5 Surprising Causes of IBS (That No One’s Talking About)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects nearly 1 in 5 people — but most of them still don’t know why their symptoms started in the first place. Bloating, gas, irregular poops, discomfort after eating… the symptoms are frustratingly common. But they’re not random.

As a Naturopathic Doctor, I can tell you this: IBS isn’t a diagnosis, it’s a signal. A sign that something deeper is going on.

Let’s walk through 5 sneaky, often-overlooked root causes that could be driving your IBS:

1. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)🧫

If you’re bloated after every meal, this one’s worth paying attention to. SIBO happens when bacteria that should be living in your large intestine end up overgrowing in your small intestine. This disrupts digestion and causes symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nutrient deficiencies.

It’s estimated that up to 84% of people with IBS may actually have SIBO. That’s not a small overlap.

Testing is key — and treatment can include targeted antimicrobials, diet changes (like low FODMAP), and motility support to keep things moving properly through the gut.

2. Gut Dysbiosis (Imbalance in Your Gut Microbiome)⚖️

This goes beyond SIBO. Dysbiosis can involve an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast (like Candida), or parasites — or simply a lack of good bacteria.

The result? More inflammation, poor digestion, and that feeling like your gut is working against you. Testing (like a comprehensive stool panel) helps uncover what’s actually going on — so you can get the right support. Treatment might include herbs, enzymes, probiotics (if appropriate), or dietary changes.

No band-aid fixes — just real, data-driven answers.

3. Food Sensitivities🤰🏻

Food sensitivities are different from food allergies — but they can still wreak havoc on your gut. Many people with IBS react to foods like gluten, dairy, legumes, or high-FODMAP foods. You might notice symptoms hours (or even a day) after eating them.

You don’t need to cut everything out forever. But doing a short-term elimination, paired with testing or a food-mood journal, can help identify which foods are irritating your gut — and which ones are actually safe.

4. Chronic Stress🧠

Stress isn’t just “in your head.” Your gut and brain are in constant communication — and when your nervous system is on high alert, your digestion suffers.

Stress can alter gut motility, reduce enzyme output, increase permeability (hello, leaky gut), and trigger pain signals in the gut lining. If you’re living in fight-or-flight, your body won’t prioritize digestion.

Tools like breathwork, nervous system regulation, nervous system-supportive herbs, and even therapy can make a real difference.

5. Medications That Disrupt the Gut💊

Common meds like antibiotics, NSAIDs (like Advil), and acid blockers (like PPIs) can all impact the gut microbiome. Over time, this can contribute to dysbiosis, inflammation, and impaired digestion.

If you’ve used these long-term (or recently), it’s worth speaking to your naturopath or doctor about how to support your gut — and whether alternative options exist.

The Takeaway

IBS isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’ve tried every probiotic, cut out gluten, and still don’t feel better… it’s not because you’ve failed. It’s because you’re missing real information.

With the right testing, a targeted plan, and support that sees the whole picture, you can finally start getting answers — and relief.

If you’re done guessing, Googling, and trying random supplements — let’s work together. My 1:1 naturopathic care is designed to uncover the actual reasons you’re bloated, uncomfortable, or stuck in the IBS cycle… and create a plan that finally works.

👉 Book a free discovery call and let’s get started.

In health,
Dr. Renata, ND