The Rebel's Guide to IBS: Understanding Your Gut's Different Moods
Let's talk about IBS like it actually shows up in real life, not just in medical textbooks.
Here's the no-BS guide to what's really going on with your gut:
The Four Faces of IBS: Because Your Gut Doesn't Play By the Rules
IBS-C: The Stubborn Standoff
Your gut's gone on strike. We're talking hard, lumpy poops that take forever to show up (25%+ of your bathroom visits)
Bonus fun: Your belly feels like a balloon, and the only relief comes after finally winning that bathroom battle
IBS-D: The Mad Dash
Your gut's in constant emergency mode. Loose, watery stools are your unwanted BFF (25%+ of visits)
Picture this: You've memorized every bathroom location within a 5-mile radius because... urgency
IBS-M: The Gut Chaos
Your bowels can't make up their mind. One day you're stuck, the next you're running
It's like your gut's playing ping-pong with both extremes (at least 25% of each type)
IBS-U: The Mystery Guest
Doesn't fit neatly into any box (because bodies are rebels like that)
Still causing havoc but following its own rulebook
When Do Doctors Call It IBS?
They're looking for belly pain at least once weekly over 3 months, plus two of these truth bombs:
Pooping changes the pain (better or worse)
Your bathroom schedule's gone rogue
Your poop's playing dress-up (changing form)
Remember: This isn't just about checking boxes on a medical form. It's about understanding what your rebellious gut is trying to tell you, so you can start working with it instead of against it.
