With an estimated 1 in 10 people in the UK living with IBS, many continue to experience symptoms for months or even years before getting a clear answer about what's actually going on. A leading gut health specialist is now setting out the key signs to look out for, and how to know when it's time to seek support.
Martin Cohen, registered Nutritional Therapist and founder of The IBS & Gut Health Clinic in Wilmslow, Cheshire, has worked with over 1,000 clients experiencing IBS, bloating and other digestive symptoms. He says many people live with symptoms for far longer than necessary, often unsure whether what they're experiencing is "normal," or worth getting checked.
"In the UK, 10% of visits to the GP are related to gut health issues. Often more worrying conditions (such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) are ruled out and the patient left with an IBS diagnosis and no clear path forward within the NHS. However, the reality is that so much can be done to address these issues."
Below, Martin answers some of the most common questions people search for when trying to work out if they have IBS.
What are the early signs of IBS?
For patients, IBS symptoms can start very slowly, with small amounts of bloating, food intolerance and slight changes in bowel patterns starting to appear over weeks or months.
For others, IBS can start almost overnight, commonly following a case of food poisoning or gastric infection. Here, the same symptoms can appear, but they increase in severity very quickly.
Is bloating after eating normal, or a sign of IBS?
A small amount of bloating or feeling full can be quite common. However, most people with IBS experience this at a much higher level, with excessive distention, pain and feeling very full very quickly. The level of bloating can vary in severity but commonly in IBS it has an impact on quality of life.
More commonly, bloating in IBS is present alongside pain and changes in bowel patterns. If these symptoms persist for several days or weeks, this can be the time to look for professional help and support.
How do I know if it's IBS or something else, like a food intolerance?
There can be a big overlap between IBS symptoms, food intolerances and other gut conditions. This is why a proper assessment and consultation process is important to make sure the actual issue is being addressed.
It's not uncommon for me to see patients where they have been restricting more and more foods without addressing the underlying issue. In most cases, if we address the root cause, food intolerances resolve.
Can stress cause IBS symptoms, or make them worse?
Stress is one of the main risk factors for IBS symptoms. This can be the direct action of stress triggering bowel motility and increasing pain via the gut-brain connection. It can also be that stress contributes to changes in the gut bacteria, another risk factor for IBS.
Often it can be hard to untangle if stress is the cause or result of IBS. However, if stress is present alongside gut issues, supporting both the stress response and the gut is important for a successful treatment outcome.
When should you see a doctor about IBS-like symptoms?
While many symptoms indicate something less worrying, a specific set of symptoms is described as red flags. These should always be checked out by a GP.
These include unexplained weight loss, blood in stool, and very sudden changes in bowel movements.
What should you do if you recognise these signs in yourself?
When symptoms persist, speaking to a medical professional can be an important way to address symptoms quickly.
However, there are some very small steps that can be taken to support the gut and help keep things calm.
- Leaving 4-5 hours between meals to give the gut time to rest.
- Trying herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint to calm spasms and nerve sensitivity.
- Making sure food is being chewed thoroughly to support the digestive system.
- Keeping a food diary for 1-2 weeks – this might highlight certain problematic foods.
About The IBS & Gut Health Clinic
The IBS & Gut Health Clinic, founded by Martin Cohen Dip CNM, mBANT, mCNHC, specialises in identifying and addressing the root causes of digestive conditions including IBS, SIBO, IBD, post-infectious IBS, and reflux.
The clinic offers in-person consultations in Wilmslow, Cheshire, alongside online consultations across the UK, and has supported over 1,000 clients in over 10 years of clinical practice.
For more information or to book a free 15-minute consultation call, visit ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk or call 07732 876 746.
###
Media Contact
The IBS & Gut Health Clinic
Martin Cohen
7 Hawthorn Ln, Wilmslow SK9 1AA
+447732 876 746
hello@ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk
https://ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk/
Disclaimer: This press release is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, nutritional, or healthcare advice. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Individuals experiencing persistent or concerning digestive symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
Published by: Randy Rohde