What Causes IBS? (And Why It’s Not Just About Food)
IBS & digestion
One of the most common questions people ask me is: what actually causes IBS?
The honest answer is that IBS doesn’t have one single cause.
A functional digestive disorder
It’s what we call a functional digestive disorder, which means the gut may look normal on tests, but it doesn’t function optimally.
Current research shows that IBS is best understood as a problem of how the gut and brain communicate, often referred to as the gut–brain axis. When this communication becomes more sensitive, the digestive system can overreact to normal processes, leading to symptoms like bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits.
What else can contribute?
At the same time, several underlying factors can contribute to this imbalance.
- The muscles of the gut may contract too quickly or too slowly, affecting digestion.
- The nervous system in the gut can become more sensitive, meaning even small amounts of gas or normal movement can feel uncomfortable.
- Changes in the gut microbiome—the bacteria living in your digestive system—may also play a role, particularly after infections or antibiotic use.
- Stress is another important factor. Because the gut and brain are closely connected, emotional stress can directly influence digestion and trigger symptoms.
Why IBS often feels unpredictable
This is why IBS often feels unpredictable. It’s not caused by just one issue, but by a combination of factors that interact with each other.
Food can trigger symptoms—but it’s rarely the whole story
Food can certainly trigger symptoms, but it’s rarely the root cause. Simply removing more foods often doesn’t solve the problem long term, and in some cases can make things worse.
The key to improving IBS is not guessing or restricting endlessly, but understanding your body as a whole—including digestion, stress, lifestyle, and individual triggers.
Personalised support
With the right personalised approach, symptoms can become much more manageable, and in many cases significantly improve.