Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a biopsychosocial disorder that predominantly affects the colon. It results from dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. It is often a chronic condition with significant impact on quality of life.
IBS is more than a “gut problem.”
If you live with IBS, you already know it’s more than a “gut problem.”
A new survey by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) confirms what many of my clients have experienced - IBS disrupt careers, social lives, and has a negative emotional impact, despite years of trying to “manage it.”
The survey of the more than 2,000 patient respondents found:
IBS symptoms interfere with work or study an average of 11 days per month.
People are missing more work days now than 10 years ago because of IBS.
less than one in three patients say they can accurately predict whether they will experience symptoms on a given day.
76% find it somewhat or very difficult to manage their symptoms.
Over 70% say symptoms keep them home more often, make planning difficult.
In addition:
69% of respondents reported that their IBS symptoms stood in the way of achieving their full potential
69% said it made them feel “like they are not normal.”
72% said they don't feel like themselves because of their symptoms.
“The findings of this survey underscore the persistent challenges and impact IBS has on patients’ lives.”
A lack of meaningful change
When comparing the results of this study to a similar survey conducted 10 years ago, the findings revealed a lack of meaningful change in the impact of the disorder on patients’ professional and personal lives — despite greater awareness and more treatment options. Why?
Because IBS is a gut–brain disorder.
And that means no single pill, diet, or supplement can solve it alone.
“IBS is a condition that continues to challenge patients to find a treatment that consistently works for them.”
The best approach for treating IBS is a multidisciplinary, integrated model that addresses the complex, multifactorial nature of the condition. Rather than focusing solely on gut symptoms or using medication alone, effective IBS management combines:
Medical care to rule out and treat underlying disease.
Dietary guidance for symptom triggers.
Psychological therapies (like gut-directed hypnotherapy and/or cognitive behavioural therapy) to reset the gut-brain axis and normalise signals between the gut and brain.
Behavioural strategies to retrain the nervous system’s response to stressors and restore balance in the body.
This isn’t just my opinion — it’s supported by decades of research, including the Rome Foundation, the British Society of Gastroenterology, and the AGA’s own recommendations.
When you address IBS at both ends of the gut–brain axis, you’re not just chasing symptoms — you’re changing the system that keeps them going.
My Freedom From IBS program is built on this principle.
It integrates gut-directed hypnotherapy, CBT, stress regulation tools, and lifestyle strategies into a personalised, tailored plan — so you can move from constant symptom management to living your life again.
If the past decade has taught us anything, it’s that IBS doesn’t simply fade with time — but it can be significantly reduced with the right approach.
If this resonates, and you’re ready to explore a research-backed, whole-person approach to IBS, book a consult with me and I’ll share the details of my program.
You don’t have to keep putting life on hold for your gut.