We can help you identify and address the underlying cause of your gut issues so you can live a symptom-free life.
Written by Martin Cohen, Dip CNM, mBANT, mCNHC, Registered Nutritional Therapist.
Reviewed October 2026 · Next review due October 2027.
IBS Symptoms & Causes
IBS is often diagnosed by a GP or a gastroenterologist once the main diseases of the digestive tract have been ruled out through tests. Since various factors contribute to the onset of IBS, we support you based on your individual case and symptoms, working to address the underlying cause.
We can also work alongside your GP or gastroenterologist to provide comprehensive care.
This page explains how IBS is diagnosed, its possible causes and the ways it can be addressed.
What is IBS?
IBS is a common condition that affects how your gut functions, causing symptoms such as abdominal/tummy pain, bloating and bowel changes, without visible damage.
Around 20% of adults in the UK are understood to have IBS, and it’s twice as common in women as it is in men.
It’s important that diseases such as cancer and IBD have been ruled out. However, IBS is due more to smaller changes in the gut that lead to high levels of symptoms. These can involve bacteria, inflammation and the gut–brain connection.
From the clinic: Most people we see at the clinic have been having issues for years, if not decades, and before visiting the clinic, don’t feel they’ve been properly supported or listened to.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
One of the main IBS symptoms is abdominal/tummy pain, particualy related to going to the toilet, this is commonly also seen with constipation, diarrhoea of going back and forth between them.
While there are certain symptoms needed for a diagnosis of IBS, the most common ones include:
- pain
- bloating
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- wind
- mucus
What are the different types of IBS?
Symptoms such as pain and alterations in bowel patterns are required for a diagnosis of IBS. It’s also possible to diagnose and categorise IBS by subtype, which can help guide your treatment.
This is related to the types of bowel movements you’re experiencing.
It’s also possible for your type to change over a period of time.
The IBS subtypes are:
- IBS-C (IBS with constipation) – requires at least 25% of bowel movements to be with type 1 or type 2.
- IBS-D (IBS with diarrhoea) – requires at least 25% of bowel movements to be type 6 to type 7.
- IBS-M (IBS with mixed stool form)
- IBS-U (IBS with unclassified stool form)
What causes IBS?
There isn’t a single cause of IBS – this is a central reason why individualised treatment is required.
However, research has found that a range of risk factors can lead to an increase in the chance of developing IBS.
The most common factors involved with IBS include changes in the gut microbiome, low-grade inflammation, irritation along the gut lining following food poisoning or an infection, food intolerances, as well as stress and changes in gut-brain signalling.
Is IBS the same as IBD, SIBO or coeliac disease?
While there can be overlap, these essentially different conditions.
How is IBS diagnosed?
When you visit a GP, they will carry out initial tests and possibly refer you to a gastroenterologist for further examinations. This is to rule out conditions such as bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
Once these conditions have been ruled out, if certain digestive symptoms are still present, this is commonly when a diagnosis of IBS will be made.
How is IBS treated?
Treatment and support for IBS can involve many areas that are working to address underlying causes.
These can be used individually or in combination with each other and include:
- Dietary changes – to identify triggers and promote gut health
- Lifestyle support – to support the central nervous system and the gut-brain connection
- Gut supplements – to work to address underlying issues such as imbalances or bacteria overgrowths
- Gut tests – to shine more light on what might be contributing to the symptoms
Can IBS be cured?
Essentially, yes, as long as we address the underlying issue. The aim is to get you back to feeling 100%.
This is so you don’t have to worry about your gut, don’t have to avoid foods and essentially get back to your life again.
In some cases, even if symptoms aren’t fully resolved, we have a much clearer understanding of how to manage them and reduce flare-ups.
Martin Cohen Dip CNM, mBANT, mCNHC
Registered Nutritional Therapist
How can nutritional therapy help with IBS?
Nutritional therapy provides the personalised support needed to identify and address the underlying causes of IBS symptoms and help you feel supported along the way.
Personalised Treatment
- Our comprehensive intake process assesses the underlying factors that are contributing to your symptoms. From this, we create a personalised treatment plan for you to follow.
- This starts with a 90-minute initial appointment, with each follow-up appointment lasting 45 minutes.
Ongoing Support
- Our consultation structure means you have an appointment every 4 weeks to monitor your symptoms and make relevant adjustments to the treatment plan.
Speak to us about your gut health today
Client Conversations
Conversations with those we’ve already helped.
Rebecca
Rebecca’s symptoms of IBS started after taking antibiotics for tonsillitis. She cut out foods and introduced supplements by herself, but her symptoms continued.
With our support, Rebecca is now symptom-free.
Geri
Geri’s gut issues started decades ago. After several trips to her GP, treatment for H Pylori and even the removal of her gallbladder she was still experiencing symptoms.
Since working with us, Geri’s symptoms have stopped.
Stella
Stella’s digestive problems started gradually. This led her to cut foods one at a time and survive on an increasingly restrictive and bland diet. Even with doing this, she was still experiencing symptoms.
Stella can now eat a varied diet without experiencing gut issues.
Frequently asked IBS questions
Is IBS a lifelong condition?
No, just because you’ve been diagnosed with IBS doesn’t make it a life long condition. It just means the causes hasn’t been identified yet.
Is IBS more common in women?
Yes, IBS is seen twice as often in women as in men. This is understood to be due to differences in hormones, nerve sensitivity and transit time.
Can IBS turn into IBD or bowel cancer?
No, having IBS does not increase the risk of developing IBD or bowel cancer. However, it can still have a significant impact on day-to-day life.
Should I see a GP or a nutritional therapist first for IBS?
If you have not seen a GP or are experiencing red flag symptoms, such as sudden weight loss or blood in the stool, it can be important to speak with a doctor. We can also work to support you during the assessments your GP carries out and once you have the results.
Martin Cohen – Dip CNM, CNHC, BANT
Registered Nutritional Therapist, Clinic Director
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Understand the symptoms and causes of IBS and how they could be impacting you.
