Starting off hot – I’m really tired of seeing “hot girl IBS” as a trend on social media. Yes it is funny and relatable (trust me – I am one of many with a past IBS diagnosis) – but constant severe bloating, urgent diarrhea, and chronic constipation are not normal. And girl, if you are struggling – please get help. Especially if these symptoms are related to mental health concerns like anxiety – if you are constantly in a high drive, “fight or flight” state – you can have those GI symptoms too.
Bloating is really not normal. You should not eat something and blow up like a balloon. Especially if that bloating causes discomfort or pain in your guts. BUT it is normal to have a little softer or expanded belly after eating and drinking. It makes sense – you are filling up your belly with good things. Your body does not usually look the same at the beginning to the end of the day, and that is perfectly normal. But extreme gas and distention of your abdomen – not normal.
Why am I talking about this? Because these IBS symptoms can cause pelvic health symptoms, or be caused by them. IBS symptoms are typically multi-factorial, meaning we need to look at the whole person. What is stress like? How are you navigating your day to day stress? What is your diet like? Are you chewing your food well? Do you drink enough water? Are you clenching your butt all day? Can you relax your pelvic floor? Are you regularly moving your body? These are a few questions I ask when supporting someone with IBS symptoms, and then we go from there in creating a plan that fits THEM.