Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Nutritionists and Dietitians in 60611

Photo of Lynise Perry - Lynise Perry Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Lynise Perry Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing gut issues, hormone changes, or chronic symptoms and feel like you’re not getting real answers, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Clients often come to me feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck—and leave with clarity, direction, and a deeper understanding of their body. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start feeling better, I’d love to support you.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing gut issues, hormone changes, or chronic symptoms and feel like you’re not getting real answers, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Clients often come to me feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or stuck—and leave with clarity, direction, and a deeper understanding of their body. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start feeling better, I’d love to support you.
(757) 418-6052 View (757) 418-6052
Photo of Judy E. Manisco, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Judy E. Manisco
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Chicago, IL 60611
Awarded BEST Effective Weight Loss and Nutrition Plans in Chicago. A Wholistic, Integrated, Functional Medicine approach, along with over twenty- five years of experience. My unique approach has helped people achieve 125 pound weight loss (single person), reverse diabetes, gain energy, clearer thinking, achieve personal and professional success, Customized Eating Plans for your specific needs and lifestyle along with continuous Nutrition Education. I look forward to sharing my "JEM Bites" with you. Please leave a Voice Message if calling. Feel free to view my website to learn more about me.
Awarded BEST Effective Weight Loss and Nutrition Plans in Chicago. A Wholistic, Integrated, Functional Medicine approach, along with over twenty- five years of experience. My unique approach has helped people achieve 125 pound weight loss (single person), reverse diabetes, gain energy, clearer thinking, achieve personal and professional success, Customized Eating Plans for your specific needs and lifestyle along with continuous Nutrition Education. I look forward to sharing my "JEM Bites" with you. Please leave a Voice Message if calling. Feel free to view my website to learn more about me.
(708) 512-7172 View (708) 512-7172
Photo of Teresa Romano, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN/LDN, CEDRD
Teresa Romano
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN/LDN, CEDRD
Chicago, IL 60611
At Teresa Romano Nutrition, I specialize in supporting moms, moms-to-be, and families who are navigating important (and often overwhelming!) nutrition transitions. We support expecting and new moms seeking to optimize their nutrition for a healthy pregnancy, smoother postpartum, complex needs like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), eating disorders, or autoimmune challenges who want expert support through a weight-inclusive, non-judgmental lens. Teresa uses a comprehensive, compassionate nutrition counseling from someone who gets it.
At Teresa Romano Nutrition, I specialize in supporting moms, moms-to-be, and families who are navigating important (and often overwhelming!) nutrition transitions. We support expecting and new moms seeking to optimize their nutrition for a healthy pregnancy, smoother postpartum, complex needs like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), eating disorders, or autoimmune challenges who want expert support through a weight-inclusive, non-judgmental lens. Teresa uses a comprehensive, compassionate nutrition counseling from someone who gets it.
(847) 485-1778 View (847) 485-1778
Photo of Addison Hagge, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Addison Hagge
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
Addison is a registered dietitian who works to understand your needs by taking a comprehensive and personalized approach to nutrition therapy. She believes in weight-inclusive care, Health at Every Size, and strives to help her clients find balance with nutrition, movement, and their bodies. You can expect Addison to listen to you, support you, and provide you with the tools to find healing and balance. She will work with you to find ways to achieve your goals and understand the challenges you face. She is devoted to providing you with the most effective and up-to-date nutrition care and information possible.
(410) 886-7744 View (410) 886-7744
Photo of Christine Sinak, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Christine Sinak
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Online Only
I’m a registered dietitian with a virtual private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folx I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence. Please visit my website for more details.
I’m a registered dietitian with a virtual private practice that supports individuals struggling with eating disorders, chronic dieting, and body image issues - for the folx I work with, food feels hard. I strive to create a safe, judgement-free space for all individuals to share and process their experiences - my style is warm, accessible, and not without humor. I regularly integrate nutrition science with body-based (somatic) practices and therapeutic coaching to help my clients learn to nourish themselves from the bottom up, with confidence. Please visit my website for more details.
(314) 526-2832 View (314) 526-2832
Photo of Sharon Ona - Sharon Ona , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Sharon Ona
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN
Online Only
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
Are you ready to stop feeling tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed with brain fog, low energy, and difficulty following through with ADHD, or blood sugar ups and downs, weight struggles, and concerning labs tied to cardiometabolic health? You don’t have to figure this out alone. As a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) I use a functional medicine approach to help you develop sustainable diet and lifestyle changes so you can feel your best. Through personalized 1:1 counseling, you’ll receive science-based strategies, practical tools, and accountability to help you improve energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel more in control.
(503) 213-6432 View (503) 213-6432
Photo of Jennifer Sherman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Jennifer Sherman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Online Only
Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C.
My specialties include weight loss and weight management, whole food plant based eating, heart health, diabetes, IBS, & autoimmunity. I also teach people meal planning, cooking skills, and ways to integrate restaurant meals into a healthy meal plan, as well as the fundamentals of nutrition and the way it impacts our general wellbeing and overall health.
Be that to reduce weight, improve autoimmune & IBS symptoms, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or A1C.
My specialties include weight loss and weight management, whole food plant based eating, heart health, diabetes, IBS, & autoimmunity. I also teach people meal planning, cooking skills, and ways to integrate restaurant meals into a healthy meal plan, as well as the fundamentals of nutrition and the way it impacts our general wellbeing and overall health.
(872) 259-4490 View (872) 259-4490

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Julie Moreschi, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Julie Moreschi
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Chicago, IL 60632
Julie’s ideal clients are individuals seeking personalized support for weight management, chronic disease prevention, digestive health, and overall wellness. Many come to her wanting practical guidance that fits their lifestyle and health goals. As a client-centered Registered Dietitian, Julie provides evidence-based nutrition care, individualized meal planning, and ongoing support to help clients build healthier habits and achieve lasting results.
Julie’s ideal clients are individuals seeking personalized support for weight management, chronic disease prevention, digestive health, and overall wellness. Many come to her wanting practical guidance that fits their lifestyle and health goals. As a client-centered Registered Dietitian, Julie provides evidence-based nutrition care, individualized meal planning, and ongoing support to help clients build healthier habits and achieve lasting results.
(773) 786-9787 View (773) 786-9787
Photo of Rachel Doyle, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Rachel Doyle
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Chicago, IL 60640
You are unique, and your nutrition and lifestyle plan should be too! If you’re tired of trying different diets without desired results, are frustrated by all the crazy conflicting nutrition information out there, or want to feel more vibrant and balanced, I can help guide you. We'll work together to discover the root causes of your ailments.
You are unique, and your nutrition and lifestyle plan should be too! If you’re tired of trying different diets without desired results, are frustrated by all the crazy conflicting nutrition information out there, or want to feel more vibrant and balanced, I can help guide you. We'll work together to discover the root causes of your ailments.
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Photo of Kristin Woodbury, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Kristin Woodbury
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60653
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes.
Specialties include working with adults with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Crohn's, Diabetes, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition. Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
Kristin specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Chron's, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, and Diabetes.
Specialties include working with adults with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, PCOS, Digestive Conditions, IBS, Low FODMAP, Crohn's, Diabetes, and Pre/Post Natal Nutrition. Other areas of expertise include but is not limited to general healthy eating, GERD, and Heart Conditions.
(332) 249-8428 View (332) 249-8428
Photo of Katie Gross, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
Katie Gross
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
Katie specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Disordered Eating, Digestive issues ( IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health (PCOS, etc.), Oncology Nutritional needs, Thyroid Disorders, Weight Management, Diabetes, General Healthy Eating, GERD, and interested in Sports Nutrition.
Katie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that collaborates with all clients to create sustainable lifestyle changes that support their overall health and well-being. Food acts as fuel but also has the ability to cultivate memories, emotions and traditions. She believes that food should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. With an “all foods fit”, body positive approach, Katie focuses on identifying individual barriers and personal preferences as she works closely to establish confidence in clients reaching their unique goals.
Katie specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Disordered Eating, Digestive issues ( IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health (PCOS, etc.), Oncology Nutritional needs, Thyroid Disorders, Weight Management, Diabetes, General Healthy Eating, GERD, and interested in Sports Nutrition.
Katie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that collaborates with all clients to create sustainable lifestyle changes that support their overall health and well-being. Food acts as fuel but also has the ability to cultivate memories, emotions and traditions. She believes that food should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. With an “all foods fit”, body positive approach, Katie focuses on identifying individual barriers and personal preferences as she works closely to establish confidence in clients reaching their unique goals.
(612) 326-0011 View (612) 326-0011
Photo of Ashley Walls, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
Ashley Walls
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60610
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more.
Specialties include working with clients that need assistance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS), Low FODMAP diet, GERD, Eating Disorders, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes, Heart conditions, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Celiac, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Intuitive Eating, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Malnutrition, Sports Nutrition
Ashley Walls specializes in working with clients interested in general healthy eating, and conditions including Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Celiac, Crohn's, IBS, Intuitive Eating, Weight Management and more.
Specialties include working with clients that need assistance with Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS), Low FODMAP diet, GERD, Eating Disorders, Pre-diabetes, Diabetes, Heart conditions, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Celiac, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Intuitive Eating, Underweight Nutrition, Weight Management, Malnutrition, Sports Nutrition
(312) 262-7112 View (312) 262-7112
Photo of Nicole Buchanan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Nicole Buchanan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
(659) 247-2042 View (659) 247-2042
Photo of Kristin Paver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristin Paver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues ( IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues ( IBS, IBD), Crohn's, Celiac, Weight Management for Adults/Adolescents, Diabetes, GERD, Allergy Nutrition, PCOS, Cardiovascular Disease, Kidney Disorders, High Blood Pressure, and other conditions.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
(205) 880-1640 View (205) 880-1640
Photo of Amelia Provost - All Access Dieitians, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
All Access Dieitians
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Online Only
As a Dietitian Coach with All Access Dietitians, we commit to a 12 session program with all clients. The program is rooted in positive psychology to enable behavior change towards your health and wellness goals, blending the science of nutrition with the art of coaching. If you are someone looking for the accountability and guidance to change your health habits, improve your bloodwork, manage your chronic condition through diet and build your toolbox of resources for sustainable change, this will be a great fit for you.
As a Dietitian Coach with All Access Dietitians, we commit to a 12 session program with all clients. The program is rooted in positive psychology to enable behavior change towards your health and wellness goals, blending the science of nutrition with the art of coaching. If you are someone looking for the accountability and guidance to change your health habits, improve your bloodwork, manage your chronic condition through diet and build your toolbox of resources for sustainable change, this will be a great fit for you.
(872) 244-6171 View (872) 244-6171
Photo of Kristen Fustos - Kristen Fustos - Happy Tummy Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSP
Kristen Fustos - Happy Tummy Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSP
Online Only
I help families whose little ones struggle with persistent tummy issues and who feel frustrated, dismissed, or stuck searching for answers. My approach digs deeper to uncover the root cause so your child can finally feel comfortable and thrive! Common concerns I support include: • Constipation or diarrhea • Reflux or GERD • Eczema or skin flares • Food allergies or sensitivities • FPIES, CSID, EoE & complex GI issues
I help families whose little ones struggle with persistent tummy issues and who feel frustrated, dismissed, or stuck searching for answers. My approach digs deeper to uncover the root cause so your child can finally feel comfortable and thrive! Common concerns I support include: • Constipation or diarrhea • Reflux or GERD • Eczema or skin flares • Food allergies or sensitivities • FPIES, CSID, EoE & complex GI issues
(813) 851-2134 View (813) 851-2134
Photo of Robin Gatter - Robin Gatter Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, NBC-HWC
Robin Gatter Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, NBC-HWC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I help people with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ASD, TBIs, Anorexia, Atypical Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, OSFED, Diabetes, Thyroid Disease, IBS/IBD, and other GI conditions so they can get back to living their lives, feel confident in their bodies and take the stress out of eating.
Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Do you get stressed thinking about what to eat? Have you tried different ways of eating to help you feel better and nothing seems to work? Like you, I struggled. I have ADHD, Thyroid Disease, and had disordered eating patterns for many years. I help people identify the root cause of their illness and incorporate nutritional changes. I know what it's like to have a negative body image and be exhausted from thinking about what I could and couldn't eat. Food should bring joy and satisfaction, not stress.
I help people with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ASD, TBIs, Anorexia, Atypical Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, OSFED, Diabetes, Thyroid Disease, IBS/IBD, and other GI conditions so they can get back to living their lives, feel confident in their bodies and take the stress out of eating.
Do you have an unhealthy relationship with food? Do you get stressed thinking about what to eat? Have you tried different ways of eating to help you feel better and nothing seems to work? Like you, I struggled. I have ADHD, Thyroid Disease, and had disordered eating patterns for many years. I help people identify the root cause of their illness and incorporate nutritional changes. I know what it's like to have a negative body image and be exhausted from thinking about what I could and couldn't eat. Food should bring joy and satisfaction, not stress.
(561) 944-7635 View (561) 944-7635
Photo of Lindsay Midura, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Lindsay Midura
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
Hi! I'm Lindsay, Functional Medicine Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist. I am passionate about helping my clients find healing from digestive distress and/or hormonal imbalances. Our relationship with food is the most consistent and intimate connection we have in our lifetime. Like many important relationships, how we connect and interact with food can become confusing, overwhelming and complicated. Do you find yourself lost among mixed messages of how to care for your health? Are you struggling with your health and want to find a sustainable way to use food as a healing tool? Peace with food and your body is possible for you.
(312) 766-6802 View (312) 766-6802
Photo of Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions ( IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Specialties include Vegan/Vegetarian, Anti-inflammatory Nutrition, Heart Health, Hormonal Imbalances, GI Conditions ( IBS and IBD), GERD (Acid Reflux), Diabetes, Crohn’s, PCOS, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Kidney Disease, Weight Management, High Cholesterol, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric Diagnosis, Hyper/Hypo-Thyroidism, Candida Overgrowth.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
(332) 244-2046 View (332) 244-2046
Photo of Johanna Richter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Johanna Richter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues (PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
I work with people to improve their relationships with food, especially when complicated by medical conditions, such as digestive conditions (SIBO, IBS, Celiac, IBD, Fatty Liver), hormonal issues (PCOS, PMDD), insulin resistance (Pre-Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes), behavioral health conditions, genetic risk, chronic illness, and rare diseases.
Having trouble coping with food, nutrition, and your health, especially with the recent stress of COVID-19? Many people are experiencing stress-related changes in emotions, eating behaviors, and physical symptoms, including digestive issues. Whether these experiences are new to you or related to something you dealt with in the past, I’m here to help.
(206) 785-3724 View (206) 785-3724
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.