Have you been told you have IBS, but left wondering why you feel the way you do? Maybe you’ve heard that stress is to blame, or that you just need regular exercise or to eat more fiber and avoid certain foods—but despite making changes, you’re still dealing with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or that frustrating cycle of both. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. So many women come to me feeling just like you do: frustrated, confused, and exhausted from trying to piece together solutions that never seem to work without ever uncovering their IBS root cause.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
As a functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner who’s helped countless women uncover the real reasons behind their chronic digestive symptoms. And truthfully? I’ve been where you are. Fifteen years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS after countless doctor visits that ended with nothing more than a prescription for laxatives and antidepressants. I remember sitting in my car after those appointments, wondering, Is this really my life now? Spoiler alert: those meds didn’t fix my symptoms. It took me nearly a decade of trial and error—and a whole lot of research—to discover what was actually driving my IBS. Once I found those root causes and addressed them, everything changed. And now, I help people with IBS do the same (without wasting years trying to figure it out alone!).
If you’ve been feeling like you’re just “managing” your IBS instead of overcoming it, I want you to know there are answers—and real solutions that get to the root of the problem. Let’s break down the top root causes of IBS and how you can finally start to feel better.
Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Identifying IBS Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS can vary significantly from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Uncontrollable bloating and gas
- Food intolerances
- Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Urgency to have a bowel movement
- Incomplete evacuation
- Increased gas or mucus in the stool
Other symptoms that may be related to IBS include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chronic fatigue & brain fog
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Hormone imbalances
- Skin issues
- Autoimmune conditions
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of serious conditions like colon cancer
But if you’e read my last blog post on why IBS is not a practical diagnosis, you understand that the diagnosis isn’t what matters, it’s the hidden imbalances beneath the surface that you want to address.
Which is why so many surface-level don’t work and can even make IBS worse in the long-run. They are focused on suppressing and managing symptoms, often neglecting the root causes at the underlying level.
Most Common Root Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
Whether it’s IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, or any other digestive issue, the truth is that there is always an underlying root cause that can, at the very least, be improved (if not completely corrected) with holistic interventions. As a Functional Nutrition Practitioner who has helped countless women overcome their chronic digestive symptoms and other health problems with a root cause approach, here are the most common underlying root causes of IBS that I see everyday inside my 1:1 practice:
Root Cause #1: Dysbiosis (Gut Microbiome Imbalance)
Think of your gut as a bustling city. The beneficial bacteria are like friendly neighbors who keep everything running smoothly, assisting in food digestion, nutrient production, and keeping harmful organisms in check. However, when this balance is disrupted—when harmful bacteria, yeast, or other pathogens outnumber the beneficial ones—it throws the digestive system into disarray, leading to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is a significant contributor to IBS symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. But the impact isn’t confined to your gut; it can also lead to skin issues, hormone imbalances, and mood disturbances, including anxiety and brain fog.
What causes dysbiosis? Dysbiosis can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- A history of antibiotics (even from years ago!)
- Chronic stress
- A history of hormonal birth control
- Eating a diet high in processed and inflammatory foods
- Exposure to toxins and environmental pollutants
- Gut infections or food poisoning
And no—simply popping a probiotic isn’t a magic fix. In some cases (like when SIBO is involved), it can even make things worse. This is why getting the right testing and support is key to rebalancing your gut microbes effectively.
Root Cause #2: SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Do you often feel persistently bloated, almost as if you’ve swallowed a balloon? Or do you notice that certain healthy foods like garlic, onions, or apples seem to exacerbate your discomfort? This might indicate the presence of SIBO.
SIBO occurs when bacteria that are typically found in your large intestine migrate to your small intestine, disrupting the digestive tract. These bacteria ferment carbohydrates in your diet, leading to excessive gas production and symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and even abdominal pain. If you’ve tried the low-FODMAP diet and experienced some relief (but not complete resolution), SIBO might be a contributing factor.
However, SIBO is rarely a standalone root cause—it is often triggered by other underlying issues like poor gut motility, low stomach acid, or mold exposure. This is why working with a practitioner who adopts a holistic, whole-body approach to healing is crucial, rather than simply resorting to antibiotics or herbal treatments without addressing the underlying causes.
Root Cause #3: Gut Infections (H. Pylori, Parasites, and Candida)
Gut infections aren’t always obvious, but they’re more common than you might think—especially if you’ve ever traveled internationally, had food poisoning, or struggled with chronic stress.
Identifying gut infections is crucial to diagnose IBS accurately, as it helps in understanding the underlying causes and tailoring the treatment effectively.
Common culprits include:
- H. Pylori: A bacteria that can inflame the stomach lining, causing indigestion, bloating, acid reflux, and even ulcers. It’s incredibly common—and often missed in conventional testing.
- Parasites: Yep, they’re not just something you pick up on exotic vacations. Parasitic infections can cause digestive chaos, disrupt sleep, and even drain you of nutrients (since they feed off the nutrients you eat!).
- Candida Overgrowth: Candida is a type of yeast naturally present in your gut, but when it overgrows, it can lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, sugar cravings, fatigue, and recurring yeast or urinary tract infections.
The thing is, these pathogens thrive in a gut environment that’s already weak and toxic. High stress, inflammation, poor diet, and toxin exposure can make your gut a welcome home for unwanted guests. That’s why successful treatment isn’t just about “killing off” the infection—it’s about restoring your gut’s natural defenses and resilience.
Root Cause #4: Mold Toxicity
Mold isn’t just an issue for your lungs—it can seriously mess with your gut, too. When you’re exposed to toxic mold (often hidden in homes, offices, or schools), the mycotoxins produced can disrupt your gut lining, weaken your immune system, and lead to chronic inflammation. Mold exposure is sneaky—it doesn’t always present as obvious mold allergies. Instead, you might experience food sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, and worsening digestive symptoms that don’t improve no matter what you do.
Mold exposure can make IBS symptoms worse by exacerbating inflammation and disrupting gut health.
If you’ve lived in a water-damaged building or had unexplained symptoms that seem to come and go, it’s worth exploring whether mold is playing a role in your IBS.
Root Cause #5: Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)
Your gut lining is like a security guard, controlling what gets into your bloodstream. But when that lining becomes damaged (from stress, processed foods, toxins, or infections), it can become “leaky,” allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to pass through. This triggers an immune response and widespread inflammation—leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, joint pain, skin rashes, and of course, IBS.
Leaky gut can lead to more symptoms beyond typical IBS symptoms, such as those influenced by hormonal changes during menstruation, diet, and emotional stress.
Leaky gut doesn’t just affect digestion—it can fuel autoimmune conditions, mood swings, and hormone imbalances. Healing it requires more than just cutting out trigger foods—it’s about calming inflammation, supporting your gut lining, and addressing what caused it in the first place.
Other Common Root Causes: Digestive Insufficiencies (Bile Acid and Enzyme Imbalance)
Digestive insufficiencies, such as bile acid and enzyme imbalances, can significantly contribute to IBS symptoms. Bile acids are essential for fat digestion and absorption, and an imbalance can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Enzyme imbalances can also play a role, particularly if there is a deficiency in enzymes such as lactase, which breaks down lactose in milk. This deficiency can result in symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Addressing these imbalances through dietary changes or supplements can help alleviate IBS symptoms and improve overall digestive health.
Other Overlooked Factors That Can Make IBS Symptoms Worse:
IBS isn’t always just about the gut. Other metabolic and lifestyle factors can play a big role, including:
- Low Stomach Acid: Without enough, you can’t break down food properly, leading to bloating and nutrient deficiencies.
- Mineral Imbalances: Magnesium, zinc, sodium, potassium, and other minerals are vital for digestion and energy production.
- Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Dysfunction: These organs help you digest fats and detoxify your body—when they’re sluggish, your gut pays the price.
- Chronic Stress: Stress literally changes your gut environment, slowing digestion and worsening symptoms.
- Disrupted circadian rhythm: Your sleep and circadian hormones have a huge impact on your gut health. Chronically poor sleep can lead to many IBS related symptoms.
This is why it’s important to take a holistic view of IBS – because IBS symptoms can often be caused by or exacerbated by many things outside of the large intestines symptoms.
Adverse Food Reactions and Intolerances
Adverse food reactions and intolerances are common triggers for IBS symptoms in many individuals. Some of the usual suspects include:
- Gluten
- Lactose & dairy products
- Fructose
- High-FODMAP foods (fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides, and polyols)
Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help manage and reduce IBS symptoms. However, it’s important to note that these foods are not bad, or the root cause of the problem. Food intolerances are a result of other imbalances going on inside the gut microbiota, such as gut infections, low stomach acid, or leaky gut. The most effective approach to restoring food tolerances is to temporarily eliminate trigger foods from the diet while also addressing the underlying root cause. In my practice, we like to say “Food is not the problem, your ability to digest food is the problem.”
Anxiety, Stress, and the Gut-Brain Connection
Anxiety and stress can significantly exacerbate IBS symptoms, and research suggests a strong connection between the gut and the brain. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication network that allows the gut and brain to communicate with each other.
Stress and anxiety can affect gut function, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. Conversely, IBS symptoms can also contribute to anxiety and stress, creating a vicious cycle. Managing stress and anxiety through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, lifestyle changes, nervous system support, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help alleviate IBS symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Why Most People Struggle to Find Relief (and How You Can Break the Cycle)
Here’s the deal: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that rarely has just one exact cause. More often than not, it’s a combination of factors—like dysbiosis and leaky gut and chronic stress—all feeding into each other. That’s why quick fixes rarely work. To truly heal, you need a comprehensive, personalized approach that looks at the whole picture.
That’s exactly what I do in my 1:1 functional nutrition program, Gut Well. We start with advanced functional lab testing to identify exactly what’s causing your symptoms (because guessing isn’t a strategy), and create a tailored, holistic protocol that addresses your unique needs and actually fix the problem. No cookie-cutter diets or one-size-fits-all supplements—just a clear, step-by-step plan that helps you finally get relief and feel like yourself again.
Ready to stop spinning your wheels and get to the bottom of your gut issues? Learn more about Gut Well here and let’s get you on the path to real healing.
Get Rid of your IBS with my Functional, Root Cause Approach
You don’t have to live with constant bloating, unpredictable bathroom trips, or the exhaustion that comes from always wondering what will trigger your symptoms. IBS isn’t something you just have to “manage” forever—when you address the root causes, you can heal. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’re ready to take that next step, I’m here for you. Let’s chat about how we can get you feeling better—because you deserve a life that’s not dictated by your gut.
