Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Nutritionists and Dietitians in N4K

Photo of Carol Holland, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CBE
Carol Holland
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CBE
Online Only
Although I can help with any nutrition-related condition, I specialize in obesity management and eating disorders; gut problems (including Crohn's, colitis, celiac, diverticular disease and IBS); and pediatric feeding (including nutrition during pregnancy, introducing solids, picky eating, allergies and growth concerns).
I have over 17 years of experience providing nutrition counselling to people of all ages and stages of life, from pre-natal to palliative. I can help with any nutrition-related condition. Whether your goal is to manage blood pressure or cholesterol, prevent diabetes, lose weight or get your gut symptoms under control, together we'll create a personalized plan to help you take charge of your symptoms and get back to living your best life. I take a client-centered, non-judgmental approach that will challenge you to set goals, and I'll problem solve with you along the way. It’s about progress, not perfection!
Although I can help with any nutrition-related condition, I specialize in obesity management and eating disorders; gut problems (including Crohn's, colitis, celiac, diverticular disease and IBS); and pediatric feeding (including nutrition during pregnancy, introducing solids, picky eating, allergies and growth concerns).
I have over 17 years of experience providing nutrition counselling to people of all ages and stages of life, from pre-natal to palliative. I can help with any nutrition-related condition. Whether your goal is to manage blood pressure or cholesterol, prevent diabetes, lose weight or get your gut symptoms under control, together we'll create a personalized plan to help you take charge of your symptoms and get back to living your best life. I take a client-centered, non-judgmental approach that will challenge you to set goals, and I'll problem solve with you along the way. It’s about progress, not perfection!
(548) 325-8963 View (548) 325-8963
Photo of Anna Prestia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Anna Prestia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Although I can help with any nutrition-related condition, I specialize in obesity management and eating disorders; gut problems (including Crohn's, colitis, celiac, diverticular disease and IBS); and pediatric feeding (including nutrition during pregnancy, introducing solids, picky eating, allergies and growth concerns).
New patients welcome! I am a RD with over 20 years of experience providing expert nutrition care across all stages of life. I have expertise spanning infant and pediatric nutrition, oncology, prenatal/post-natal nutrition, disordered eating, cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, weight concerns, cancer, GI conditions, allergies, anti-inflammatory nutrition & tube feedings. I have worked extensively in acute care hospital settings, as well as in outpatient clinics and private practice. I offer practical guidance that builds confidence, supports symptoms, and strengthens a positive relationship with food.
Although I can help with any nutrition-related condition, I specialize in obesity management and eating disorders; gut problems (including Crohn's, colitis, celiac, diverticular disease and IBS); and pediatric feeding (including nutrition during pregnancy, introducing solids, picky eating, allergies and growth concerns).
New patients welcome! I am a RD with over 20 years of experience providing expert nutrition care across all stages of life. I have expertise spanning infant and pediatric nutrition, oncology, prenatal/post-natal nutrition, disordered eating, cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, weight concerns, cancer, GI conditions, allergies, anti-inflammatory nutrition & tube feedings. I have worked extensively in acute care hospital settings, as well as in outpatient clinics and private practice. I offer practical guidance that builds confidence, supports symptoms, and strengthens a positive relationship with food.
(289) 401-1597 View (289) 401-1597

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Michaela Marie Harron, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSc, RD
Michaela Marie Harron
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MSc, RD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in gut health (specifically IBS and am skilled in the low FODMAP diet), as well as Eating Disorders.
I am passionate about helping individuals make peace with food and reduce the stress around food. I believe in supporting the mental aspect of nourishment, as well as building sustainable habits to support wellness. No quick-fixes, but building a set of life-long skills to enhance your confidence with making food decisions that best support your needs. I practice using Intuitive Eating and HAES frameworks, and believe that every body shape and size is worthy. In my sessions, I incorporate body image work and tools to improve your relationship with food.
I specialize in gut health (specifically IBS and am skilled in the low FODMAP diet), as well as Eating Disorders.
I am passionate about helping individuals make peace with food and reduce the stress around food. I believe in supporting the mental aspect of nourishment, as well as building sustainable habits to support wellness. No quick-fixes, but building a set of life-long skills to enhance your confidence with making food decisions that best support your needs. I practice using Intuitive Eating and HAES frameworks, and believe that every body shape and size is worthy. In my sessions, I incorporate body image work and tools to improve your relationship with food.
(249) 209-8367 View (249) 209-8367
Photo of Elena Usdenski, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MScFN
Elena Usdenski
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MScFN
Online Only
I work virtually with motivated individuals or couples (in Ontario) who are actively trying to conceive or planning for pregnancy. They seek evidence-based information and personalized guidance to optimize their fertility and prenatal nutrition. With concerns about their current diet, lifestyle choices, or specific medical conditions, they are driven to provide the best start for their future child. They value the role of nutrition in this process and are open to making positive changes. Ultimately, their goal is to create a healthy, nurturing environment for their little one to thrive.
I work virtually with motivated individuals or couples (in Ontario) who are actively trying to conceive or planning for pregnancy. They seek evidence-based information and personalized guidance to optimize their fertility and prenatal nutrition. With concerns about their current diet, lifestyle choices, or specific medical conditions, they are driven to provide the best start for their future child. They value the role of nutrition in this process and are open to making positive changes. Ultimately, their goal is to create a healthy, nurturing environment for their little one to thrive.
(226) 741-0136 View (226) 741-0136

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Theresa Silverthorn - CBT Wellness & Virtual Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
CBT Wellness & Virtual Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
4 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6Y
Accepting NEW patients. We have immediate availability for daytime & evening appointments. Whether you’re a new mom navigating the world in an unfamiliar body, a parent looking to support their child with healthy habits, an adolescent looking to expand or improve their diet, or an adult ready to break free of the constant yo-yo dieting-I can help. It’s never too early or too late to focus on your relationship with food to create sustainable habits that support your entire well-being – physical, mental and emotional health. I have extensive experience treating binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa & ARFID.
Accepting NEW patients. We have immediate availability for daytime & evening appointments. Whether you’re a new mom navigating the world in an unfamiliar body, a parent looking to support their child with healthy habits, an adolescent looking to expand or improve their diet, or an adult ready to break free of the constant yo-yo dieting-I can help. It’s never too early or too late to focus on your relationship with food to create sustainable habits that support your entire well-being – physical, mental and emotional health. I have extensive experience treating binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa & ARFID.
(289) 723-1959 View (289) 723-1959
Photo of Anna Prestia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Anna Prestia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J
I am well-versed in all chronic and acute diseases including cancer, diabetes, eating disorders, infant feeding/introducing solids/picky eating, fad diets (keto), weight management, IBS, and more.
I believe in making realistic and attainable goals that are specific to each client. Every nutrition plan I recommend is unique and tailored to each individual depending on their goals, lifestyles and timelines. I can teach you the tools needed to succeed in your personal nutritional goals. All sessions are done over phone or secure video.
I am well-versed in all chronic and acute diseases including cancer, diabetes, eating disorders, infant feeding/introducing solids/picky eating, fad diets (keto), weight management, IBS, and more.
I believe in making realistic and attainable goals that are specific to each client. Every nutrition plan I recommend is unique and tailored to each individual depending on their goals, lifestyles and timelines. I can teach you the tools needed to succeed in your personal nutritional goals. All sessions are done over phone or secure video.
(289) 302-8389 View (289) 302-8389
Photo of Jackie Vykoukal, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MHSc
Jackie Vykoukal
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MHSc
Thornhill, ON L3T
Navigating a diagnosis of PCOS, reading conflicting information on IBS or managing menopausal symptoms can feel overwhelming!
My areas of focus include digestive health ( IBS, GERD, diverticulitis), PCOS, intuitive eating, cholesterol management and meal planning. In addition, I am a Craving Change certified practitioner and am trained on the use of a low FODMAP diet for IBS by Monash University.
Navigating a diagnosis of PCOS, reading conflicting information on IBS or managing menopausal symptoms can feel overwhelming!
My areas of focus include digestive health ( IBS, GERD, diverticulitis), PCOS, intuitive eating, cholesterol management and meal planning. In addition, I am a Craving Change certified practitioner and am trained on the use of a low FODMAP diet for IBS by Monash University.
(226) 910-1222 View (226) 910-1222
Photo of Catherine Lin, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE
Catherine Lin
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE
5 Endorsed
Richmond Hill, ON L4C
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes
(365) 654-0707 View (365) 654-0707
Photo of Anna Prestia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Anna Prestia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5J
New patients welcome! I am a RD with over 20 years of experience providing expert nutrition care across all stages of life. have expertise spanning infant and pediatric nutrition, oncology, prenatal/post-natal nutrition, disordered eating, cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, weight concerns, cancer, GI conditions, allergies, anti-inflammatory nutrition & tube feedings. I have worked extensively in acute care hospital settings, as well as in outpatient clinics and private practice. I offer practical guidance that builds confidence, supports symptoms, and strengthens a positive relationship with food.
New patients welcome! I am a RD with over 20 years of experience providing expert nutrition care across all stages of life. have expertise spanning infant and pediatric nutrition, oncology, prenatal/post-natal nutrition, disordered eating, cardiac health, diabetes, weight management, weight concerns, cancer, GI conditions, allergies, anti-inflammatory nutrition & tube feedings. I have worked extensively in acute care hospital settings, as well as in outpatient clinics and private practice. I offer practical guidance that builds confidence, supports symptoms, and strengthens a positive relationship with food.
(548) 708-0455 View (548) 708-0455
Photo of Julia Stanislavskaia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MScFN, BSc
Julia Stanislavskaia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, MScFN, BSc
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5G
My main areas of expertise are digestive diseases (reflux, IBS, Crohn's, colitis and celiac), infant feeding, eating disorders in children and adults, mental health, weight management, heart health (high cholesterol, high blood pressure), anaemia and other nutrient deficiencies, vegetarian and vegan diets.
If you are feeling unwell due to digestive symptoms, inflammation, fatigue, migraines, discomfort with your body and weight or mental health issues and feel that your problems may be related to food, contact me to explore how I can help you. I counsel on a wide variety of health issues from food sensitivities and eating disorders to weight management and heart health, among others. I work with people of all ages and have extensive experience in assessing and supporting complex patients with multiple conditions.
My main areas of expertise are digestive diseases (reflux, IBS, Crohn's, colitis and celiac), infant feeding, eating disorders in children and adults, mental health, weight management, heart health (high cholesterol, high blood pressure), anaemia and other nutrient deficiencies, vegetarian and vegan diets.
If you are feeling unwell due to digestive symptoms, inflammation, fatigue, migraines, discomfort with your body and weight or mental health issues and feel that your problems may be related to food, contact me to explore how I can help you. I counsel on a wide variety of health issues from food sensitivities and eating disorders to weight management and heart health, among others. I work with people of all ages and have extensive experience in assessing and supporting complex patients with multiple conditions.
(647) 371-5843 View (647) 371-5843
Photo of Sandra Edwards, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Sandra Edwards
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CLT
Markham, ON L3R
Additional services for those struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or migraines with the MRT test and the LEAP - immunocalm diet.
As a Registered Dietitian I help my clients achieve a healthier lifestyle. My ideal client wants increased energy, weight loss without deprivation, less medication, improved blood cholesterol, balanced blood sugars, reduced stress levels, increased physical activity and feelings of well-being. She may have been on numerous diets and struggling with work/life balance. She has discovered that restrictive diets simply don't work. She is ready to embark on a healthy lifestyle approach. Best results with a 3 mo, 6 mo and 12 month health coaching plan.
Additional services for those struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia or migraines with the MRT test and the LEAP - immunocalm diet.
As a Registered Dietitian I help my clients achieve a healthier lifestyle. My ideal client wants increased energy, weight loss without deprivation, less medication, improved blood cholesterol, balanced blood sugars, reduced stress levels, increased physical activity and feelings of well-being. She may have been on numerous diets and struggling with work/life balance. She has discovered that restrictive diets simply don't work. She is ready to embark on a healthy lifestyle approach. Best results with a 3 mo, 6 mo and 12 month health coaching plan.
(416) 937-1458 View (416) 937-1458
Photo of Anna Prestia, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Anna Prestia
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Mississauga, ON L5B
I am well-versed in all chronic & acute diseases including cancer, diabetes, infant feeding/introducing solids/picky eating, eating disorders, weight management, IBS, GI issues & allergies.
I believe in making realistic and attainable goals that are specific to each client. Every nutrition plan I recommend is unique and tailored to each individual depending on their goals, lifestyles and timelines. I can teach you the tools needed to succeed in your personal nutritional goals. All sessions are done over phone or secure video.
I am well-versed in all chronic & acute diseases including cancer, diabetes, infant feeding/introducing solids/picky eating, eating disorders, weight management, IBS, GI issues & allergies.
I believe in making realistic and attainable goals that are specific to each client. Every nutrition plan I recommend is unique and tailored to each individual depending on their goals, lifestyles and timelines. I can teach you the tools needed to succeed in your personal nutritional goals. All sessions are done over phone or secure video.
(365) 398-0757 View (365) 398-0757
Photo of Catherine Lin, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE
Catherine Lin
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDE
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M1T
Accepting NEW patients for phone & video sessions-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Accepting NEW patients for phone & video sessions-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
(289) 312-2924 View (289) 312-2924
Photo of Vanessa Hurley, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Vanessa Hurley
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
6 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5N
I am accepting NEW patients for phone/video sessions for people of all ages 0+. I have 20+ years of experience providing evidence-based food & nutrition advice as well as compassionate care to infants, kids, teens, adults & seniors. I will work with you to create the best possible plan to meet your food & nutrition goals. Healthy eating is not just what you eat, but also why & how you eat. I can also work with you on ensuring you develop & maintain a heathy relationship with food, while integrating intuitive eating principles & mindful eating strategies. Let’s work together to make positive & lasting changes to your health.
I am accepting NEW patients for phone/video sessions for people of all ages 0+. I have 20+ years of experience providing evidence-based food & nutrition advice as well as compassionate care to infants, kids, teens, adults & seniors. I will work with you to create the best possible plan to meet your food & nutrition goals. Healthy eating is not just what you eat, but also why & how you eat. I can also work with you on ensuring you develop & maintain a heathy relationship with food, while integrating intuitive eating principles & mindful eating strategies. Let’s work together to make positive & lasting changes to your health.
(289) 276-6973 View (289) 276-6973
Photo of Catherine Lin, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Catherine Lin
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
6 Endorsed
Markham, ON L6C
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
(343) 312-5962 View (343) 312-5962
Photo of Misha Roy - CBT Wellness & Virtual Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
CBT Wellness & Virtual Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6Y
Accepting NEW clients. Do you want more energy, less stress around food & more confidence that what you eat is truly supporting your health? Are you struggling in managing diabetes, digestive issues, or food intolerances? Are you having difficulty navigating weight changes, pregnancy, postpartum recovery or building strength for sports and fitness? Maybe you're balancing complex needs like food allergies, hypertension, or diabetes. You're in the right place & we can help. Our dietitians have 15+ years of experience helping individuals & families find realistic, enjoyable & sustainable ways to eat well without strict diets.
Accepting NEW clients. Do you want more energy, less stress around food & more confidence that what you eat is truly supporting your health? Are you struggling in managing diabetes, digestive issues, or food intolerances? Are you having difficulty navigating weight changes, pregnancy, postpartum recovery or building strength for sports and fitness? Maybe you're balancing complex needs like food allergies, hypertension, or diabetes. You're in the right place & we can help. Our dietitians have 15+ years of experience helping individuals & families find realistic, enjoyable & sustainable ways to eat well without strict diets.
(365) 799-6873 View (365) 799-6873
Photo of Saima Khan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, Saima, Khan, RD
Saima Khan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, Saima, Khan, RD
Mississauga, ON L4T
Hi there! I’m Saima, a registered dietitian, and I’m excited to help you improve your health and well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by nutrition information or struggling with managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, weight management, or digestive issues, you're in the right place. I offer a non-restrictive dietary approach designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your health goals.
Hi there! I’m Saima, a registered dietitian, and I’m excited to help you improve your health and well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by nutrition information or struggling with managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, weight management, or digestive issues, you're in the right place. I offer a non-restrictive dietary approach designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to achieve your health goals.
(226) 400-1156 View (226) 400-1156
Photo of Timothy Leung - Timothy Leung | TeamNutrition Dietitian Toronto, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, DtP
Timothy Leung | TeamNutrition Dietitian Toronto
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, DtP
Markham, ON L3R
As Registered Dietitians in Toronto at TeamNutrition, we are guided by the deep desire to bring you to your health or performance goals. As a team, we support each other in order to offer you an exceptional service, that is personalized to you and adapted to the latest food science. This strength has led us to be chosen as a proud university partner. We were chosen to offer our services in four Universities in Québec. Our dietitians are guided by our mandate: Innovation, progress, care, and professionalism.
As Registered Dietitians in Toronto at TeamNutrition, we are guided by the deep desire to bring you to your health or performance goals. As a team, we support each other in order to offer you an exceptional service, that is personalized to you and adapted to the latest food science. This strength has led us to be chosen as a proud university partner. We were chosen to offer our services in four Universities in Québec. Our dietitians are guided by our mandate: Innovation, progress, care, and professionalism.
(289) 212-7756 View (289) 212-7756
Photo of Vanessa Hurley, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Vanessa Hurley
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
4 Endorsed
I am accepting NEW patients for phone & video sessions for people of all ages 0+. I have 20+ years of experience providing evidence-based food & nutrition advice as well as compassionate care to infants, kids, teens, adults & seniors. I will work with you to create the best possible plan to meet your food & nutrition goals. Healthy eating is not just what you eat, but also why & how you eat. I can also work with you on ensuring you develop & maintain a heathy relationship with food, while integrating intuitive eating principles & mindful eating strategies. Let’s work together to make positive & lasting changes to your health.
I am accepting NEW patients for phone & video sessions for people of all ages 0+. I have 20+ years of experience providing evidence-based food & nutrition advice as well as compassionate care to infants, kids, teens, adults & seniors. I will work with you to create the best possible plan to meet your food & nutrition goals. Healthy eating is not just what you eat, but also why & how you eat. I can also work with you on ensuring you develop & maintain a heathy relationship with food, while integrating intuitive eating principles & mindful eating strategies. Let’s work together to make positive & lasting changes to your health.
(365) 544-5153 View (365) 544-5153
Photo of Catherine Lin Rd, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Catherine Lin Rd
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
5 Endorsed
Markham, ON L3R
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
Accepting NEW patients-immediate openings! Are you tired of yo-yo dieting and constantly thinking about food? Do you want to ditch dieting for good and gain food freedom? Are you confused about what to eat? Do you want to break the cycle of overeating? We can work together to achieve your best weight and health using science based treatment and tools. I provide nutrition counselling in obesity management, diabetes management, digestive health, and chronic disease prevention and management. I have years of experience with helping individuals with making sustainable lifestyle changes.
(289) 312-4847 View (289) 312-4847
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a general term that refers to a collection of symptoms associated with poor gut mobility and function, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. IBS is very common, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 10-15% of adults within the United States have IBS. Although the two conditions sound similar and share many symptoms, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, IBS differs from irritable bowel diseases (IBDs), such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In contrast to IBS which is caused by issues in the functioning of the colon, IBDs are inflammatory conditions caused by overactive immune cells within the intestine. IBDs are much less common than IBS and typically more medically severe, occasionally requiring intensive medical treatment and/or surgery. IBS, in contrast, can usually be managed effectively with lifestyle changes and less intense medical intervention.

What are the subcategories of IBS?
Medical professionals generally identify four main types of IBS: IBS-C (constipation-predominant subtype), IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant subtype), IBS-M (mixed bowel subtype), and IBS-U (undefined subtype). Identifying the predominant type of IBS an individual has can be important for determining the type of treatment that is best for them, such as the lifestyle and dietary changes that may be most appropriate, as well as any medications that may be necessary. However, individuals may also experience multiple subtypes over time, as well as experience cycles of flare-ups and symptom relief.

What causes IBS?
The causes of IBS are not well understood, but symptoms are generally attributed to issues with gut muscle contraction and changes in the gut microbiome, both of which can lead to the characteristic symptoms of IBS. These issues can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress. While lifestyle modifications may not completely cure IBS symptoms, identifying symptom-triggering foods, consuming a balanced diet, and reducing stress have all been shown to greatly reduce symptoms. IBS can also be caused by bacterial or parasitic infections within the intestine, in which case the syndrome is referred to as "post-infectious IBS." In contrast to non-infectious IBS, post-infectious IBS is less chronic in nature and symptoms will often resolve once the infection has subsided.

What foods should I avoid if I have IBS?
Specific foods that may trigger symptoms of IBS can vary person-to-person. However, common foods that may exacerbate symptoms include high-fat foods (such as fatty meats), wheat, dairy products, highly acidic foods (such as citrus), beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks. Over time, individuals with IBS are often able to identify which foods cause their symptoms to worsen and learn to avoid such foods to manage their symptoms.