Beyond the‘IBS’ diagnosis: Finding the root cause of your gut symptoms
If you’ve ever been told you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common “diagnoses” given when someone presents with ongoing bloating, abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits, or digestive distress. But here’s the truth:
IBS is not a diagnosis — it’s a label for your symptoms.
What IBS really means is: “We know your digestion isn’t working properly, but we don’t know why.”
That’s frustrating, because you’re left with a name for your symptoms but often no clear path forward. Many people are sent away with vague dietary advice, symptom-managing medications, or told to “just reduce stress.” While stress absolutely plays a role in gut health, it is rarely the root cause on its own.
Why “IBS” is not a real diagnosis
IBS can be caused by a wide range of underlying causes, including:
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Parasite or fungal overgrowths
Dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria)
Food sensitivities or poor digestion of certain carbohydrates
Gut lining inflammation and leaky gut
Impaired bile flow or digestive enzyme production
Histamine intolerance
HPA axis dysfunction or adrenal dysregulation
Each of these requires a very different approach. Without finding out the why, it’s easy to chase symptoms without truly resolving them.
How we go deeper
At The Flora Naturopath, I don’t stop at the label “IBS.” I work with patients to uncover what’s really driving their symptoms. One of the most valuable tools I use is the Complete Microbiome Map test — a comprehensive stool analysis that looks at:
Your beneficial bacteria levels
Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, or fungi
Inflammation and gut immune markers
Gut permeability (aka leaky gut)
Digestive capacity (enzymes, fats, etc.)
Detoxification markers (toxic burden)
How well your gut is working as an ecosystem!
This test gives us a clear roadmap. Instead of guessing, we can make targeted changes to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and get your digestion back on track.
Ready to stop guessing?
If you’ve been told you have “IBS” and left without answers, you don’t have to settle for a vague label. With the right testing and a naturopathic approach, we can uncover what’s really going on and build a personalised plan for healing.
Book an appointment today to get started with a Complete Microbiome Map test and finally move beyond the IBS label.
