A client recently told me that her biggest challenge with IBS wasn’t the pain, the bloating, or the unpredictable trips to the bathroom—it was the feeling that she felt no one understood how disruptive it all was. Not her doctors. Not her coworkers. Not even her closest friends. When we don’t feel like we are heard, it can even make us question ourselves. Maybe this is normal? Maybe there is nothing that can really be done?
If that’s been any of your experience, please know you’re not alone.
April is IBS Awareness Month, and for the 70% of people with symptoms who are silently suffering, maybe it’s time we made a little more noise!
This week I had an interview on Show Me St. Louis to bring awareness for those who might be having IBS symptoms. You can catch the interview here.
What is IBS?
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional GI disorder—meaning there’s no clear structural issue like inflammation or tumors that show up on imaging—but the symptoms are very real. They can include some or all: chronic bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea… or a rotating cycle of all of the above.
There’s no single test for IBS, which means many people go through years of confusion and dismissal before they get a name for what’s going on.
But is it really IBS?
Understanding What’s Normal—and What’s Not
The wellness world can make you second-guess everything—like thinking one bout of bloating means something is seriously wrong…Let’s zoom out and look at what research—and real human bodies—tell us is actually normal:
✅ Normal
• Pooping 3 times a day to 3 times a week
• Occasional bloating, especially after beans, cruciferous veggies, or carbonated drinks
• Mild discomfort after overeating or during your period
• Some variation in stool consistency due to hydration, stress, and fiber intake
🚩 Not Normal—and Worth Investigating
• Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or aching that interferes with life
• Bloating that’s painful or visibly distorts your belly
• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or flipping between the two
• A constant need to be near a bathroom
• Fatigue, nausea, or appetite loss linked to digestive symptoms
The truth? Our gut is dynamic and reactive—to hormones, stress, food, movement, and sleep. But when symptoms are persistent or disruptive, they deserve more attention.
