Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A brain–gut–microbiome disorder where dysbiosis, gas/metabolite shifts and barrier hypersensitivity drive pain, bloating and altered bowels.
Overview
IBS is a common gut–brain disorder marked by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits — diarrhoea, constipation, or both — without clear structural disease. It affects around 1 in 10 people globally, with similar impacts across many countries (springerplus.springeropen.com, eprints.whiterose.ac.uk).
In Australia, estimates suggest up to 30 % of people experience IBS at some point (dailytelegraph.com.au). While not life-threatening, if left unmanaged, IBS can significantly affect daily life through pain, fatigue and social limitations.
Common Misunderstandings
Many people are told IBS is “just stress” or “all in the head”, which can leave them feeling dismissed. People with IBS often face embarrassment from unpredictable symptoms and may struggle with plans, relationships or work. The burden is real — even when standard tests appear normal.
How is IBS Linked to Your Microbiome?
Research consistently shows that IBS patients often have an imbalance in gut bacteria, with fewer beneficial species and lower overall diversity (mdpi.com, dailytelegraph.com.au, allure.com). This imbalance may both contribute to IBS and worsen symptoms, especially after gut infections or during stress. Since the gut and brain communicate closely, this disturbance can fuel both digestive and mental symptoms (mdpi.com).
See more from Gastroenterlogist and Microbiome Clinic Founder Dr Paul Froomes on the microbiome's role in the treatment of IBS and associated symptoms - IBS The Way Out.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps
Often relieved by going to the toilet.
Loose stools or diarrhoea
or alternating patterns.
Bloating or wind
Especially after meals.
Urgency
or a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying.
Occasionally
Mucus in the stool, fatigue or disrupted sleep.
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for IBS includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
Profile the gut to identify dysbiosis that may be affecting symptoms or treatment using the Gut Microbiome Test.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based or pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Nutrition strategies to support recovery and enhance your overall health such as a tailored low-FODMAP diet or fibre consumptions strategies.
Suspect you might have IBS?
