If you suffer from IBS symptoms, you're far from alone! Roughly 30% of all referrals to a gastroenterologist are for IBS concerns. And most of IBS sufferers are WOMEN!⁠ ⁠ Symptoms include:⁠ 🚽 bowel urgency⁠ 🚽 cramping⁠ 🚽 abdominal pain⁠ 🚽 bloating⁠ 🚽 gas⁠ 🚽 diarrhea or constipation, or both⁠ 🚽 relief of symptoms after having a BM is common, too.⁠ ⁠ In the past, IBS was chalked up to psychological 🧠 issues. No thank you to the "it's all in your head" shame blame from doctors!⁠ ⁠ We now know that while IBS, which yes, can be associated with stress and trauma, is far more complex than that and has to do just as much with changes in gut sensitivity, and triggers that aggravate that. It's a gut-neural pathway issue, and one that can get wired in due to a host of factors like early antibiotic use, cesarean birth, food sensitivities, hormonal issues, and more.⁠ ⁠ Too many women with IBS are still left in the dark on why they're even experiencing symptoms in the first place, not even getting a diagnosis.⁠ ⁠ Most medicines prescribed (such as antispasmodics, laxatives, and antidepressants) also don't get to the roots of what's really creating the distress people with IBS experience.⁠ ⁠ The trigger for your IBS may be unique to you compared to those around you, which is why it's essential to listen to your body. One of the most effective tools for identifying your triggers is to keep a 5-day food journal. Write down what you eat at each meal and snack and then notice how you feel between 15 minutes and an hour later. I have a free tracker on my website, you can find it by searching IBS!⁠ ⁠ The amazing thing is that once you start to connect the dots between your personal triggers and your symptoms, and the things that help your gut heal, you learn that you can get - and stay - IBS-free.⁠ ⁠ I'd love to show you what I do to help the women in my medical practice learn to turn IBS around - as well as many other gut symptoms and conditions, without medications! Join me for the 28-Day Gut Reset! Registration opens September 11th, so mark your calendars and turn on the IG notifications 🔔 from my profile to be alerted!