IBS, urgency and loose stools: Why it’s often more than “just” IBS
Do you ever feel a sudden wave of urgency after eating?
The kind where you instantly start scanning for the nearest toilet.
Or maybe you get bloating, discomfort or tummy pain?
For many people, these symptoms get “diagnosed” as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and that’s often where the conversation stops. You may have been told it’s common, that stress might be involved or that certain foods are triggers.
But if you’re living with daily urgency, loose stools, bloating or even constipation, it can have a real impact on your life - from avoiding certain foods to planning journeys around toilet access.
One of the most important things to understand is this:
IBS is simply a description of symptoms. It doesn’t tell you anything about the root cause.
That’s where taking a deeper, more personalised look can make a real difference.
Why IBS is so often misunderstood
IBS is typically diagnosed when digestive symptoms are present but no obvious structural disease is found.
In other words, tests may show that everything looks “normal”, yet symptoms persist.
Because of this, IBS often becomes an umbrella term used to describe symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation or a mix of both.
But the gut is complex. Many different factors can influence how it functions -including digestion, gut bacteria, inflammation, stress and the nervous system.
When someone experiences urgency and loose stools, it’s worth asking a simple but important question:
Why is the gut behaving this way?
Instead of assuming IBS is the final answer, I prefer to view it as a starting point for understanding what might be driving those symptoms.
Common symptoms associated with IBS
IBS can look slightly different from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Urgent bowel movements
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
- Bloating or abdominal distension
- Abdominal discomfort or cramping
- Feeling that the bowel hasn’t fully emptied
- Digestive symptoms that worsen after meals
- Symptoms that flare during periods of stress
For some people these symptoms appear occasionally. For others they are frequent and disruptive.
If urgency and loose stools are happening regularly, it can understandably feel frustrating and limiting.
How I approach IBS as a nutritional therapist
When someone comes to me with symptoms like urgency or loose stools, I always take a step back and look at the bigger picture – not just the gut but all aspects of my client’s diet & lifestyle.
Rather than focusing only on which foods to remove, I look at how we can support and optimise different areas:
Digestive function
Sometimes the digestive process itself isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
Low stomach acid, insufficient digestive enzymes or poor breakdown of food can all affect how the gut behaves further down the digestive tract. Undigested food can lead to excess gas and bloating.
Gut microbiome balance
The trillions of bacteria living in the gut play a key role in digestion, immune function and gut motility.
If this microbiome becomes imbalanced it can contribute to symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea and urgency.
Gut sensitivity and stress
The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut–brain axis.
Stress, anxiety or chronic busyness can disrupt this gut-brain communication pathway. Your body can’t digest when it is in “fight or flight” mode and this can cause symptoms such as urgency and loose stools.
Inflammation or irritation in the gut
Sometimes certain foods, infections, medications or imbalances in gut bacteria can irritate the gut lining and cause it to become “leaky”. Undigested food molecules or other toxins can then pass through into the bloodstream and trigger symptoms.
Very often it’s not just one single cause, but a combination of factors that influence how the gut is functioning.
Can functional testing help?
Functional testing can provide useful insights into what may be contributing to ongoing digestive symptoms. It takes away the guesswork and gives us a clear picture of how your body is functioning right now.
Examples of tests that may be considered include:
Comprehensive stool testing
This can provide information about the balance of gut bacteria, yeasts, parasites, markers of inflammation, digestive function and microbial diversity.
SIBO breath testing
The majority of your gut microbiome should live in your large intestine (your colon) but a compromised digestive function can lead to SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth – i.e. too many bacteria in the small intestine. This can contribute to bloating, diarrhoea and IBS-like symptoms.
Basic blood tests
These can help rule out nutrient deficiencies, inflammation or other underlying health concerns.
Testing isn’t always essential, but when symptoms are persistent or complex, it can help guide a more personalised approach and get us to the solution quicker.
3 simple steps to improve your digestion
While every person’s gut is different, there are a few simple strategies that can support digestive health.
1) Slow down at mealtimes
Eating quickly or while distracted can affect digestion.
Taking a few mindful breaths before each meal will put your body into “rest and digest” mode.
Taking time to chew properly and eating in a calmer environment can support the early stages of digestion and reduce strain on the gut.
2) Keep sugary foods to a minimum
High sugar and ultra-processed foods can feed the “bad” bacteria, leading to excess gas, bloating or loose stools. Focus on whole foods, protein, healthy fats and fibre.
3) Support a regular gut rhythm
The digestive system thrives on routine.
Regular, spaced-out meals, with adequate fibre, good hydration and gentle daily movement can all help support a calmer digestion. Avoiding snacking between meals allows your body to complete the digestive process before it has to deal with the next round of food.
Small changes made consistently often have a bigger impact than extreme diets or restrictive approaches.
Don’t suffer in silence
Digestive symptoms like bloating, urgency and loose stools are incredibly common - but that doesn’t mean they should simply be ignored or accepted as “normal”.
With the right support and a deeper look at what might be driving the symptoms, many people find their gut can become far more settled and predictable.
"Working with Faiza I felt listened to & understood. Everything that was worrying me was taken seriously
Now I’m eating better, I don’t worry about where the nearest toilet is and meals are no longer something to dread"
Client feedback
If you’ve been struggling with IBS symptoms and feel ready to understand what might really be going on, I’d love to help. It's time to stop suffering in silence.
Simply book a FREE call and let's have a chat
