Is it "IBS" or is it... yeast?

Let’s dive into what’s actually going on when you have “IBS”, or are feeling chronically bloated, gassy, and struggling with constipation or diarrhea.

If you’ve made the effort to be seen by a GI doctor, and they can’t find anything “wrong”, chances are you’ve heard the term “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, aka IBS, thrown around.

IBS is one of those frustrating diagnoses because having a name for it doesn’t actually help you feel better!

I want to help you understand what might be really going on, and why “FODMAPs” or antibiotics, or fiber, or Miralax, or GasX might not be the end-all be-all solution you’re looking for.

Is it IBS.. or is it yeast? 

First up, let’s talk about YEAST.

One of the common treatments offered for IBS is antibiotics, because there can sometimes be a bacterial overgrowth playing a role in digestive symptoms. This might help you feel better temporarily, but for most people who go that route, it’s not a long term solution. 

Sometimes you’ll go through 2, 3 or even 4 rounds of antibiotics with no permanent improvement. 

The reason is that an antibiotic will clear out a large portion of bacteria - both the good and the bad - but it leaves the YEAST (which is a type of fungi, and not bacteria) behind. 

Without the “defense” of good bacteria in the gut, the yeast has free reign and will continue to grow and take up space in the gut ecosystem. 

Yeast is a sneaky character in the gut, and as an overgrowth it can lead to feeling bloated and gassy after most meals, as well as contribute to constipation or loose bowel movements and urgency. 

In addition to digestive symptoms, with yeast we often see chronic fungal issues like vaginal yeast infections, nail fungus, and ringworm; as well as sugar cravings, brain fog, fatigue and skin issues like rashes and eczema. 

A comprehensive evaluation of the gut ecosystem and your full range of symptoms can help us understand what’s really driving the frustrating and uncomfortable IBS symptoms - from gas and bloating, to loose stools and diarrhea, to constipation and incomplete bowel movements. 

If you’re struggling with gut issues and want to look deeper, I’m currently accepting new clients in my 1:1 program for gut health and digestion. Apply and book a call on my calendar to get started!