We’re getting the truth about Irritable Bowel Syndrome from Meghan Donnelly—GI dietitian and certified FODMAP practitioner.

We start with the basics: What IBS is, the common symptoms, how many people it affects, and what causes it. Then dive into diagnostic challenges, conditions IBS can overlap with, and why it is commonly misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. With those ambiguities in mind, we identify the red-flag symptoms we never want to ignore.

Meghan walks us through the steps to an accurate diagnosis. She covers the importance of working with a gastroenterologist to rule out other digestive issues. Then lays out the benefits of working after diagnosis with a dietitian and a GI psychologist—both specializing in IBS.

We turn to the most effective dietary-intervention strategies, from small food and lifestyle changes to the more restrictive Low-FODMAP Diet, which is a short-term tool and not appropriate for everyone. Meghan explains how misinformed food restrictions can not only be unnecessary, but make symptoms worse, leading to nutrient deficiencies and mental health issues.

She wraps up with medications, supplements, stress management, gut-directed hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and nervous system regulation. All of these help manage symptoms and transform outcomes for people living with IBS.

The key takeaway: Don’t self-diagnose or self-treat. Work with medical practitioners who specialize in IBS to develop a multi-pronged treatment plan that’s specific to you.

TESS’S TAKEAWAYS:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 10–15% of the population, and can be managed.
IBS is more common in women, due to fluctuating hormones.
1 in 10 people develop post-infectious IBS after food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea.
IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction. Food can be a trigger —but it isn’t the cause.
IBS symptoms include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements.
Stress and nervous system regulation play a major role in triggering IBS symptoms.
IBS is diagnosed through symptoms and by ruling out digestive diseases and colon cancer.
To diagnose and treat IBS, consult with a gastroenterologist and GI dietitian who specialize.

ABOUT MEGHAN DONNELLY, MS, RDN, CSDH

Meghan is a registered dietitian specializing in gastrointestinal nutrition, and is Director Of Health Communications at the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Her experience spans clinical practice, nutrition counseling, medical nonprofits, and the food industry.

In her private practice at Nutmeg Nutrition, Meghan helps her clients establish a balanced and joyful relationship with food, particularly when managing digestive disorders (IBS and SIBO), food intolerances, gluten-related conditions (celiac disease), and disordered eating.

She also provides nutrition counseling for heart health, kidney disease, weight management, and food intolerances. Monash University certified, she guides clients on Low-FODMAP diets.

As lead dietitian for Skinny60®, Meghan provides nutrition education and support for participants in the 60-Day Reset.

CONNECT WITH MEGHAN

Consult with Meghan: https://www.nutmegnutrition.org/

Low FODMAP Diet Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/podcast/episodes/meghan-donnelly-the-low-fodmap-diet-a-dietitians-guide/

MEET TESS MASTERS:

Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.

Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.

Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.

CONNECT WITH TESS:

Website: https://tessmasters.com/

Podcast: https://ithastobeme.com/

Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/

Delicious Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/

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IBS 101: What a Dietitian Wants You to Know | 097