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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Supporting your wellbeing at every step of your IBS journey.
Constipation, cancer, and the power of calming down: Hannah’s story
Four decades ago, Hannah* sensed something was amiss in her gut, setting her on a 40-year journey to reclaim control of her digestive well-being. Finding a level of relief she could live with after years of trial and error for her IBS-C, a surprise cancer diagnosis in her 50s unraveled her hard-earned progress. With gut health no longer a priority, Hannah shifted into survival mode.
Yoga for IBS: Poses to Help Aid Digestion and Relieve Pain
Living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be a relentless challenge. Unpredictable abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements disrupt the simplest daily activities, from work obligations to social engagements. While conventional treatments revolve around medications and dietary adjustments, many individuals turn to holistic approaches for relief. Among these, yoga can be a potent tool to alleviate IBS symptoms and foster a sense of well-being. Let's delve into the transformative power of yoga poses and discover how they can bring much-needed relief to your gut.
Low FODMAP Diet PDF: Grocery List and Printable FODMAP Diet Chart
Are you dealing with the unpleasant symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Perhaps you're just eager to improve your gut health? Either way, a Low FODMAP diet might be your key to digestive comfort. Use our low FODMAP grocery list and printable chart to make shopping on the low FODMAP diet as easy as possible.
IBS and Stress: The Gut-Brain Link, Causes, & Management
If you’ve ever experienced 'butterflies in your stomach' then you have felt the effects of the stress-gut connection. For many, stress and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) go hand in hand. By understanding and managing stress you can help reduce your symptoms of IBS.
IBS and Anxiety - The Gut-Brain Connection, Symptoms, and Treatments
IBS and anxiety are unfortunately very much connected, with up to 40% of IBS patients also suffering from an anxiety disorder. Why is this the case and what does it mean for treating IBS? It's all down to the gut-brain connection.
IBS Flare-Up: Symptoms, Causes, Duration & Treatment
Looking for ways to calm an IBS flare up? You're not alone. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition affecting around 15% of people, with symptoms including stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Although IBS is typically a chronic (long-lasting) condition, many people's symptoms come and go. If you're experiencing an increase in symptoms, here are some helpful strategies to soothe an IBS flare-up.
Your IBS Questions Answered (Watch)
What if Nerva doesn’t work for me? The low FODMAP diet is too hard, so what are my options? Is stress making my IBS worse? Dietitian Amy Minogue is here to answer these questions and more about IBS, gut health, and the Nerva program.
Which diet for IBS is best?
When it comes to selecting the best diet for IBS, there are a lot of different considerations, including your unique circumstances and triggers.comes to selecting the best diet for IBS, there are a lot of different considerations, including your unique circumstances and triggers.
Food Fear and IBS
One in seven people experience frustrating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. And while the cause of IBS remains unclear, many people have identified certain foods as triggers for their symptoms.
What to Consider Before Starting a Low FODMAP Diet
If you’re currently navigating the frustrating world of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and considering a low FODMAP diet to improve or reduce your symptoms, know that it’s not always the best option for everyone.
Looking After Your Gut Microbiome on the Low FODMAP Diet
The health of your gut microbiome is one of the most revealing indicators of what’s really going on in your digestive system.
The Vagus Nerve: Your Key to Managing IBS
The vagus nerve is a communication super highway that runs from your brain to your bowel, and the messages it sends up and down between the two have a significant impact on your IBS symptoms.
How Exercise Can Improve Your IBS Symptoms
There’s a well-known saying that ‘exercise is medicine’, and for people living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), that may certainly be true. Whether it’s walking, tai chi, or yoga, regular physical movement has been shown to help relieve IBS symptoms and improve associated fatigue, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life.
The Best IBS Treatments
While we can’t promise a quick-fix cure for your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (and wouldn’t trust anyone who said they could), there are multiple science-backed ways you can treat your IBS, reduce your pain and discomfort, and start feeling better.
Finding Freedom From IBS Through Hypnotherapy: Libby’s Story
Discovering gut-directed hypnotherapy for retired sales rep Libby* came at the end of a long and frustrating 26-year journey with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). After so many setbacks, Libby said the Nerva program offered her new hope, and life has never been better.
From IBS Pain to Empowerment: Sophie’s Story
Studies show that most people are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), typically 6.6 years after their symptoms begin. For Sophie*, a married mom of two in her 50s, her journey to a pain-free life took a lot longer, with many setbacks along the way. After 40 years of trying to manage IBS pain, starting in childhood, Sophie says her quality of life has never been higher. And after overcoming many obstacles and completing the Nerva program three times over, Sophie is as surprised as anyone that she is free to lead life on her own terms.
How to Diagnose IBS
A diagnosis for IBS can make the difference between enduring your symptoms and relieving them. And while a diagnosis can set you on the course for treatment, management and relief, it’s thought that only 30% of people experiencing IBS symptoms consult a doctor.
Types of IBS: Are you a C, D, M or U?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), covers an array of gut conditions. If you’ve been recently diagnosed, or feel you may have IBS, it’s important to understand the difference between them.
CBD for IBS: Your Questions Answered
CBD (cannabidiol) in the form of oil, gel, and capsules has been touted as the new cure-all for everything from migraines and chronic pain to seizures. But when it comes to using CBD for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), very little is known. With up to 1 in 10 people worldwide experiencing IBS, there is growing interest to see if CBD could be a new tool to relieve symptoms.
Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy: What Is It & How Does It Work?
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is quickly becoming one of the most promising new techniques for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but what exactly is it? And how can our minds change what happens in our gut?
IBS in Children: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
If you are reading this, you are most likely a parent or guardian searching for clarity around the topic of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children. You may also be a family member, teacher, or caregiver looking for ways to best support a child with IBS in your community.
IBD vs IBS: Understanding Different Gastrointestinal Conditions
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are two distinct gut disorders. While very different in nature, they are often confused due to their similar-sounding names and several overlapping symptoms.
Busting 7 IBS Myths for IBS Awareness Month
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month, and April 19 is World IBS Day, so there's no better time for us to bust some unhelpful myths about IBS.
Put Down the... Eggs? The Truth about Chocolate and IBS this Easter
With Easter just around the corner, many people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) start to question if a few seasonal treats are worth the potential tummy troubles. Whether you’re celebrating Easter as a religious holiday, or as a non-secular way to bring in a new season, it’s a hard time of year to avoid chocolates altogether. So, is chocolate safe for people with IBS and how much chocolate can a person with IBS eat before experiencing a flare-up?
Menopause and IBS: How Hormones Can Hinder the Gut
While you might not think of menopause and IBS as being linked, the fluctuation of sex hormones can often wreak havoc on the inner workings of your gut. Having to manage just one of these conditions can be challenging, let alone dealing with both at the same time. Read on to learn why your gut health may change around the time of menopause, as well as pocketing some useful tips to make menopause gut-symptoms less stressful.
Bathroom Banter: How to Talk About Having IBS
Yep, it's just like the book says: everybody poops. So, why then is it so hard to talk about it? These days, people talk openly about all sorts of medical issues and relationship problems. Yet, discussions of bowel movements and toilet visits are usually avoided. Poop might be totally natural, but it's still a taboo topic connected to feelings of shame and embarrassment. Sounds unfair? It is. Especially if you're one of the millions of people worldwide suffering from a gastrointestinal condition like IBS.
IBS and Alcohol: a Gut-Friendly Guide
Drinking with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): How much is too much, and is it worth the potential flare-up? While you may enjoy an occasional drink, it’s important not to overlook your drinking habits when considering your triggers. If you have IBS, try monitoring the effect alcohol has on your body to better understand how much alcohol you can drink without irritating your gut. Some people with IBS decide to eliminate alcohol altogether, while others choose to enjoy alcohol in moderation.
Trip Troubles? Quick Tips for Traveling with IBS
Whether it's a day trip or the trip of a lifetime, traveling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be an anxiety-provoking experience. Unfamiliar situations, strange foods, and new environments that disrupt your daily routine can all potentially worsen gut symptoms. If you've ever found yourself desperately searching for a public bathroom in an unfamiliar place, then you know the kind of travel stresses we're talking about.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: 5 Ways to Manage IBS over Christmas
The tree is up, the candles are glowing, and the only thing left to do is enjoy a happy holiday, right? If IBS is making your season more stressful than silly, there are several things you can do to get back on track.
Healthy Conversations: Talking to Your Doctor About Hypnotherapy for IBS
Want to talk to your doctor about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? It's not always easy to discuss sensitive subjects. Even if they've heard it all before, it might be the first time you've spoken to a healthcare professional about your symptoms—or the first time you’ve thought about what kinds of treatments you want to try.
IBS and Pregnancy: Symptoms, Stress, & How to Manage
Many mums-to-be experience a range of digestive issues during pregnancy, including diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, and bloating. While not every pregnancy will include all these symptoms, few expectant mothers are lucky enough to avoid all digestive upset.
IBS at Work: How to Manage & Prevent IBS Attacks in the Workplace
Scared of having an IBS attack at work? You're not alone. Working with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be difficult for many people. Whether it's the fear of an IBS flare-up, embarrassment about sharing a bathroom, or experiencing concentration difficulties—it can feel like there are countless ways IBS can stop you from feeling comfortable and confident at work.
IBS Pain Guide: Types, Locations, and Treatments
We all know IBS can be a pain in the gut—but did you know it can be a pain in the back, head, and jaw too? After bloating, pain is the most common IBS symptom, with more than 75% of all people with IBS experiencing frequent or constant abdominal pain. IBS pain is often reported in the lower abdomen, though people may experience pain directly or indirectly related to IBS in multiple places around the body.
Dining Out with IBS: How to Keep Calm & Prevent a Flare
When every bite of food can take one step closer to spending the night on the toilet, you may start to become overly wary of what—and where—you eat.
Trick or Treat? 5 Ways to Keep IBS on Track over Halloween
Feeling cursed with an irritable bowel but still want a happy (candy-filled) Halloween? While IBS flare-ups can be frightful at any time of year, many people find that Halloween treats can trigger a variety of uncomfortable gut symptoms, such as pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
The low FODMAP Diet: Best diet for IBS?
If you have IBS, you’ve probably wondered “is there a scientifically-proven diet to improve my symptoms?” We’re here to tell you that, yes, there is! The low FODMAP diet has been shown in numerous studies to improve symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain for people with IBS.
How Can I Treat IBS at Home? 12 Tips, Tools & Tactics
Looking for ways to treat your IBS at home? Whether you’re searching for relief between doctor’s appointments or wanting to take control of your symptoms without medication, there are a range of effective at-home treatments for IBS. Lifestyle changes, diet changes, or even gut-brain hypnotherapy programs can improve IBS symptoms. And, as an added bonus, many at-home remedies are simple to do and are low or no cost.
Period Poops: What Are They & How to Stop Them
Have you ever wondered why poops are different during your period? While people might not talk about it, most women will experience a monthly change in their toilet habits. In addition to your period causing symptoms like headaches, bloating, and skin breakouts, your menstrual cycle can also affect your digestive system. One reason for this is because the same hormones that stimulate uterine contractions can also stimulate your bowels. The result: period poops.
Peppermint Oil Capsules for IBS: Evidence, Capsules, Dosage and Side Effects
Can peppermint oil help with IBS? Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a lip balm, toothpaste, and cold remedy but recent evidence shows that it is useful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS and GERD: How Acid Reflux and IBS are linked
In an unlucky twist of fate, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) places you at a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both conditions affect the digestive system and may impact quality of life.Occasional heartburn is common, but GERD occurs when heartburn is frequent. IBS is a collection of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as pain in the abdomen and constipation or diarrhea. Having one of these conditions is bad enough, but many people have to deal with both.
Hypnotherapy equals low FODMAP diet for IBS – Australian Study
In a recent randomized controlled trial, Australian researchers showed that hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. The team from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, showed hypnotherapy was equal in effectiveness to the low FODMAP diet for relieving symptoms of IBS such as bloating and abdominal pain.
Coronavirus and Digestive Issues – What’s the Link?
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic. The virus causes well-known symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. However, the virus may also induce digestive (gastrointestinal) symptoms in around half of the patients, and may be transmitted through poo. It is important clinicians and the public are aware of the link between the coronavirus and the digestive system to prevent the spread of the virus.
Coronavirus and IBS Symptoms
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm and become a global pandemic. The flu-like symptoms are well known, such as dry cough and fever, however, the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are less widely acknowledged. Symptoms such as diarrhoea and loss of appetite occur in up to half of patients with coronavirus, and it is crucial that these symptoms are made known (1). This article explains the digestive issues caused by the Coronavirus and compares them to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition experienced by 1 in 7 people globally (2).
Spastic Colon: What is it, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
The colon is the part of the large intestine responsible for storing and excreting feces. A ‘spastic colon’ describes an increase in muscle contractions of the large intestine that creates a spasm sensation, frequent bowel movements, cramping and diarrhea.
The Mind-Gut Connection: How the Gut and Brain Work Together
Have you ever felt ‘butterflies in your stomach’ when nervous? According to science, there is a very real connection between gut and mind. This ‘gut-brain’ explains how stress and anxiety can contribute to IBS, and also how the food you eat can impact your mental health. By understanding the mind-gut connection, science can help improve your mental and gastrointestinal health.
IBS Nausea: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
IBS and nausea are unfortunately interlinked. Nausea is an unpleasant sensation involving the urge to vomit, and a common symptom in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Nausea affects roughly one-third of people with IBS. (1) The symptom of nausea may substantially affect quality of life and may lead to anxiety and depression. (2)
Post-infectious IBS: What You Need to Know
While most people make a full recovery after suffering from an intestinal illness, like acute gastroenteritis, some people go on to develop continued gut discomfort or even IBS. So, what do you need to know about this kind of IBS, what symptoms do people with post-infectious IBS (PI-IBS) experience, and who is more likely to develop this condition after an infection? Read on to learn more about post-infectious IBS and learn about common treatments.
Coffee and IBS: Should You Quit Your Daily Cup?
Some people swear by their morning coffee to maintain healthy digestion. However, the caffeine in coffee can stimulate the intestines and worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, should you give up your daily cup or find a healthy way to enjoy your favorite brew? Read on to learn more about the effects of coffee on the digestive system and see if you can avoid caffeine-powered flare-ups.
What is IBS: Diagnosis, Signs, Causes, Triggers, and Treatment
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term gastrointestinal disorder that causes discomfort and pain abdomen. It is also known as spastic colon, mucous colitis and nervous colon. IBS may cause distress and impact quality of life, but does not lead to severe complications.
10 Best Natural Home Remedies for IBS
Looking for natural home remedies for IBS? While prescription medicines may help relieve some IBS symptoms, they're not appropriate for everyone, and many people prefer to use herbs and other non-medicated tools to promote better gut health and ease IBS symptoms.
IBS and Depression - What's the link? The Gut-Brain Connection
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression often occur together. However, depression does not directly cause IBS and depression is not the sole cause of IBS. Understanding the connection between IBS symptoms and mood disorders will help patients who suffer from both to receive better treatment. This article will discuss the overlap between depression and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and outline the available treatment options.
