I Feel Bloated. Do I Have IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the leading diagnoses in digestive health. More than 60% of our patients at Harmony present with symptoms suggestive of IBS. Although IBS is very common, it is important to evaluate the symptoms properly because it could be something more serious. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we prioritize digestive health, helping you understand your symptoms and guiding you toward lasting relief.
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
To understand what might be happening in your body, it’s important to understand a fascinating fact: your gut operates independently of your conscious control. Thanks to the autonomic nervous system, the muscles and nerves in your digestive tract move food along, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste — all without you thinking about it.
However, the gut and the brain are in constant communication through a system known as the gut-brain axis. When this communication becomes disordered — whether due to stress, infection, or changes in gut bacteria — you might experience heightened sensations like pain, bloating, urgency, or constipation. This is why many people with IBS describe a strong emotional link to their digestive symptoms.
Absolutely not. One of the biggest misconceptions about IBS is that it’s somehow imaginary or “psychological.” This is far from the truth.
IBS symptoms — including bloating, unpredictable bowel habits, and abdominal pain — are real, measurable phenomena. They are the result of the gut’s hypersensitive responses to triggers such as food, hormonal changes, stress, or even past infections. In some cases, a course of antibiotics (which alters the natural gut bacteria) can set off long-lasting symptoms.
At Harmony, we stress the importance of validating our patients’ experiences. Your discomfort is not imagined. It is your body’s way of signaling that something needs attention.
Can IBS Become Something Dangerous?
The good news is that IBS itself does not evolve into dangerous diseases like bowel cancer or inflammatory conditions. However, because symptoms like bloating, pain, and altered bowel habits can overlap with other gastrointestinal issues, it’s critical to have a thorough medical evaluation.
Conditions such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Coeliac Disease
- Chronic gastrointestinal infections
- Malabsorption syndromes
…can initially present similarly to IBS. That’s why at Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre, we take every patient’s symptoms seriously. We offer careful diagnostic evaluations — ensuring that nothing more serious is missed before settling on an IBS diagnosis.
Is There a Cure for IBS?
IBS can be a chronic condition, but the key to successful management lies in tailored, patient-centered treatment.
There is no one-size-fits-all cure. Different people experience different symptoms, and those symptoms often fluctuate over time. At Harmony, we work closely with you to design a comprehensive management plan that may include:
- Dietary modifications (such as a low FODMAP diet)
- Targeted medication to relieve specific symptoms
- Gut-directed psychological therapies, when appropriate
- Probiotic and microbiome support after gut flora disruption
We’re also careful to remove the stigma sometimes associated with IBS therapies. If stress-management techniques or mental health support are recommended, it’s because these tools genuinely help recalibrate the gut-brain connection — not because the problem is “in your head.”
At Harmony, we empower you with knowledge, practical tools, and unwavering support to regain control over your gut health.
How Harmony Clinic Can Help You
If you’re struggling with bloating, unpredictable digestion, or abdominal discomfort, you deserve answers — not assumptions.
At Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre in Milton Keynes, we offer:
We also pride ourselves on providing a warm, welcoming environment where every patient is treated with respect, empathy, and careful attention.
Your gut is your body’s second brain. When it’s sending distress signals like bloating, it’s important not to ignore them. Whether it’s IBS or another digestive condition, early evaluation and compassionate management make all the difference.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re tired of guessing what’s wrong every time with your digestive health or you feel bloated or uncomfortable, it’s time to get real answers. Book your consultation at Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre today, and let’s start your journey back to feeling your best.
Because you deserve to live every day without discomfort holding you back.
Book a consultation or screening today: Click Here.
To book a private liver consultation or second opinion, Get in touch with us.
Had a great experience with us? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Click here to leave a Google review.
