Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects up to 15% of people worldwide, yet it’s still widely misunderstood—even by some doctors. If you’ve ever been told it’s “just stress” or “all in your head,” you’re not alone.
IBS is now classified as a disorder of gut-brain interaction. It's real, it's physical, and it's not your fault.
The Three Types of IBS
- IBS-D: Diarrhea-predominant — urgent, frequent loose stools
- IBS-C: Constipation-predominant — infrequent, difficult to pass stools
- IBS-M: Mixed — alternating between both patterns
What Actually Happens
In IBS, the communication between your gut and brain gets scrambled. Signals that should be routine get interpreted as pain or urgency. Your gut becomes hypersensitive—reacting to things that wouldn’t bother others.
Common Triggers
- Certain foods (highly individual)
- Stress and anxiety
- Hormonal changes (menstrual cycle)
- Lack of sleep
- Eating too quickly
- Previous gut infections
The good news? Understanding your personal triggers through tracking can dramatically improve your quality of life. Many people find significant relief through diet changes, stress management, and working with their gut-brain connection.
Your symptoms are valid. Your struggle is real. And there ARE things that can help.
