Heather's Help for IBS Blog

Wheat vs Gluten Intolerance

Many people with IBS are intolerant to wheat bran, and whole wheat, due to the insoluble fiber. But this is not the same thing as gluten intolerance caused by celiac.

Fecal transplants for IBS?

Fecal transplants show promising results in treating IBS, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.

Veterans may have a legal right to claim compensation for IBS.

As many as one-third of women in the Armed Forces are believed to have some form of IBS. The issue affects fewer men, but male veterans have a higher rate of IBS than the general U.S population.

February 24, 2024

Can Dogs Have IBS?

Yep, they can, and research shows 10 key symptoms dogs suffer from IBS.

February 14, 2024

Happy Valentine's Day!

Celebrate safely and deliciously with Heather's Chocolate Fallen Souffle Cake. Low fat, dairy free, gluten free, and a good soluble fiber foundation from finely ground hazelnuts.

February 12, 2024

Art & Medicine for IBS

Patients suffering from digestive symptoms were prescribed participation in an art program designed to help ease stress associated with their chronic illness.

February 2, 2024

Women Vs Men Vs IBS?

IBS affects 15-20 percent of Americans, but is twice as likely to affect women compared to men. Why?

January 27, 2024

Troubling IBS news.

Research now links IBS to fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

January 11, 2024

Eat Green Salads Last, Not First!

It's much safer for IBS to have all that raw insoluble fiber after a high soluble fiber main course, NOT on an empty stomach.

January 9, 2024

Best Sleep Position for Bloating

Left-side sleeping has more health benefits as it easily transfers our digested food from our small intestine to the large intestine

January 5, 2024

Especially not at the Puyallup Fair, where I did something really stupid.

December 31, 2023

IBS Cold Weather Tip

Weather extremes are a stress trigger for IBS. If you're headed outside into the cold, try this...

December 20, 2023

Nighttime Bowel Movements. Normal or Not?

If waking up to urinate is common, why isn't waking up to have a bowel movement?

December 19, 2023

Herbs as Medicine for IBS?

Peppermint is my favorite!

December 2, 2023

What causes IBS attacks?

IBS is a brain-gut disorder and you can literally see it happening!

November 19, 2023

IBS Thanksgiving Tip!

Don't stuff yourself like the turkey...

November 15, 2023

Mornings are hard on IBS. Three steps to take...

Prevent, prepare, protect! Mornings are rough on people with IBS, but these three steps can help.

November 7, 2023

The capsule provides insight into microbiome function, from direct measurement of the gases produced by the microbiota.

October 31, 2023

Halloween treats for IBS. No tricks!

Are there safe Halloween candies for IBS? Can I trick or treat? YES!

October 26, 2023

Amazing! A virus that helps IBS?

Phages, viruses that infect bacteria, may be useful in repairing the microbiota imbalances behind IBS and depression.

October 9, 2023

Egg whites yes, egg yolks no!

Because lowering your fat intake helps keep your gastrocolic reflex calm.

October 5, 2023

Can CBT Help IBS?

Researchers have identified a link between the digestive system and the brain, so cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be a helpful option for treating the symptoms of IBS.

September 28, 2023

Gas buildup can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Here's how to deal with it.

Labor Day, September 4, 2023

Sharing joy for an IBS gut

A happy state of mind in turn affects the gut for the better.

August 31, 2023

End of summer live IBS event with Heather!

Ask your questions about how to beat summer struggles with IBS.

August 29, 2023

Do you fit the Rome Criteria?

Your symptoms must match before you can accept an IBS diagnosis.

August 17, 2023

Safe drinks for IBS?

Clinical trial results for CBD tincture and IBS symptoms

Study finds safety and efficacy.

Watch the live Q & A IBS event with Heather!

How to beat the summer heat when you're struggling with IBS.

Eating for IBS Cookbook's Most Popular Recipe - Peppermint Fudge Cake

IBS friendly! Low fat, non-dairy, trigger-free, safe soluble fiber foundation, and the peppermint is a digestive aid!

Chronic constipation linked to cognitive decline...

Research on constipation's impact on the aging brain finds concerning links.

IBS restaurant tip. Beware menu items that are...

Crispy, crunchy, fried, creamy, cheesy, rich, meaty, raw.

IBS is a leading cause of worker absenteeism...

Did you know? Second only to the common cold.

IBS is NOT parasites, candida, toxins, inflammatory bowel disease, gluten intolerance, or psychological.

IBS is a physical brain-gut motility disorder.

IBS is still dismissed by many doctors, but

38% of IBS patients consider suicide due to symptoms.

The IBS Magic Trick!

Here's how to quickly break the cycle of IBS attacks. Works like magic to stop pain fast and get you stable again.

Top 5 Treatments for IBS

Break the IBS cycle with the top 5 treatments. You might need just one, a combination, or all of them. Give each a fair try and find what works best for you.

Herbs as medicine for IBS? Fennel is top of the list...

The idea that herbs are nature's medicines really applies to IBS. Top of the list is fennel, which is exceptional for IBS bloating and gas, as well as heartburn.

The worst drinks for IBS

Just knowing potential triggers is half the battle, so here's a rundown on what drinks you should really avoid altogether.

A connection between sleep and IBS?

Can losing sleep make IBS worse? Yes - there's a direct link between morning IBS symptoms and quality of the previous night's sleep.

Join the #YouandIBS campaign for IBS Awareness Month

You can join the #YouandIBS campaign for IBS Awareness Month to increase public awareness about IBS and help destigmatize the disorder.

Does aloe vera help IBS? What about senna or cascara?

The potential risks of using aloe internally are just too high, and there are no established benefits for IBS symptoms.

Coffee. One of the worst IBS triggers. And decaf...

All coffee beans contain an enzyme that's a strong GI irritant. EVEN DECAF. This can cause painful spasms, urgency, and diarrhea in people who don't even have IBS. Imagine what it can do to you.

IBS News Flash. COVID linked to IBS.

Emerging evidence suggests that gut problems may persist in some people who have had COVID-19. The increased risk applies to IBS, acute pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, and several other conditions. See the new study about how long COVID can affect the gut.

The real signs of a healthy gut? A user's guide.

Your gut - or gastrointestinal system - is a huge system of organs that gives you the energy to live, grow and repair. But how does it work – and how do you keep it healthy?

Avoid ice cold foods and drinks on an empty stomach...

Cold can make muscles contract and spasm. Your entire gut is smooth muscle tissue.

Is alcohol an IBS trigger?

Yes! Alcohol is a strong GI irritant and a potential colon carcinogen.

February 28, 2023

IBS fast fact. Vitamin C is a huge IBS trigger...

High doses can cause abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, gas, urgency and diarrhea in people who don't even have IBS.

February 24, 2023

IBS news flash. Regular laxative use increases dementia risk by 50%

A new study used data from more than half a million people over a 10-year period. Researchers believe the drugs may affect gut bacteria in a way that creates toxins in the nervous system, which travel to and harm the brain. This is terrible news.

February 14, 2023

IBS attacks can strike suddenly any time of day or night...

They may even - though not typically - wake you from a sound sleep

February 12, 2023

IBS restaurant guide and restaurant cheat sheet...

How to eat out without passing out from IBS. Here's the full IBS restaurant guide with a handy IBS restaurant cheat sheet for quick help.

February 9, 2023

Gut microbiome - what is it and what does it do?

Bacteria live inside your gut microbiome in varying species - up to 1,000 kinds - and each of them has a distinct role in your body.

Want Heather's IBS blog news in your inbox? Join for free and get a printable IBS diet cheat sheet!