IBS and Gut Problems

Nutrition for IBS & Gut Problems



These types of symptoms are often diagnosed as IBS. They can happen at any time of life and are particularly common amongst women. They can be worse at certain times of the menstrual cycle and in the years leading up to the menopause (peri-menopause).  This is because hormone fluctuations affect the bowel.

Gut health not only impacts your digestive system. Research is now showing that what is going in your gut affects your immune system, mental health and a whole range of other conditions. Once you have been to your GP to check out any underlying issues, there is plenty you can do with your diet and nutrition that will help.

Start by considering these 7 factors!

Low stomach acid

Good digestive function is key to avoiding IBS. A vital early stage of digestion takes place in the stomach where hydrochloric acid (HCl) is produced. HCl stimulates the production of protein digesting enzymes and it triggers the pancreas and gall bladder to produce more digestive enzymes for the digestion of fat and carbohydrates. Low stomach acid can result in incompletely digested food particles in the intestines irritating the delicate lining of the intestinal wall. As well as being a digestive aid, stomach acid acts as a disinfectant against bugs. So another consequence of low stomach acid is the likelihood of more frequent infections. Stomach acid levels can be assessed by a home test.

Gut permeability

The lining of a healthy gut wall is designed to allow through tiny molecules of food which are used for energy, stored or made into, for example, hormones or muscle. However, if the gut becomes damaged or inflamed and “leaky”, larger than usual food molecules are able to pass through its lining. When these food particles come into contact with the blood they can provoke an immune reaction. Conditions linked with leaky gut include food allergies, IBS symptoms, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. The gut may become damaged in the first place because of food allergies, incompletely broken down food particles, medication and the overgrowth of the wrong gut bacteria.

Imbalanced gut flora (dysbiosis)

Scientific research is backing up what natural health practitioners have known for years, that the composition of the intestinal bacteria is vitally important to health. We now know that diversity of gut bacteria is key to overall good health.  The average gut contains around 3lb of micro organisms, some beneficial and some disease causing. In a healthy gut, the “friendly” bacteria predominate and they have important digestive and immune functions.

An excess of the less desirable bacteria is almost always a factor in IBS. An overgrowth of yeast contributes to dysbiosis. A normal bowel will contain some yeasts but for some people, yeast becomes problematic as it develops into a form which can spread through the gut and elsewhere in the body. Candida Albicans is one such yeast. Yeast overgrowth can contribute to a range of physical and mental symptoms including bloating, gas and other symptoms.

Causes of dysbiosis include stress, lack of sleep, smoking, dietary factors and medication, particularly antibiotics, steroids and the contraceptive pill. Once the flora is out of balance, undesirable organisms including yeasts and parasites may start to multiply and crowd out the “friendly” bacteria even further. A pool of toxins is created in the gut which have a negative effect on the whole body.  Bacterial balance can be positively influenced by the right foods and supplements.


If you suffer from IBS symptoms, in particular persistent diarrhoea, or if you have felt unwell since a trip abroad, parasite infection could be a factor in your symptoms. More sophisticated than the NHS test for parasites is a test called Comprehensive Parasitology. Due to more sensitive laboratory techniques, this test can detect hard to find parasites such as giardia when other tests may have come back clear. In addition, one particular parasite, blastocystis hominis is not recognised as a pathogenic (symptom causing) organism by mainstream medicine, yet it has been detected in a large proportion of people with IBS type symptoms. When this parasite is treated, some people experience recovery.

The Comprehensive Parasitology test also detects yeast and bacterial overgrowth as well as a lack of beneficial bacteria (e.g. acidophilus and bifidus).

Food intolerances

The presence of food intolerances can be a factor in IBS. Food intolerances or sensitivities have been so named to distinguish them from food allergies. The main difference is that the latter involve severe symptoms which appear almost immediately after eating the offending food. A good example is peanut allergy which can even cause death in some cases.

Food intolerances on the other hand result in uncomfortable symptoms which can occur up to 72 hours after eating a food. Food intolerances can be detected by following an elimination diet or testing for IgG antibodies.


The link between emotional states and physical symptoms is well documented and this is particularly apparent with gut problems. There are a multitude of nerve endings in the gut and it is often called the second brain for this reason. Emotional stress, particularly if prolonged, will impact on the gut. But equally, the presence of IBS symptoms is likely to cause stress, depression or anxiety so it is a chicken and egg situation. 

Digestive enzyme secretion is affected by stress, leading to bloating, gas and food intolerances. 

Your diet has a big impact on how resilient you are to stress. 

The whole picture

A nutritional therapist is specially trained to identify the root cause of IBS symptoms and implement a naturopathic based treatment programme for maximum health and wellbeing. Book an appointment with me  07761 768 754

How to eat


  • Always sit at a table to eat.
  • Focus fully on the taste of the food.
  • Don’t overeat. Aim to stop before you feel full.

Copyright © Penny Crowther (London Nutritionist)
Tel: 07761 768 754| Email: penny@nutritionistlondon.co.uk