Okay, Let’s Cut the Crap — Literally. Let’s Talk IBS.
Let’s be real — if you’re here reading this, chances are you’ve either got IBS or you’re currently down a Google rabbit hole trying to figure out what the hell is going on with your gut. I get it. I’ve been there. I wrote this post because I struggled with IBS for years. Bloating, cramps, bathroom emergencies, feeling like I swallowed a balloon — you name it.
I wanted a way out that didn’t involve living on medication or constantly avoiding social plans because of unpredictable bathroom drama. So I got serious about healing my gut naturally. And guess what? I did it.
Now I’m here to help you do the same.
So, What Is IBS Anyway?
IBS — or Irritable Bowel Syndrome — is a super common digestive disorder. It’s basically your gut throwing a tantrum. Doctors don’t really know the exact cause, which is part of the problem. It can be linked to food sensitivities, stress, hormones, poor gut bacteria, or just bad luck.
There’s no official “cure” — but there are absolutely things you can do to manage (and even eliminate) symptoms. I’m living proof.
IBS by the Numbers (Stats You Should Know)
- IBS affects 1 in 5 people.
- Around two-thirds of IBS sufferers are women.
- Over 50% of people with IBS are undiagnosed — meaning a lot of people are walking around thinking bloating and belly pain is “normal.” It’s not.
Could You Have IBS? Common Symptoms to Look For:
- Abdominal cramping or pain (especially after eating)
- Diarrhoea, constipation — or a fun combo of both
- Bloating and gas (hello food baby!)
- Feeling like you constantly need to go
- Peeing a lot or getting sudden urges
- That weird sensation that you didn’t fully empty your bladder
If you’ve nodded along to at least three of these, IBS might be the culprit.
Common IBS Triggers
Brace yourself. Some of your faves might be on this list.
These are known gut bullies:
- Coffee
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Alcohol
- Fried or greasy foods
- Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and sucralose)
- Processed foods
- Meat (especially red meat)
- Spicy food
- Sugar, sugar, and more sugar
Now, I’m not saying you can never eat pizza again, but learning what triggers your body is key.
How I Naturally Healed My IBS (and How You Can Too!)
1. Probiotics Changed My Life
These little capsules of magic are live bacteria that help restore balance in your gut. When your gut bacteria are out of whack, your whole system suffers — mood, digestion, immunity, everything.
I’ve been taking probiotics for 5 years, and they’ve been game-changers.
My top 3 fave probiotic brands:
- Vitalitown Women’s Probiotic (120 Billion CFU, 30 strains): A budget-friendly option packed with a wide variety of strains — perfect if you’ve already tried probiotics and want something stronger. It’s especially supportive for UTIs and vaginal health, with the added bonus of cranberry and digestive enzymes for extra gut and urinary support.
- Garden of Life Probiotics (200 Billion CFU, 11 strains): Super high strength but more pricey.
Probiotic Tips:
- Look for at least 30–60 billion CFU.
- More strains = better results (aim for 6+).
- Read reviews — people will tell you if it works.
- Don’t take them with hot drinks (heat kills the good bacteria).
- Buy from reliable sources (no eBay sketchiness, please).
2. Eat Prebiotic Foods
If probiotics are the seeds, prebiotics are the fertilizer. They feed the good bacteria and keep your gut thriving.
My go-to prebiotic-rich foods:
- Veggies: leeks, garlic, onions, asparagus, radishes, beetroot
- Fruits: bananas, apples, mango, berries
- Grains/seeds: oats, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, quinoa
- Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, white beans
- Fun extras: dark chocolate (praise be), pumpkin seeds, tomatoes
3. Drink More Water (Seriously)
I started tracking my water by filling 3–4 bottles in the morning and popping them in the fridge. I like mine ice-cold with a splash of no-added-sugar fruit squash. Hydration keeps things moving, if you catch my drift.
4. Follow a Gut-Friendly Meal Plan
I cut out dairy and meat and immediately noticed a change in my bloating. Over time, I leaned more plant-based and avoided overly processed vegan junk food. My gut loved me for it.
If you can eat clean 80% of the time, your gut will thank you.
5. Turmeric Supplements Are Underrated
I take turmeric with black pepper and ginger daily to support inflammation, digestion, and overall health. It’s a great natural anti-inflammatory and helps heal the gut lining.
Try: Vitamatic Turmeric Curcumin Supplement — high strength (3000mg) and well-reviewed.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Some swear by it. I’ve noticed it helps when I drink 1 tbsp of raw ACV in water before meals. You can also get it in capsule form if you’re not into the vinegar burn.
7. Track Your Triggers
Use your Notes app or a journal to track what you eat and how you feel after. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns.
For me: dairy, caffeine, mushrooms, and alcohol were major culprits. Now I’m vegan, drink decaf, and only miss wine a little.
8. Move Your Body
You don’t need to run a marathon. Just move. Walking, yoga, dancing around the kitchen — it all helps your digestion and reduces stress (a major IBS trigger).
9. Manage Your Stress
Stress and IBS go hand-in-hand. Meditation, hot baths, journaling, breathwork, talking to someone — do what calms your nervous system. Your gut will feel it.
10. Listen to Your Body
Experiment. Try cutting gluten for a few days. If no change, try cutting caffeine or processed sugar. Keep tweaking and noticing how your body responds. You’re your own best gut detective.
11. Reduce Sugar (as much as you can)
Refined sugar is a gut saboteur. I’ve swapped to Stevia in hot drinks and opt for naturally sweet foods like dates and bananas. My bloating is way better for it.
Final Thoughts
Healing your gut takes time and patience — but it’s so worth it. I’m not saying I never get a little bloated after a big meal, but compared to the pain I was living with before? Total night and day.
If this post helps even one person feel like themselves again, I’ll be over the moon.
👇 Drop a comment below and let me know what’s helped YOU manage your IBS!
