IBS? Or Is It Something Else? The Hidden Causes of Gut Issues

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed digestive conditions, affecting around 1 in 5 people in the UK. If you’ve been told you have IBS, you probably experience symptoms like bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, constipation - or both. But here’s the thing…

IBS isn’t actually a diagnosis. It’s a label given when doctors can’t find an obvious cause for your gut issues. That means something else could be driving your symptoms. And if you don’t know what’s causing the problem, how can you fix it?

Common Symptoms of IBS (That Might Not Be IBS at All)

IBS symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common include:

✅ Bloating and excessive gas

✅ Stomach cramps or pain that comes and goes

✅ Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two

✅ Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels

✅ Mucus in your stool

✅ Nausea or acid reflux

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth looking deeper - because your symptoms might not actually be IBS.

What Else (Hidden Causes) Could Be Causing Your Gut Issues?

Many people diagnosed with IBS actually have an underlying issue (hidden causes of their gut issues) that’s been missed. Some of the most common causes include:

🔹 Low Stomach Acid – If your body isn’t making enough stomach acid, food sits in your gut for too long, causing bloating, discomfort, and poor digestion.

🔹 SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – This is when bacteria that should be in your large intestine overgrow in the small intestine, causing bloating (especially after eating), gas, and diarrhoea or constipation.

🔹 Gut Infections & Parasites – Ever had food poisoning? That dodgy takeaway from years ago might have left behind a long-term gut imbalance.

🔹 Yeast Overgrowth (Candida) – An overgrowth of yeast in the gut can lead to bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog, and even skin issues.

🔹 Food Sensitivities – Certain foods (even “healthy” ones) might be triggering inflammation in your gut, leading to IBS-like symptoms.

Yet, most of the time, these aren’t investigated. Instead, people are given Buscopan, peppermint capsules, or told to avoid gluten without actually knowing if gluten is the problem.

What Can You Do About It?

If you’ve been struggling with gut symptoms for months or years, guessing isn’t the answer. You need to find out what’s actually going on inside your gut - and that’s where functional testing comes in.

🔎 Comprehensive Gut Testing – Checks for parasites, bacteria imbalances, yeast overgrowth, and inflammation markers.

🔎 SIBO Breath Test – Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

🔎 Food Sensitivity Testing – Helps identify trigger foods that could be worsening your symptoms.

These aren’t available on the NHS, but they take the guesswork out of healing your gut. When you know what’s causing the problem, you can get targeted solutions - and start feeling so much better.

Try This IBS-Friendly Recipe: Ginger & Turmeric Chicken Soup

If your gut feels off, keep meals simple and soothing. This Ginger & Turmeric Chicken Soup is easy to digest, anti-inflammatory, and packed with gut-supporting ingredients.

Ingredients:

✅ 1 tbsp olive oil

✅ 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

✅ 1 tsp turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric, grated)

✅ 1 medium carrot, diced

✅ 1 medium parsnip, diced

✅ 1 medium courgette, diced

✅ 150g cooked shredded chicken (or firm tofu for a veggie version)

✅ 500ml low-FODMAP chicken or vegetable broth (or homemade bone broth)

✅ ½ tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)

✅ ¼ tsp black pepper

✅ Fresh parsley or coriander for garnish (optional)

✅ ½ lemon, juiced

Method:

1️⃣ Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and turmeric and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Add the diced carrot, parsnip, and courgette, cooking for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.

3️⃣ Pour in the broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes.

4️⃣ Add the cooked chicken and warm through for another 3 minutes.

5️⃣ Remove from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with parsley or coriander.

6️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy a gut-friendly, soothing meal.

💡 Tip: Want extra gut support? Add a spoonful of collagen powder to your bowl for added protein and gut-healing benefits.

The Power of Personalised Nutrition

Lisa Dack - your Nutritional Therapist

No two people are the same, and that means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gut health. What works for someone else might not work for you—and that’s why personalised nutrition is so important.

✨ “I had been struggling with gut issues for years, thinking I just had to live with it. Lisa helped me uncover a gut infection through testing, and within weeks of working together, I felt like a different person. My energy is back, and I can finally enjoy food again!” – Sarah

If your gut symptoms are getting in the way of living your best life, keeping up with your children, or just feeling normal again, help is available. You don’t have to put up with it or keep trying quick fixes that don’t work.

Book a free call here - I’d love to help you get to the root cause of your gut issues so you can finally feel better.

💌 Know someone who’s struggling with gut problems? Share this blog with them - it might be exactly what they need to read!

About Lisa

I’m Lisa Dack, a qualified, registered Nutritional Therapist with a special interest in gut health, hormone balance, energy and sustainable weight management. I work one-to-one with individuals to uncover the root causes of their symptoms and create personalised nutrition, lifestyle and wellness plans that fit seamlessly into their lifestyles. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances, I’m here to guide you toward lasting health transformations. Let’s work together to help you feel your best.