or embarrassing IBS symptoms. Having digestive symptoms is NOT normal and should NOT be just accepted and put up with.