Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Devon, PA

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Photo of Jennifer Laurence, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, LDN
Jennifer Laurence
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
West Chester, PA 19380
I work with individuals who are struggling with unwanted weight gain and undesired symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, or lack of motivation. If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused over what to eat and want to feel your absolute best again, I can help you. Maybe you’ve tried different fad diets but couldn’t stick with them. Maybe there are more underlying causes to your weight gain that you suspect, but no one will listen or help you figure it out. Maybe you prioritize everyone or everything in your life but need support and a plan that is just for YOU. Maybe all of this thinking about food has you really STRESSED OUT.
I work with individuals who are struggling with unwanted weight gain and undesired symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, or lack of motivation. If you are feeling overwhelmed and confused over what to eat and want to feel your absolute best again, I can help you. Maybe you’ve tried different fad diets but couldn’t stick with them. Maybe there are more underlying causes to your weight gain that you suspect, but no one will listen or help you figure it out. Maybe you prioritize everyone or everything in your life but need support and a plan that is just for YOU. Maybe all of this thinking about food has you really STRESSED OUT.
(484) 498-6286 View (484) 498-6286
Photo of Beth Chiodo - Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Beth Chiodo, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CWC, CLT
Ambler, PA 19002
As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more.
As a Certified Wellness Coach and Registered Dietitian, I take evidence-based research and teach you how to apply that to your lifestyle to improve your gut health. Using techniques of mindfulness and behavior change, I can help you be successful in improving your health and changing your life.
As a fellow Crohn's disease sufferer, I work with IBD, IBS, Celiac, SIBO, Gluten Intolerance and Food Sensitivities, Intestinal Permeability (AKA Leaky Gut), and more.
As a Certified Wellness Coach and Registered Dietitian, I take evidence-based research and teach you how to apply that to your lifestyle to improve your gut health. Using techniques of mindfulness and behavior change, I can help you be successful in improving your health and changing your life.
(484) 494-2928 View (484) 494-2928
Photo of Alison Swiggard, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Alison Swiggard
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Online Only
I help people rebuild trust with food, eating, and their bodies without shame, rigid food rules, or weight-focused care. My work is grounded in a non-diet, weight-inclusive, and trauma-informed approach, with a focus on eating disorders, disordered eating, ADHD, PCOS, body image, and intuitive eating. Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted by food noise, guilt around eating, inconsistent hunger cues, or the pressure to “get it right.” Together, we work toward steadier nourishment, more flexibility, and a relationship with food that feels less consuming and more supportive.
I help people rebuild trust with food, eating, and their bodies without shame, rigid food rules, or weight-focused care. My work is grounded in a non-diet, weight-inclusive, and trauma-informed approach, with a focus on eating disorders, disordered eating, ADHD, PCOS, body image, and intuitive eating. Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted by food noise, guilt around eating, inconsistent hunger cues, or the pressure to “get it right.” Together, we work toward steadier nourishment, more flexibility, and a relationship with food that feels less consuming and more supportive.
(443) 381-0964 View (443) 381-0964
Photo of Kristie L Finnan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristie L Finnan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
1 Endorsed
Doylestown, PA 18902
If you have IBS, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns or other Digestive health issues?
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
If you have IBS, Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohns or other Digestive health issues?
Looking to improve your health & wellness? Every client is different. Let me help you individualize a plan to meet your needs. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your digestive health (I specialize in the Low FODMAP diet) lower cholesterol or blood sugar, I am happy to help! I also have experience and am passionate about helping athletes eat right for top performance. Food is fuel. Let me help you figure out the best fuel for you! I am a Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in Doylestown, PA (NOTE: I also offer tele-health and phone consults for those too far away) Book appointment online: www.EatRightBucks.com
(267) 573-8057 View (267) 573-8057
Photo of Natalie Meltzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Natalie Meltzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals managing GI disorders, chronic diseases, or age-related health concerns who want practical, personalized nutrition support. They often feel unsure how to apply nutrition advice in real life and are looking for realistic strategies that fit their needs. I provide individualized, evidence-based care rooted in a “food as medicine” approach. By understanding each client’s goals, we build practical habits and use nutrition to support symptom management, overall health, and long-term well-being.
My ideal clients are individuals managing GI disorders, chronic diseases, or age-related health concerns who want practical, personalized nutrition support. They often feel unsure how to apply nutrition advice in real life and are looking for realistic strategies that fit their needs. I provide individualized, evidence-based care rooted in a “food as medicine” approach. By understanding each client’s goals, we build practical habits and use nutrition to support symptom management, overall health, and long-term well-being.
(708) 419-2485 View (708) 419-2485
Photo of Tracy Brown - Tracy Brown,RD , Char-Lee Cassel RD, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Tracy Brown,RD , Char-Lee Cassel RD
Nutritionist/Dietitian
Philadelphia, PA 19135
It is not often we are encouraged to honor our bodies needs. We live in world that teaches us to "watch it" and "have it together", especially around weight and food. Unfortunately, this constant pressure to "be good" can play a role in constant dieting, restricting, binging, purging and an all or nothing attitude around exercise. Fortunately, we can make peace with food and our bodies again. Our approach of trauma informed nutrition counseling and coaching teaches non-diet eating and body wisdom skills to learn to trust and feel safe inside the body and manage chronic issues such as burned and stressed out, PCOS and gut health.
It is not often we are encouraged to honor our bodies needs. We live in world that teaches us to "watch it" and "have it together", especially around weight and food. Unfortunately, this constant pressure to "be good" can play a role in constant dieting, restricting, binging, purging and an all or nothing attitude around exercise. Fortunately, we can make peace with food and our bodies again. Our approach of trauma informed nutrition counseling and coaching teaches non-diet eating and body wisdom skills to learn to trust and feel safe inside the body and manage chronic issues such as burned and stressed out, PCOS and gut health.
(215) 486-0669 View (215) 486-0669
Photo of Victoria Goodman - Victoria Goodman Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, DSC, RD, LDN
Victoria Goodman Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, DSC, RD, LDN
Online Only
Victoria W. Goodman, DSC,RD,LDN,CLT is a registered dietitian and nutrition therapist with a private practice in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Not only is Victoria accomplished in the science of medical nutrition therapy, she is passionate about promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle changes and has helped a diverse group of clients obtain their individual goals. A functional and holistic approach in accordance to medical needs and food presences help to support her mission.
Victoria W. Goodman, DSC,RD,LDN,CLT is a registered dietitian and nutrition therapist with a private practice in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Not only is Victoria accomplished in the science of medical nutrition therapy, she is passionate about promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle changes and has helped a diverse group of clients obtain their individual goals. A functional and holistic approach in accordance to medical needs and food presences help to support her mission.
(267) 763-3097 View (267) 763-3097
Photo of Leah Frazee, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Leah Frazee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Newtown, PA 18940
I am Nutrition Therapist specializing in, behavioral eating patterns, eating disorders, diabetes, PCOS/PMOS and overall wellness. I also work with a variety of other medical conditions. I have a refreshing approach to help clients, whether its breaking away from diet culture or needing to makes real sustainable changes to improve your health. I can help implement a non-diet, all food fits, Health at Every Size approach in a non-judgmental, compassionate environment. I will help you establish a healthier relationship with food, body and overall self. I will help you achieve your goals and maintain success throughout your life.
I am Nutrition Therapist specializing in, behavioral eating patterns, eating disorders, diabetes, PCOS/PMOS and overall wellness. I also work with a variety of other medical conditions. I have a refreshing approach to help clients, whether its breaking away from diet culture or needing to makes real sustainable changes to improve your health. I can help implement a non-diet, all food fits, Health at Every Size approach in a non-judgmental, compassionate environment. I will help you establish a healthier relationship with food, body and overall self. I will help you achieve your goals and maintain success throughout your life.
(609) 642-1442 View (609) 642-1442
Photo of Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
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 Jackie Silver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MHSc, RD
Jackie Silver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MHSc, RD
Online Only
We can focus on areas like meal prep and planning for executive dysfunction or food aversions, managing stress or binge eating, digestive health (constipation, IBS), low appetite, picky eating and diet expansion, ARFID, malnutrition, and mindful eating skills (like listening to hunger/fullness cues and more).
Hi, I’m Jackie! I work one-on-one with clients through my virtual private practice, specializing in neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, including those with autism, ADHD, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. My passion lies in creating personalized nutrition strategies that align with your strengths and abilities. With a weight-inclusive, neuro-affirming approach, I’ve supported clients of all ages and ability levels reach their health and nutrition goals. I’d love to support you on your journey!
We can focus on areas like meal prep and planning for executive dysfunction or food aversions, managing stress or binge eating, digestive health (constipation, IBS), low appetite, picky eating and diet expansion, ARFID, malnutrition, and mindful eating skills (like listening to hunger/fullness cues and more).
Hi, I’m Jackie! I work one-on-one with clients through my virtual private practice, specializing in neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, including those with autism, ADHD, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. My passion lies in creating personalized nutrition strategies that align with your strengths and abilities. With a weight-inclusive, neuro-affirming approach, I’ve supported clients of all ages and ability levels reach their health and nutrition goals. I’d love to support you on your journey!
(646) 679-2887 View (646) 679-2887
Photo of Anna Velazquez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Velazquez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition.
Specialties include working with and adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), interest in Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. Anna also works with clients with Diverticulitis, and Disordered Eating.
Anna is a Registered Dietitian that practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition.
Specialties include working with and adults and pediatrics with a history of GI disorders (Celiac, IBS, Low-FODMAP, IBD, Constipation, GERD, lactase and sucrase deficiency), interest in Healthy Eating, Food Allergies, and Pediatric Nutrition. Anna also works with clients with Diverticulitis, and Disordered Eating.
(561) 709-2317 View (561) 709-2317
Photo of Linda Matthews, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Linda Matthews
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
5 Endorsed
Collegeville, PA 19426
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
If you’ve been to doctor after doctor without real answers, you’re not alone—and I’m here to change that! I specialize in complex health challenges and help clients recover from issues like autoimmune disease, severe digestive symptoms, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that just won’t budge. I also work with SIBO, histamine intolerance, oxalates, salicylates, lectins, PMS, thyroid issues, joint pain, eating disorders, mold toxicity, anxiety/ depression and arthritis. As a functional nutritionist, I go beyond symptom management—I uncover and address the root cause so true healing can begin.
(484) 749-9525 View (484) 749-9525
Photo of Donna Hugues - Brandywine Area Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian
Brandywine Area Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian
Serves Area
Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), migraine, fibromyalgia, and many other inflammatory conditions are often directly related to immune reactions to the foods we eat.
At Brandywine I use the patented blood test called Mediator Release Test (MRT) to identify reactions to foods. Independent studies confirm MRT is the most accurate blood test available for food reactions. The next step is putting together an eating plan based on test results and your food preferences.
Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS), migraine, fibromyalgia, and many other inflammatory conditions are often directly related to immune reactions to the foods we eat.
At Brandywine I use the patented blood test called Mediator Release Test (MRT) to identify reactions to foods. Independent studies confirm MRT is the most accurate blood test available for food reactions. The next step is putting together an eating plan based on test results and your food preferences.
(302) 448-4281 View (302) 448-4281
Photo of Joanna Hunter - Vita Nutrition Services, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Vita Nutrition Services
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Serves Area
Now accepting new in person & telehealth clients! Eating and living healthfully can be so hard, especially in a culture of misinformation that gives too many messages about what is "good" or "bad" for us. Vita Nutrition Services is different. Here at Vita Nutrition Services, we have a passion for making nutritious food delicious and fun, regardless of your health concerns.We understand your situation is unique, and we will make every effort to help you creatively and sustainably add healthy food to your everyday life.
Now accepting new in person & telehealth clients! Eating and living healthfully can be so hard, especially in a culture of misinformation that gives too many messages about what is "good" or "bad" for us. Vita Nutrition Services is different. Here at Vita Nutrition Services, we have a passion for making nutritious food delicious and fun, regardless of your health concerns.We understand your situation is unique, and we will make every effort to help you creatively and sustainably add healthy food to your everyday life.
(609) 354-7275 View (609) 354-7275
Photo of Pat Dinunzio-Ruth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Pat Dinunzio-Ruth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Lansdale, PA 19446
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
I am a licensed, registered dietitian with over 25 years of expertise in counseling individuals on nutrition. I enjoy working with clients and helping them make life-long changes in their eating habits, addressing not only what foods to eat, but how to eat, when to eat, and why we eat. I have worked successfully with individuals with many different diagnoses, helping them deal with multiple health issues. I enjoy developing an ongoing working relationship with my clients, showing how nutrition can make a positive difference in their lives, as it has in my own.
(215) 650-3956 View (215) 650-3956
Photo of Anna Grumm, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Anna Grumm
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
Anna’s ideal clients are individuals looking for practical, personalized support to improve their health through realistic nutrition and lifestyle changes. Many come to her feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin. She helps clients build sustainable habits through a supportive, collaborative approach that considers the whole person, including nutrition, mental well-being, physical health, and each client’s unique goals.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Nicole Ortiz, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, MCN
Nicole Ortiz
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, MCN
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for disordered eating, eating disorders, gastrointestinal health, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition information or stuck in restrictive patterns and want a more balanced, sustainable approach. I provide evidence-based, bilingual (English and Spanish) care that is practical and personalized. Together, we focus on building realistic habits, improving health, and creating long-term change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
My ideal clients are individuals seeking support for disordered eating, eating disorders, gastrointestinal health, diabetes, and overall wellness. They often feel overwhelmed by nutrition information or stuck in restrictive patterns and want a more balanced, sustainable approach. I provide evidence-based, bilingual (English and Spanish) care that is practical and personalized. Together, we focus on building realistic habits, improving health, and creating long-term change in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
(708) 377-9487 View (708) 377-9487
Photo of Emily Paeth, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Emily Paeth
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues, IBS, Crohn's, Celiac, PCOS, Intuitive Eating, Body Image Concerns, and Vegan/Vegetarian diets.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
Specialties include Eating disorders, Disordered Eating, Digestive Issues, IBS, Crohn's, Celiac, PCOS, Intuitive Eating, Body Image Concerns, and Vegan/Vegetarian diets.
Emily practices out of Health Loft and specializes in working with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Plant Based Diets, Digestive Issues, Body Image Concerns and other conditions. She strongly believes that all foods fit and strives to help clients in their food freedom journey. Using a weight neutral and non-judgemental approach, Emily believes that health is multifactorial and will work to see you as a person, rather than a diagnosis. Emily has spent the majority of her career in higher levels of care for eating disorder treatment (RES, PHP, IOP) treating various eating disorders diagnoses.
(754) 325-3311 View (754) 325-3311
Photo of Victoria Algeri, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLC
Victoria Algeri
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLC
Online Only
Hi, I’m Victoria— I help women and families cut through the noise of diet culture and quick fixes to uncover what their bodies truly need. Whether you’re navigating hormonal shifts, gut issues, autoimmunity, or infant and pediatric nutrition- my approach is personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate. I believe food should nourish, not restrict, and I work with you to create realistic strategies that fit your life.
Hi, I’m Victoria— I help women and families cut through the noise of diet culture and quick fixes to uncover what their bodies truly need. Whether you’re navigating hormonal shifts, gut issues, autoimmunity, or infant and pediatric nutrition- my approach is personalized, evidence-based, and compassionate. I believe food should nourish, not restrict, and I work with you to create realistic strategies that fit your life.
(412) 314-8820 View (412) 314-8820
Photo of Jean Tomezsko, Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RDN, LDN
Jean Tomezsko
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RDN, LDN
Philadelphia, PA 19106
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) I work with each client to identify their specific health/nutrition goals and help guide and support them on their road to reaching their goals. I can work with you on anything from weight loss, diabetes treatment to developing a gluten-free diet plan. I am specialized in many other medical conditions as well. I support you with office visits, weekly phone calls, and email contact. Most individuals need from one to three sessions to get on the right track, but I am always happy to schedule additional visits as needed.
As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) I work with each client to identify their specific health/nutrition goals and help guide and support them on their road to reaching their goals. I can work with you on anything from weight loss, diabetes treatment to developing a gluten-free diet plan. I am specialized in many other medical conditions as well. I support you with office visits, weekly phone calls, and email contact. Most individuals need from one to three sessions to get on the right track, but I am always happy to schedule additional visits as needed.
(215) 234-1785 View (215) 234-1785
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.