What’s Causing Your IBS? 7 Sneaky Triggers That Might Be Wrecking Your Gut
And what you can do about it starting today
If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS (or you’re pretty sure you have it), you already know the drill: bloating, cramping, rushing to the loo—or the total opposite—feeling stuck, sluggish, and uncomfortable for days.
But here’s what no one tells you: the label “IBS” doesn’t explain much. It’s a catch-all diagnosis, not a cause.
So let’s change that.
In this article, we’re digging into what’s actually causing your IBS symptoms—and how to get to the root of them so you can finally get some relief. These triggers are common, but rarely talked about in doctor’s offices. Some are obvious once you know them. Others might surprise you.
1. Gut Dysbiosis (aka Too Many “Bad” Bacteria, Not Enough Good Ones)
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria. But when things get out of balance—too many gas-producing bugs or not enough of the good guys—it can wreak havoc on digestion.
Dysbiosis is one of the most common underlying causes of IBS. It can lead to:
- Bloating after meals
- Frequent gas and rumbling
- Irregular bowel movements (either diarrhea, constipation, or both)
What causes dysbiosis?
Antibiotic use, sugar-heavy diets, chronic stress, low stomach acid, and even birth control pills.
What helps:
- A high-quality, spore-based probiotic like Bacillus coagulans
- Antifungal and antibacterial herbs that gently rebalance gut flora (like in the Yeastrix Candida Cleanse)
- Daily digestive enzymes to reduce fermentation and bloating
2. Food Sensitivities You Haven’t Identified Yet
You might already know that gluten and dairy can be irritating for some people—but what about fructans in onions, lactose in yogurt, or sorbitol in “sugar-free” gum?
FODMAPs (fermentable carbs) are notorious for causing bloating, cramps, and irregular bowel movements in people with IBS.
How to find out:
Try a low-FODMAP diet for 2–4 weeks and then reintroduce foods one at a time while tracking symptoms. It’s not forever—it’s a tool to discover what’s working against you.
3. Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis
It’s not “all in your head,” but the head-gut connection is real. Emotional stress can trigger IBS symptoms—or make them worse.
Chronic stress impacts your vagus nerve (which regulates digestion), increases inflammation, and messes with gut motility.
Clues this might be you:
- You get urgent bathroom needs before big meetings or trips
- Your IBS flares up during high-stress times
- You feel better on holidays or weekends
What helps:
- Vagal tone exercises (like gargling, humming, deep breathing)
- Walking outdoors daily
- Magnesium glycinate in the evening to calm your nervous system
- Meditation, journaling, or just 10 quiet minutes a day
4. SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
This is a big one. If your bloating starts soon after eating, and you feel full quickly or deal with foul-smelling gas, you may have SIBO.
It happens when bacteria from your large intestine migrate up into your small intestine—where they shouldn’t be. They feast on your food and leave you with the aftermath.
SIBO can mimic IBS—so it’s often missed.
What helps:
- A professional diagnosis (ask your practitioner about a lactulose breath test)
- Herbal antimicrobial support
- Following up with probiotics and enzymes that don’t feed bad bacteria
You can read more in our article: How to Calm IBS Flare Ups Naturally
5. Candida Overgrowth
Too much Candida albicans—a type of yeast—can cause or worsen IBS symptoms, especially bloating, gas, fatigue, and sugar cravings.
Candida thrives in guts that are out of balance, and it loves sugar, alcohol, and processed carbs.
Signs of Candida with IBS:
- White coating on tongue
- Intense sugar cravings
- Rashes or skin issues
- Brain fog along with gut issues
What helps:
- A targeted antifungal protocol like the one in the Yeastrix Gut Restore Kit
- Cutting back sugar and high-carb foods
- Probiotics that crowd out Candida and support gut resilience
6. Low Stomach Acid
This one shocks people.
You’d think IBS = too much acid, but in many cases it’s too little. Without enough stomach acid, food doesn’t get broken down properly, which means it ferments and feeds bad bacteria lower down in your gut.
Symptoms that point to low stomach acid:
- Bloating within 30 minutes of eating
- Belching or feeling food “sits” in your stomach
- Undigested food in stool
What helps:
- Taking digestive enzymes with betaine HCl
- Chewing food thoroughly
- Avoiding drinking large amounts of water with meals
- Supporting vagus nerve activation before eating (think: deep breaths, gratitude, calm)
7. Inflammation and Leaky Gut
If your gut lining is inflamed or “leaky,” food particles and toxins can enter your bloodstream, creating widespread symptoms—from IBS to fatigue to mood swings.
What helps:
- Anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, licorice root, marshmallow root
- Avoiding gluten, alcohol, and sugar while healing
- Restoring the microbiome with probiotics and gut-soothing nutrients like L-glutamine
You Deserve More Than a Symptom Band-Aid
IBS isn’t “just something you have to live with.” It’s your gut crying out for attention—and when you learn to listen, you can make real changes that shift everything.
If you haven’t already, check out our article on how to calm IBS flare ups naturally for practical day-to-day tips to feel better faster. These two articles go hand-in-hand.
And if you’re ready to get serious about healing your gut from the ground up, the Yeastrix Gut Restore Kit was designed for people just like you. It supports enzyme function, microbial balance, and gut repair—without the guesswork.
Related Readings
How to Calm IBS Flare Ups Naturally
Want to dive deeper into the naturopathic approach to IBS? Check out this detailed guide by Eric Bakker, ND, on the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome using natural and functional medicine principles. He breaks down the root causes, how Candida may be involved, and key steps for long-term relief.
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication. The recommendations here reflect a naturopathic approach and are not meant to replace conventional care when it is required. Individual results may vary.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
