Could It Be IBS? 4 Symptoms Worth Paying Attention To

Let’s be real, as humans, we all get the occasional upset tummy (and this is perfectly normal). Our digestive system is a complex arena of microbiota, digestion, absorption, and processing. 

However, some people have more sensitive guts and this can lead to symptoms that impact quality of life and simply annoy the crap out of you (literally and figuratively here).

One such condition that I have increasingly been seeing over the last few years, is IBS (Or Irritable Bowel Syndrome). I have worked with and helped many clients navigate this arena and regain “gut stability” and get rid of “funny tummy”.

So what should one look out for? How can you know if you have IBS?

Truthfully, this is one of the gut conditions that are not as easily diagnosed medically and require nutrition intervention to test and conquer. However, knowing what potential initial signs to look out for so you can proactively see a Doctor and speak to a Dietitian…
Well that is what today is about. 
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In this blog, I will share 4 potential signs IBS may be an annoyance in your life. However, any gut issues should always be spoken about to your doctor too because there are many gut conditions that are not IBS and much more serious (so keep that in mind).

1) Random Symptoms No Matter What You Eat (No Clear Specific Food Connection)

Do you find yourself getting symptoms left, right, and centre…
No rhythm or reason to be seen. No specific food connection or explanation. From seemingly being affected by dairy, meat, bread, fruit, and everything in between.

Well, there is a good chance (provided nothing more serious is going on), that you have IBS as the FODMAP triggers in IBS cover multiple food groups and types, which means without a structured elimination and assessment, it is hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing the issues.
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So if you are getting a funny gut with no identifiable routine or explanation and it happens like random clockwork…worth exploring further to see if you may have IBS.

2) Ongoing “Funny Tummy” But The Doctor Has Ruled Out All The Scarier Ones

One of the clearest ways to know that IBS is probably the culprit is when all else has been ruled out, it’s usually good ol Irritable Bowel.

​This is because the triggers for IBS are very specific and different to many other common gut problems but also because IBS is one condition that is not able to be reliably medically diagnosed.

So when all else is ruled out but the tum is still not feeling too flash, then you may want to divert your undivided attention to IBS and speak with a Dietitian asap.
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​3) Gut Symptoms Despite A Healthy Diet

IBS. Is. Not. Due. To. A. Poor. Diet. Repeat after me and make sure anyone who tells you otherwise, is wrongo.
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IBS is because you happen to have a sensitive gut and can not tolerate FODMAPs well. These are a group of carbs found in many foods (many healthy foods!).

So when you are getting gut symptoms but you feel your diet is none too bad, then IBS can be a possibility (but also does not mean it may not be something else, such as coeliac disease or worse, so always speak to the Doc).

However, when a healthy enough diet is in place and your gut continually feels off, then it’s worth looking into and IBS is always a possibility.

Simply see a doc first to rule out things such as IBD, coeliac disease, more simple intolerances (such as only lactose or A1 protein in milk), or reactions to non-food triggers. ​

​4) Experiencing The “ABCD’s” Of Gut Symptoms (But Otherwise Feeling Ok)

ABCD. Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.

Definitely not exclusive to IBS but if you feel otherwise healthy and the doctor has worked with you to make sure nothing more insidious is going on, and you are getting the classic case of “bloated tummy that poops a lil funny”, then IBS may be suspect number uno. 

Especially if the symptoms are not even constant but can come and go randomly as if it’s related to “something you ate”. 

Also, worth noting everyone experiences IBS differently so you don’t even need to be getting all 4 types of symptoms. This is why there are IBS categories too such as IBS-C being the constipation-dominant variety, for example. 

So getting the ABCD’s…speak to your doc and Dietitian as food intolerance is usually the cause (IBS is a condition of over-fermentation and reaction, which is why bloating and wind is big sign).

Recapping it up!

If you have IBS or suspect you may have it, you don’t just need to put up with it. If any of these signs are recognisable, then it may be time to take the next steps and speak with your healthcare professionals.

The “good” thing about IBS is that it relates directly to food intolerances and are not directly problematic for your health, like say, gluten is in coeliac disease, where it affects your health directly. 

So this means you can speak to and work with a Dietitian to help you figure out what’s really going on, identify food triggers, and create a nutrition plan that supports your gut without leaving you overwhelmed or overly restricted.

There is a process to this! And a qualified Dietitian with experience with the IBS management pathway can be your key to a symptom-free life. 

Need to nip IBS in the bud?
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As a Dietitian with experience helping clients with IBS, I am happy to have a chat and see if we are a good fit. 

If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of nutrition and want expert support that’s practical, tailored, and grounded in real science - reach out and enquire about my services that can be used to get on top of your IBS issues. 

Click here to enquire now about working together.

Or feel free to reach out with any questions - I am here to make sure you make the right decision.

You can also email me at: [email protected] 

If you are ready for “comprehensive level” full nutrition coaching solutions and feel I am the right Sports Dietitian for you already, then you can alternatively apply now directly to see if we are a good fit.

Simply CLICK HERE and start the process for reaching your peak potential and getting the body you feel happier, healthier, and more confident in.

Looking forward to taking out the guesswork and helping you “figure out this nutrition thing”. 

Sports Dietitian and Coach Aleksa 

Brisbane Dietitian and Nutritionist