Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It is considered a “functional” digestive disorder, meaning that while the digestive tract looks normal under tests, it does not function properly. This dysfunction leads to a range of symptoms, most commonly abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both.
IBS is extremely common, affecting an estimated 10–15% of the global population. Although it does not cause permanent damage to the digestive tract or lead to more serious diseases like cancer, it can significantly impact quality of life. Many people with IBS find their daily routines, energy, and confidence disrupted by unpredictable symptoms.
At Aven Clinic, we see IBS as more than a set of digestive issues. It’s a sign of imbalance—often in the gut microbiome, the stress response, or the communication between the brain and the gut. With the right evaluation and a personalized plan, patients can regain comfort, stability, and confidence in their digestive health.
The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but researchers believe it results from multiple overlapping factors that disrupt normal digestive function. Common contributing causes include:
The brain and gut are connected through a complex system of nerves and chemical signals. In IBS, this communication is often dysregulated, causing the intestines to contract abnormally or become overly sensitive to normal digestive processes.
The gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria that aid in digestion, immunity, and metabolism. An imbalance in these bacteria—caused by diet, antibiotics, or illness—can contribute to bloating, irregular bowel movements, and inflammation.
Many people with IBS report that certain foods trigger or worsen their symptoms. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, and high-FODMAP foods (fermentable carbohydrates that produce gas and bloating).
The digestive system is highly sensitive to stress. Elevated cortisol levels and nervous system overactivity can change gut motility, increase sensitivity, and trigger flare-ups.
Some cases of IBS begin after a severe bout of food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection—a condition known as post-infectious IBS.
IBS is more common in women, and symptoms often worsen during menstrual cycles, suggesting that estrogen and progesterone shifts may influence gut sensitivity and motility.
Although IBS is not classified as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), low-grade inflammation and immune activation in the gut are thought to play a role in symptom development.
IBS symptoms vary widely from person to person, but they typically follow patterns that help distinguish IBS from other digestive disorders. The three most common IBS types include:
Primary Symptoms
IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant) – frequent loose stools, urgency, and abdominal discomfort.
IBS-C (Constipation predominant) – infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements with bloating.
IBS-M (Mixed type) – alternating between diarrhea and constipation.
Additional Symptoms Beyond the Gut:
IBS is not only about digestion—it can also affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. Many patients report:
Fatigue and Low Energy – Digestive distress drains the body and interferes with sleep quality.
Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating – A result of the gut-brain connection and poor nutrient absorption.
Anxiety or Depression – IBS flare-ups are strongly linked to mental health, often creating a cycle of stress and symptoms.
Disrupted Daily Life – Worrying about flare-ups often impacts work, travel, social activities, and overall quality of life.
Common Symptoms of IBS:
Abdominal Pain or Cramping – Usually in the lower abdomen, often relieved by a bowel movement.
Bloating and Excess Gas – A frequent and uncomfortable symptom caused by abnormal digestion or microbiome imbalances.
Irregular Bowel Movements – Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two.
Urgency or Incomplete Evacuation – Feeling the need to rush to the bathroom or feeling that the bowel movement was not complete.
Mucus in Stool – More common in IBS patients compared to other digestive disorders.
When to Seek Help
It’s important to consult a provider if IBS symptoms are persistent, severe, or accompanied by warning signs such as unintentional weight loss, blood in stool, or nighttime symptoms, which may indicate conditions beyond IBS (such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. While IBS can’t be cured with a single medication, it can be managed effectively by identifying triggers, restoring gut balance, and supporting the gut-brain connection.
At Aven Clinic, our approach combines:
to uncover food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, and hormonal factors.
often including anti-inflammatory or low-FODMAP approaches.
support to calm the gut-brain connection.
such as IV nutrition, peptide support, and targeted supplementation to restore balance.
With the right care, patients with IBS can move from unpredictable flare-ups to long-term digestive freedom.
📅 Schedule a consultation with Aven Clinic today and take the first step toward restoring comfort, balance, and confidence in your digestive health.
