A client recently told me that her biggest challenge with IBS wasn’t the pain, bloating, or unpredictable trips to the bathroom. It was the feeling that she felt no one understood how disruptive it all was. Not her doctors, her coworkers or even her closest friends. When we don’t feel like we are heard, it can even make us question ourselves. Maybe this is normal? Maybe there is nothing that can really be done?
If that’s been any of your experience, please know you’re not alone.
April is IBS Awareness Month, and for the 70% of people with symptoms who are silently suffering, maybe, it’s time we made a little more noise!
This week I had an interview on Show Me St. Louis to bring awareness for those who might be having IBS symptoms. You can catch the interview here.
What is IBS?
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional GI disorder—meaning there’s no clear structural issue like inflammation or tumors that show up on imaging—but the symptoms are very real. They can include some or all: chronic bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea… or a rotating cycle of all of the above.
There’s no single test for IBS, meaning many people go through years of confusion and dismissal before they get a name for what’s going on.
But is it really IBS?
Understanding What’s Normal—and What’s Not
The wellness world can make you second-guess everything—like thinking one bout of bloating means something is seriously wrong. Let’s zoom out and look at what research—and real human bodies—tell us is actually normal:
✅ Normal
– Pooping 3 times a day to 3 times a week
– Occasional bloating, especially after beans, cruciferous veggies, or carbonated drinks
– Mild discomfort after overeating or during your period
– Some variation in stool consistency due to hydration, stress, and fiber intake
🚩 Not Normal—and Worth Investigating
– Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or aching that interferes with life
– Bloating that’s painful or visibly distorts your belly
– Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or flipping between the two
– A constant need to be near a bathroom
– Fatigue, nausea, or appetite loss linked to digestive symptoms
The truth? Our gut is dynamic and reactive—to hormones, stress, food, movement, and sleep. When symptoms are persistent or disruptive, they deserve more attention.
Why IBS Hits Women Harder
Hormones play a big role here. Research shows:
• Testosterone may offer a protective effect
• Progesterone slows down the gut, increasing constipation and bloating
• Estrogen can heighten pain sensitivity by affecting gut nerves
This means women might notice flare-ups at certain times of their cycle—and no, it’s not “just in your head.” It’s physiology.
The Brain-Gut Connection: Why Nervous System Support Matters
One of the most misunderstood aspects of IBS is its connection to the nervous system.
The gut and brain are constantly in conversation via the gut-brain axis. If you’ve felt “butterflies” before a presentation or lost your appetite from stress, you’ve experienced this link.
In people with IBS, this connection can become hypersensitive. Signals that wouldn’t normally cause discomfort—like gentle stretching of the gut—get amplified and interpreted as pain.
Anxiety about symptoms or the fear of a “bathroom emergency” can trigger that loop even before you eat.
That’s why support often needs to go beyond food. Calming the nervous system—through practices like gut-directed hypnotherapy, breathwork, or gentle movement—can be a powerful part of healing. For some, simply understanding how mental health and IBS symptoms are connected brings relief in itself. This isn’t about telling someone to “just relax.” It’s about addressing a real feedback loop between the brain and the gut.
IBS Support Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
There are many ways to feel better—and often, it takes a personalized combination. A few approaches one could consider:
-Medical nutrition therapy with a registered dietitian
-Pelvic floor physical therapy
-Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or gut-directed hypnotherapy
-Calming apps like Nerva, Insight Timer, or Headspace
-Coaching support to reduce stress and improve quality of life
At McDaniel Nutrition, several of our dietitians specialize in gut health and IBS. We offer support with tools like low FODMAP guidance, personalized elimination protocols, and maintenance plans that focus on food freedom—not fear.
While healing from IBS is possible, it’s rarely simple and it’s never all in your head.
Have you struggled with IBS symptoms or persistent gut symptoms?
I’d love to hear your story—what’s helped, what hasn’t, and where you still feel stuck. Just hit reply. I read every note.