May 23, 2025 • 16 mins
In this episode, we’re diving into the actual diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). As an IBS and gut health Dietitian, I am always explaining to my clients and community that IBS is a true medical diagnosis and that your symptoms are valid! We discuss the hallmark symptoms of IBS, IBS subtypes, common drivers and causes of IBS, and how to receive a proper diagnosis.
⏱️ Chapters:
(00:00) – Intro
(00:48) – Listener Q&A Intro & Today’s Question: “How do you diagnose IBS?”
(01:37) – Is IBS a real medical condition? Busting the myth
(02:03) – Common IBS symptoms explained
(03:34) – 4 Types of IBS (Rome IV Criteria)
(05:02) – How IBS is diagnosed (Rome IV diagnostic framework)
(06:57) – IBS vs. Other GI Conditions
(07:59) – Red flags to rule out before IBS diagnosis
(09:11) – Tests that are unreliable for IBS (IGG, GI Map, Viome, etc.)
(11:18) – IBS Smart Test: A promising tool for post-infectious IBS
(12:34) – Tips for preparing to talk to your doctor
(13:36) – Building a strong care team for IBS management
(14:50) – You're not alone: IBS affects millions
(15:17) – How to apply for coaching & my Gut Harmony Method Program for lasting IBS relief
—
👩🏻💻 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: ⤵️
📌 Learn More About My Gut Harmony Method Program (IBS & Gut Health Coaching)
📌 Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria for IBS
✨Join my FREE MASTERCLASS - Steal My Ultimate Gut Relief Roadmap: 6 Steps to Lasting IBS Control on June 3rd & 4th. Save your seat here.
—
✉️ CONNECT WITH ME: ⤵️
🖥️ Shop the Resource Suite
👩🏻⚕️ Apply For Coaching
If the GutFit Nutrition Podcast is giving you value - helped your digestion and fitness, made you rethink how you approach your gut health, please consider leaving a review! 🎧
If you have questions for my listener Q & A episodes, you can submit them here, or send me an email at leigh@leighmerotto.com. See you soon!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome to the Gut Fit NutritionPodcast, the show where we dive
deep into the world of gut health, nutrition and fitness to
help you unlock your best self from the inside out.
I'm your host Lee Morado, a registered dietitian, gut health
expert, long distance runner andmovement enthusiast on a mission
to empower you with. Science.
Backed whole body. Strategies to.
Fuel your body, heal your gut, and thrive in your active life.
(00:23):
Whether you're here to finally break free from IBS and
digestive symptoms, optimize your fitness performance, or
learn how to support your gut health with natural strategies,
you're in the right place. Each week, we'll explore topics
like conquering digestive symptoms, building a gut
friendly lifestyle, enhancing endurance and strength
performance, and more. So grab a cup of your favorite
gut friendly tea and settle in because we're about to get gut
(00:46):
fit together. Welcome back to Another Listener
Q&A. Episode These episodes are.
Where I take the questions that you send me and quite simply
answer them on the podcast. I've received many.
Questions from listeners like you about your burning questions
and I'm very excited to chat through them on the show.
I'll either be answering them asone question per episode.
(01:07):
Or if I. Get a.
Few related. Questions on themes like
managing. Bloating.
Supplements for gut health or running nutrition.
I'll group them into one episode.
Be sure to send me your questions either as a comment on
this episode, wherever you're tuning in from on Spotify,
YouTube, or Apple. Podcast or?
You can also send me Adm on Instagram at Lee Morado under
(01:27):
Score Rd. Today's question was sent in by
Clara from Ontario, Canada. Clara asks.
What's the best way to diagnose IBS?
So you've probably seen it online or perhaps someone's told
you that IBS is not a true medical condition, it's a
diagnosis of exclusions, etcetera, etcetera.
(01:49):
So I'm here to tell you that it is a true medical condition.
We're learning lots more about it as research expands and
improves. And as someone who works with
many, many, many clients with IBS, it is a true medical
condition. So currently, IBS is defined as
a chronic functional gut disorder characterized by
abdominal pain or discomfort along with a range of other
(02:12):
symptoms including bloating, bowel, alternating bowel habits
such as diarrhea or Constipation, or alternating
episodes of both. So with IBS, the primary or the
main symptoms include that abdominal pain and discomfort,
Constipation, which is considered inadequate or
infrequent bowel movements, diarrhea, loose frequent
(02:32):
unformed stool, bloating. So this refers to as like the
sensation of an inflated balloonin your abdomen and then
dissension, which is a bit different from bloating.
You may with bloating, you feel like there's more air in your
abdominal tract, but dissension is a visible or like a you can
see it with your eyes, increase in abdominal girth.
(02:52):
And so these are the, the main symptoms.
However, there are other symptoms that those with IBS may
also experience. So flatulence or having like a
lot of painful gas farts, wind, urgency.
So an immediate need to use the washroom.
You know, if you've ever been out on a walk and then all of a
sudden it's like you have to find a bathroom right away.
I'm not sure you're going to make it Fatigue.
(03:14):
So tiredness or low energy nausea is a common one as well.
I find sometimes this goes alongwith reflux too.
So if someone has maybe Constipation, there's a lot of
pressure on the abdomen then they may get more more nauseous,
bowel incontinence and passing mucus too.
So there are actually four typesor subtypes of IBS as per the
(03:36):
current realm 4 criteria. So this includes IBSD or
diarrhea dominant in IBS. So this is when the digestive
system contracts really quickly,you get a transiting of
products, you know, moving really quickly through your
digestive tract resulting in those frequent watery bowel
movements. So diarrhea, IBSC are
Constipation dominant in IBS. So this is when your digestive
(03:58):
system moves more slowly, there's delayed transit time for
digestion resulting in hard or difficult to pass and or
infrequent stools, Constipation.And a side note with that, you
can be constipated even if you're moving your bowels every
day, but if your bowels are verysmall in volume or they're hard
or difficult to pass IBSM. So this is a mixed subtype.
(04:20):
I tend to see this one quite commonly.
So this is when the transit timethrough your digestive tract
actually fluctuates. So you get a mix of both
diarrhea and Constipation, like alternates between the two.
And sometimes these stool consistencies can even incur
within the same bowel movement. And then there is IBSU.
So this is considered IBS unclassified, which is where
(04:42):
patients meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS.
But your bowel habits cannot be accurately categorized into any
of the above. So you're not considered to have
like diarrhea or Constipation ormixed, it may actually be
normal, but you have the other symptoms of IBS like abdominal
pain and bloating. Quite interesting.
So then how do we diagnose IBS? So currently there is no
(05:05):
specific medical test, blood test, X-ray scope, etcetera
quite yet. It is still diagnosed typically
after other GI conditions that may cause digestive symptoms are
ruled out, but those with sort of a pathological
pathophysiological state. So things like Crohn's or
colitis where there's visible inflammation and damage in the
(05:29):
intestinal tract that you can see in a colonoscopy.
Celiacs disease, which is an autoimmune reaction to gluten,
parasite infection or anemia. However, if you're working with
a Doctor Who you know has experience with IBS and is using
you know the the guidelines, then the specific criteria that
(05:49):
you would you should go through to be given a diagnosis for IBS
is known as the Rome 4 Diagnostic criteria for IBS.
So this is defined as recurrent abdominal pain on average at
least one day per week in the last three months associated
with two or more of the following related to defecation
(06:10):
or having a bowel movement, associated with a change in a
frequency of stool or associatedwith a change in the form or
appearance of stool. So this is important to note
that these criteria are based onthe symptoms in the last three
months. So in order to be diagnosed with
IDs, you would need to have had symptoms for at least three
(06:31):
months. So just having, you know, an
increase in GI symptoms for a week, that's not an IDs
diagnosis. It's something that has been
going on for a longer period of time.
And also as per the Rome criteria, this is reliable only
when there's no abnormal intestinal anatomy, AKA like or
sort of changes in the intestinal intestinal structure
(06:53):
or abnormality in the biochemical or metabolic
processes that would explain your symptoms.
So in other words, results from the physical examination and any
tests are negative and appear normal.
This said, in terms of causes ofIBSI, tend to see IBS more
frequently now as a microbiome disorder.
We know that those with IBS tendto have a less resilient, less
(07:16):
stable and less diverse gut microbiome and there's a
component of dysbiosis or imbalance in the gut microbiome.
So this tends to be what is contributing to those symptoms.
Unfortunately, we don't really have a good way to test for that
now and it doesn't come up on routine testing.
But we've seen that this is really common profile in those
with IBS and it can result in those those symptoms.
(07:38):
And then there are some red flags too.
So it's important to note that IBS symptoms can overlap with
other conditions such as celiacsdisease or inflammatory bowel
disease, even colon cancer too. So This is why it's really
important that if you do think that you have IBS, it is really
important to get a formal diagnosis, advocate to see a
(07:59):
gastroenterologist or at least have your family doctor do some
some testing to make sure that we're ruling out anything that
could be potentially life threatening or can get worse
over time if not properly managed.
So if you do have any red flag symptoms, be sure to tell your
doctor so that they can rule outother conditions.
And this includes blood in stools.
This is typically not common in IDs unless someone potentially
(08:22):
has a hemorrhoid or fissure, which is more blood coming out,
Like externally, it's probably more, right?
Bright blood versus dark blood is a sign that you know the
blood's coming from somewhere inside your intestinal tract.
Anemia or low iron. Unintentional weight loss.
So you haven't been trying to lose weight, but you have been
losing weight. A fever.
(08:42):
Your symptoms are getting more severe.
Progressively worse daily diarrhea or really loose stool.
More than three bowel movements a day.
Bowel movements at night. So having to get up in the
middle of the night to have a bowel move is not really a
symptom of IBS. And then of course having a
family history because there's agenetic component.
So if you have anyone in your family with celiacs disease or
(09:03):
inflammatory bowel disease, it'sit's really, really important to
have your doctor rule out other conditions too.
So what are unreliable tests then?
I did want to put these here because I always get asked about
them. So the first one would include
the IgG food intolerance test. So while I would love if we had
a blood test that could tell us what foods we're intolerant to,
(09:26):
we're just not there yet with the symptoms.
So this includes, you know, the the IgG blood tests, also the
MRT Leap test. The problem with these tests is
that they come back with a lot of false positives.
So they may highlight some foodsthat you're quote UN quote
sensitive to. However, they do tend to come
back with flagging foods that you may commonly eat but are not
(09:47):
actually truly sensitive too. So I don't use these tests
because they're quite expensive and it can be really hard to
work through the results of the test.
And I find it it tends to lead to a more more anxiety than than
help. And then the other one would be
a fecal microbiota testing or these at home gut health tests.
So this is like our GI map, the Biome, the gut health check.
(10:12):
To this date, we still can't properly quantify what a healthy
gut microbiome is. And the problem with these tests
is that they come up with their own parameters as to what they
say is quote, UN quote, healthy or within normal range or high,
which is a red flag when a company is coming up with their
own, you know, parameters to support their product versus
(10:32):
relying on external data. So big red flag there.
And the other issue too is that they just can't, they're not
gold standard for diagnosing conditions like parasites, even
leaky gut, SIBO, et cetera. So again, these tests are really
expensive. The stool test can cost I think
around $600 and they're really, really not worth it in my book.
(10:53):
That said, like a a clinical stool testing, stool testing
that you're done with a medical doctor is something that you can
be used to rule out parasites, Hpylori and Crohn's disease.
However, I'm referring to the like home test that you order
yourself and you send to a lab like the GI map or the Biome
test. That's what I did want to note
(11:16):
one test that is does have some good research behind it and this
is the IBS smart test. So we know that IBS can often
develop after severe gut infection from a parasite or
bacterial infection. So last I saw the statistic was
that one in nine people who havea gastroenteritis or gastric
(11:37):
infection will come out with IBSafter that.
So that's that's pretty high rates.
And this can actually lead to C bone developing.
So increase in bacteria in the small bowel and then there's
often that resulting inflammation and dysbiosis.
So there is actually now a validated test for the
antibodies that can develop after food poisoning and this is
known as anti CDTB and anti Vengolin.
(12:00):
So although there isn't really adirect treatment for these
antibodies yet, for anyone that's interested in help can
help maybe understand why your IBS developed in the 1st place
and potentially help better support your treatment plan.
So this test is used for IBS D and IBS M because these
conditions tend to result in this type of antibodies
(12:22):
increasing. It's not a validated test yet
for IBSC. So if you are interested in it,
you can check it out. It's IES smart and you do need a
doctor's prescription to order it.
So all that to say, I'm, I'm, you know, a big advocate for
proper investigation and diagnosis.
What I would recommend is that if you think that you have IBS
(12:42):
is to keep a record of your symptoms, bowel habits, food
bloating, abdominal pain, you know, missed days at work for at
least one to two months. Take that data, bring it to your
doctor, hopefully you have AGP or family doctor, or perhaps
you're working with a nurse practitioner as your primary
care and ask to get a referral for a gastroenterologist.
(13:03):
So a gastroenterologist is a medical doctor specializing in
digestion. So this is, you know, someone
you want to see if you want proper testing and diagnosis.
So I would advocate for yourselfto get at least an understanding
that there's nothing, you know, potentially life threatening
going on or anything that is going to worsen without the
(13:24):
right treatment. And just knowing that it is IBS
or you're dealing with IBS is going to help you to actually
manage it better by understanding what you're
dealing with. So this is really important.
And then from there, once you get that IBS diagnosis, build
your care team. So I think that, you know, an
Ideal Care plan or care team forIBS would be working with a
dietitian specialized in IBS andgut health like myself would
(13:48):
love to work with you in my, my program, having your gastro Dr.
working with pelvic floor therapist, a lot of people, this
is really important. And then also with a
psychotherapist just for that mental health support too.
So I always advocating for that testing.
I work with a lot of clients too.
I know sometimes here in Canada,it's difficult to get access to
(14:12):
testing or takes a long time or maybe you get pushed back from
your doctor. So that said, I do have clients
who have suspected IBS. We work together.
And if there are more tests thatI recommend that you you do to
rule out anything else going on,I do work with that with my, my
patients as well. So all that to say, you know,
IBS is a true medical condition.It's estimated it affects
(14:33):
anywhere from 13 to 20% of the Canadian population at any time.
However, only 40% seek help. So I know that if it's maybe
something that you've dealt withfor a long time, you've really
lived with these symptoms for many years.
I have clients come to me who'vehad IBS for a couple years,
anywhere to 30-40 years. And what can happen too is maybe
we begin to normalize it over time or think, think that it's
(14:56):
just something we have to deal with.
Or maybe you have seen a doctor and they told you it's something
that you have to live with. But I want to remind you that it
is a true medical condition and it is possible to find freedom
from your gut symptoms and achieve good digestive health.
So if you're not alone in this journey and there is a lot that
you can do. And if you're looking for that
more high quality support for IBS management, I'd love for you
(15:17):
to apply for coaching. I have my Gut Harmony Method
program and we work together really closely to help take you
from A-Z with your symptoms, break free from the bloating,
unpredictable bowel movements and really manage your IBS for
the long term through integrative whole body strategy.
So you can visit the show notes and there's a link to apply for
coaching or visit Gutfret Nutrition to find out more.
(15:39):
All that to say, it's a true medical condition and working
with the right care team can help you diagnose it and then
manage it properly. That's a wrap for today's
episode. Thank you so much for listening
and being a part of our community here.
If the Gut Fit Nutrition podcastis giving you value, helped your
digestion and fitness, made you rethink how you approach your
(15:59):
gut health, consider leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or
wherever you're getting your podcasts.
If you have questions for my listener Q&A episodes, you can
submit them as a comment on this.
Episode or send me. An e-mail at lee@leemorado.com.
For more digestible IBS gut health and fitness tips, be sure
to follow me on Instagram at LeeMorado Under Score Rd. and to
(16:21):
apply for coaching shop. The Resource Suite or grab a
freebie visit Gut. Fitnutrition.com Thanks for
tuning in. We'll be in touch soon.
Welcome to the Gut Fit NutritionPodcast, the show where we dive
deep into the world of gut health, nutrition and fitness to
help you unlock your best self from the inside out.
I'm your host Lee Morado, a registered dietitian, gut health
expert, long distance runner andmovement enthusiast on a mission
to empower you with. Science.
Backed whole body. Strategies to.
Fuel your body, heal your gut, and thrive in your active life.
(00:23):
Whether you're here to finally break free from IBS and
digestive symptoms, optimize your fitness performance, or
learn how to support your gut health with natural strategies,
you're in the right place. Each week, we'll explore topics
like conquering digestive symptoms, building a gut
friendly lifestyle, enhancing endurance and strength
performance, and more. So grab a cup of your favorite
gut friendly tea and settle in because we're about to get gut
(00:46):
fit together. Welcome back to Another Listener
Q&A. Episode These episodes are.
Where I take the questions that you send me and quite simply
answer them on the podcast. I've received many.
Questions from listeners like you about your burning questions
and I'm very excited to chat through them on the show.
I'll either be answering them asone question per episode.
(01:07):
Or if I. Get a.
Few related. Questions on themes like
managing. Bloating.
Supplements for gut health or running nutrition.
I'll group them into one episode.
Be sure to send me your questions either as a comment on
this episode, wherever you're tuning in from on Spotify,
YouTube, or Apple. Podcast or?
You can also send me Adm on Instagram at Lee Morado under
(01:27):
Score Rd. Today's question was sent in by
Clara from Ontario, Canada. Clara asks.
What's the best way to diagnose IBS?
So you've probably seen it online or perhaps someone's told
you that IBS is not a true medical condition, it's a
diagnosis of exclusions, etcetera, etcetera.
(01:49):
So I'm here to tell you that it is a true medical condition.
We're learning lots more about it as research expands and
improves. And as someone who works with
many, many, many clients with IBS, it is a true medical
condition. So currently, IBS is defined as
a chronic functional gut disorder characterized by
abdominal pain or discomfort along with a range of other
(02:12):
symptoms including bloating, bowel, alternating bowel habits
such as diarrhea or Constipation, or alternating
episodes of both. So with IBS, the primary or the
main symptoms include that abdominal pain and discomfort,
Constipation, which is considered inadequate or
infrequent bowel movements, diarrhea, loose frequent
(02:32):
unformed stool, bloating. So this refers to as like the
sensation of an inflated balloonin your abdomen and then
dissension, which is a bit different from bloating.
You may with bloating, you feel like there's more air in your
abdominal tract, but dissension is a visible or like a you can
see it with your eyes, increase in abdominal girth.
(02:52):
And so these are the, the main symptoms.
However, there are other symptoms that those with IBS may
also experience. So flatulence or having like a
lot of painful gas farts, wind, urgency.
So an immediate need to use the washroom.
You know, if you've ever been out on a walk and then all of a
sudden it's like you have to find a bathroom right away.
I'm not sure you're going to make it Fatigue.
(03:14):
So tiredness or low energy nausea is a common one as well.
I find sometimes this goes alongwith reflux too.
So if someone has maybe Constipation, there's a lot of
pressure on the abdomen then they may get more more nauseous,
bowel incontinence and passing mucus too.
So there are actually four typesor subtypes of IBS as per the
(03:36):
current realm 4 criteria. So this includes IBSD or
diarrhea dominant in IBS. So this is when the digestive
system contracts really quickly,you get a transiting of
products, you know, moving really quickly through your
digestive tract resulting in those frequent watery bowel
movements. So diarrhea, IBSC are
Constipation dominant in IBS. So this is when your digestive
(03:58):
system moves more slowly, there's delayed transit time for
digestion resulting in hard or difficult to pass and or
infrequent stools, Constipation.And a side note with that, you
can be constipated even if you're moving your bowels every
day, but if your bowels are verysmall in volume or they're hard
or difficult to pass IBSM. So this is a mixed subtype.
(04:20):
I tend to see this one quite commonly.
So this is when the transit timethrough your digestive tract
actually fluctuates. So you get a mix of both
diarrhea and Constipation, like alternates between the two.
And sometimes these stool consistencies can even incur
within the same bowel movement. And then there is IBSU.
So this is considered IBS unclassified, which is where
(04:42):
patients meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS.
But your bowel habits cannot be accurately categorized into any
of the above. So you're not considered to have
like diarrhea or Constipation ormixed, it may actually be
normal, but you have the other symptoms of IBS like abdominal
pain and bloating. Quite interesting.
So then how do we diagnose IBS? So currently there is no
(05:05):
specific medical test, blood test, X-ray scope, etcetera
quite yet. It is still diagnosed typically
after other GI conditions that may cause digestive symptoms are
ruled out, but those with sort of a pathological
pathophysiological state. So things like Crohn's or
colitis where there's visible inflammation and damage in the
(05:29):
intestinal tract that you can see in a colonoscopy.
Celiacs disease, which is an autoimmune reaction to gluten,
parasite infection or anemia. However, if you're working with
a Doctor Who you know has experience with IBS and is using
you know the the guidelines, then the specific criteria that
(05:49):
you would you should go through to be given a diagnosis for IBS
is known as the Rome 4 Diagnostic criteria for IBS.
So this is defined as recurrent abdominal pain on average at
least one day per week in the last three months associated
with two or more of the following related to defecation
(06:10):
or having a bowel movement, associated with a change in a
frequency of stool or associatedwith a change in the form or
appearance of stool. So this is important to note
that these criteria are based onthe symptoms in the last three
months. So in order to be diagnosed with
IDs, you would need to have had symptoms for at least three
(06:31):
months. So just having, you know, an
increase in GI symptoms for a week, that's not an IDs
diagnosis. It's something that has been
going on for a longer period of time.
And also as per the Rome criteria, this is reliable only
when there's no abnormal intestinal anatomy, AKA like or
sort of changes in the intestinal intestinal structure
(06:53):
or abnormality in the biochemical or metabolic
processes that would explain your symptoms.
So in other words, results from the physical examination and any
tests are negative and appear normal.
This said, in terms of causes ofIBSI, tend to see IBS more
frequently now as a microbiome disorder.
We know that those with IBS tendto have a less resilient, less
(07:16):
stable and less diverse gut microbiome and there's a
component of dysbiosis or imbalance in the gut microbiome.
So this tends to be what is contributing to those symptoms.
Unfortunately, we don't really have a good way to test for that
now and it doesn't come up on routine testing.
But we've seen that this is really common profile in those
with IBS and it can result in those those symptoms.
(07:38):
And then there are some red flags too.
So it's important to note that IBS symptoms can overlap with
other conditions such as celiacsdisease or inflammatory bowel
disease, even colon cancer too. So This is why it's really
important that if you do think that you have IBS, it is really
important to get a formal diagnosis, advocate to see a
(07:59):
gastroenterologist or at least have your family doctor do some
some testing to make sure that we're ruling out anything that
could be potentially life threatening or can get worse
over time if not properly managed.
So if you do have any red flag symptoms, be sure to tell your
doctor so that they can rule outother conditions.
And this includes blood in stools.
This is typically not common in IDs unless someone potentially
(08:22):
has a hemorrhoid or fissure, which is more blood coming out,
Like externally, it's probably more, right?
Bright blood versus dark blood is a sign that you know the
blood's coming from somewhere inside your intestinal tract.
Anemia or low iron. Unintentional weight loss.
So you haven't been trying to lose weight, but you have been
losing weight. A fever.
(08:42):
Your symptoms are getting more severe.
Progressively worse daily diarrhea or really loose stool.
More than three bowel movements a day.
Bowel movements at night. So having to get up in the
middle of the night to have a bowel move is not really a
symptom of IBS. And then of course having a
family history because there's agenetic component.
So if you have anyone in your family with celiacs disease or
(09:03):
inflammatory bowel disease, it'sit's really, really important to
have your doctor rule out other conditions too.
So what are unreliable tests then?
I did want to put these here because I always get asked about
them. So the first one would include
the IgG food intolerance test. So while I would love if we had
a blood test that could tell us what foods we're intolerant to,
(09:26):
we're just not there yet with the symptoms.
So this includes, you know, the the IgG blood tests, also the
MRT Leap test. The problem with these tests is
that they come back with a lot of false positives.
So they may highlight some foodsthat you're quote UN quote
sensitive to. However, they do tend to come
back with flagging foods that you may commonly eat but are not
(09:47):
actually truly sensitive too. So I don't use these tests
because they're quite expensive and it can be really hard to
work through the results of the test.
And I find it it tends to lead to a more more anxiety than than
help. And then the other one would be
a fecal microbiota testing or these at home gut health tests.
So this is like our GI map, the Biome, the gut health check.
(10:12):
To this date, we still can't properly quantify what a healthy
gut microbiome is. And the problem with these tests
is that they come up with their own parameters as to what they
say is quote, UN quote, healthy or within normal range or high,
which is a red flag when a company is coming up with their
own, you know, parameters to support their product versus
(10:32):
relying on external data. So big red flag there.
And the other issue too is that they just can't, they're not
gold standard for diagnosing conditions like parasites, even
leaky gut, SIBO, et cetera. So again, these tests are really
expensive. The stool test can cost I think
around $600 and they're really, really not worth it in my book.
(10:53):
That said, like a a clinical stool testing, stool testing
that you're done with a medical doctor is something that you can
be used to rule out parasites, Hpylori and Crohn's disease.
However, I'm referring to the like home test that you order
yourself and you send to a lab like the GI map or the Biome
test. That's what I did want to note
(11:16):
one test that is does have some good research behind it and this
is the IBS smart test. So we know that IBS can often
develop after severe gut infection from a parasite or
bacterial infection. So last I saw the statistic was
that one in nine people who havea gastroenteritis or gastric
(11:37):
infection will come out with IBSafter that.
So that's that's pretty high rates.
And this can actually lead to C bone developing.
So increase in bacteria in the small bowel and then there's
often that resulting inflammation and dysbiosis.
So there is actually now a validated test for the
antibodies that can develop after food poisoning and this is
known as anti CDTB and anti Vengolin.
(12:00):
So although there isn't really adirect treatment for these
antibodies yet, for anyone that's interested in help can
help maybe understand why your IBS developed in the 1st place
and potentially help better support your treatment plan.
So this test is used for IBS D and IBS M because these
conditions tend to result in this type of antibodies
(12:22):
increasing. It's not a validated test yet
for IBSC. So if you are interested in it,
you can check it out. It's IES smart and you do need a
doctor's prescription to order it.
So all that to say, I'm, I'm, you know, a big advocate for
proper investigation and diagnosis.
What I would recommend is that if you think that you have IBS
(12:42):
is to keep a record of your symptoms, bowel habits, food
bloating, abdominal pain, you know, missed days at work for at
least one to two months. Take that data, bring it to your
doctor, hopefully you have AGP or family doctor, or perhaps
you're working with a nurse practitioner as your primary
care and ask to get a referral for a gastroenterologist.
(13:03):
So a gastroenterologist is a medical doctor specializing in
digestion. So this is, you know, someone
you want to see if you want proper testing and diagnosis.
So I would advocate for yourselfto get at least an understanding
that there's nothing, you know, potentially life threatening
going on or anything that is going to worsen without the
(13:24):
right treatment. And just knowing that it is IBS
or you're dealing with IBS is going to help you to actually
manage it better by understanding what you're
dealing with. So this is really important.
And then from there, once you get that IBS diagnosis, build
your care team. So I think that, you know, an
Ideal Care plan or care team forIBS would be working with a
dietitian specialized in IBS andgut health like myself would
(13:48):
love to work with you in my, my program, having your gastro Dr.
working with pelvic floor therapist, a lot of people, this
is really important. And then also with a
psychotherapist just for that mental health support too.
So I always advocating for that testing.
I work with a lot of clients too.
I know sometimes here in Canada,it's difficult to get access to
(14:12):
testing or takes a long time or maybe you get pushed back from
your doctor. So that said, I do have clients
who have suspected IBS. We work together.
And if there are more tests thatI recommend that you you do to
rule out anything else going on,I do work with that with my, my
patients as well. So all that to say, you know,
IBS is a true medical condition.It's estimated it affects
(14:33):
anywhere from 13 to 20% of the Canadian population at any time.
However, only 40% seek help. So I know that if it's maybe
something that you've dealt withfor a long time, you've really
lived with these symptoms for many years.
I have clients come to me who'vehad IBS for a couple years,
anywhere to 30-40 years. And what can happen too is maybe
we begin to normalize it over time or think, think that it's
(14:56):
just something we have to deal with.
Or maybe you have seen a doctor and they told you it's something
that you have to live with. But I want to remind you that it
is a true medical condition and it is possible to find freedom
from your gut symptoms and achieve good digestive health.
So if you're not alone in this journey and there is a lot that
you can do. And if you're looking for that
more high quality support for IBS management, I'd love for you
(15:17):
to apply for coaching. I have my Gut Harmony Method
program and we work together really closely to help take you
from A-Z with your symptoms, break free from the bloating,
unpredictable bowel movements and really manage your IBS for
the long term through integrative whole body strategy.
So you can visit the show notes and there's a link to apply for
coaching or visit Gutfret Nutrition to find out more.
(15:39):
All that to say, it's a true medical condition and working
with the right care team can help you diagnose it and then
manage it properly. That's a wrap for today's
episode. Thank you so much for listening
and being a part of our community here.
If the Gut Fit Nutrition podcastis giving you value, helped your
digestion and fitness, made you rethink how you approach your
(15:59):
gut health, consider leaving a review on Apple, Spotify, or
wherever you're getting your podcasts.
If you have questions for my listener Q&A episodes, you can
submit them as a comment on this.
Episode or send me. An e-mail at lee@leemorado.com.
For more digestible IBS gut health and fitness tips, be sure
to follow me on Instagram at LeeMorado Under Score Rd. and to
(16:21):
apply for coaching shop. The Resource Suite or grab a
freebie visit Gut. Fitnutrition.com Thanks for
tuning in. We'll be in touch soon.
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