IBS Q&A Library

Joint pain and muscle aches are not core diagnostic features of IBS, but some people with IBS do report these symptoms. This is thought to relate to central pain sensitivity and the gut–brain axis, rather than inflammation in the joints themselves.

“Leaky gut” is a popular term used online to describe when the lining of the gut becomes more permeable than usual. In medical language, we call this increased intestinal permeability. It’s not a disease, but a feature that can temporarily happen with stress, illness, poor diet, or gut inflammation, and it can usually be improved.

During a flare-up, the goal is to reduce digestive workload while still nourishing your body.
This usually means choosing simple carbohydrates, easy-to-digest proteins, and gentle fibres, and avoiding large or very rich meals. This is not about restriction, it’s about creating a temporary calm environment for the gut to settle.

Stress can significantly worsen IBS symptoms.
This happens because the gut and the brain communicate constantly through the gut–brain axis. When stress increases, the nervous system shifts into a more alert state, which can change digestion speed, muscle contractions in the intestines, and how strongly sensations are perceived.
This can result in more bloating, pain, urgency, or constipation, even if your food hasn’t changed.

This is a common pattern in IBS.
It happens because the digestive system becomes more sensitive to normal amounts of gas and stretch during digestion. The abdominal wall can also relax in response, which can make the belly appear more distended. It’s uncomfortable and frustrating, but it’s something we can improve.