Insights into Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

How Emotions Can Trigger IBS - Understanding the Gut/ Brain/ Microbiome Axis

How Emotions Can Trigger IBS—Understanding the Gut/ Brain/ Microbiome Axis

The Tummy Clinic | January 20th, 2023

Did you know there is a ‘second brain’ in our gut? Hidden in the walls of our digestive system, it’s the source of our feelings which we describe as ‘going with our gut’ when making a decision, or feeling ‘butterflies in our stomach’ when nervous, among others. Called the enteric nervous system (ENS), its study […]

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Stacking - What It Is and How To Handle It

Stacking – What It Is and How To Handle It

The Tummy Clinic | January 14th, 2023

It’s time to clear the confusion around stacking. Read on for additional information on low FODMAP options for holiday food. FODMAPs, as we know, are types of carbohydrates found in certain foods, including wheat and beans. Studies have shown strong links between FODMAPs and digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. Low […]

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Enjoy festive cheer minus IBS flare-ups

Enjoy festive cheer minus IBS flare-ups

The Tummy Clinic | December 9th, 2022

Your quick guide to managing IBS with low FODMAP options, minimizing stress, and avoiding stacking. The holidays are meant for joyful celebration with friends and family. However, IBS can often play spoilsport, leading to bloating, wind, abdominal discomfort and/or disturbances in bowel habits. The holiday season is generally accompanied by higher stress levels and higher […]

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Handling IBS at Halloween

Handling IBS at Halloween

The Tummy Clinic | October 19th, 2022

Candy, candy everywhere…how can one resist! Halloween can be a scary time for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The sweet treats are loaded with sugars, dairy, fats and other ingredients which could trigger symptoms. Sugary treats can sometimes contain high FODMAP ingredients, caffeine, or other triggers, which can lead to pain, bloating, diarrhea, and […]

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IBS-friendly Feasting at Thanksgiving

IBS-friendly Feasting at Thanksgiving

The Tummy Clinic | October 3rd, 2022

Here’s a guide to commonly consumed foods to avoid this Thanksgiving and what you can eat instead if you are suffering from IBS. Those who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) know that it can be a common yet confusing and unpredictable condition. It is often triggered by certain foods, leading to abdominal pain or discomfort, […]

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IBS & Psychotherapy

IBS & Psychotherapy

The Tummy Clinic | September 19th, 2022

For those distressed by IBS, psychotherapy can offer several valuable benefits Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a group of symptoms affecting the digestive system. It is a fairly common though uncomfortable gastrointestinal disorder. People with IBS get excessive gas, abdominal pain, and cramps. A disorder of the gut-brain interaction, IBS causes the digestive tract […]

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IBS Symptoms? Who should be involved in your circle of care?

The Tummy Clinic | September 12th, 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common syndrome, symptoms of which include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition, and often needs long-term management. While some people are able to control their symptoms with easy, over-the-counter approaches like fiber supplementation, most people with IBS require a […]

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How To Manage IBS in College or University

The Tummy Clinic | August 10th, 2022

Starting college is an exciting time of new classes, friends and opportunities. However, student life is often associated with drinking, lack of sleep, and consuming canned baked beans or pizza for most meals—far from an ideal scenario if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Its […]

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What Is IBS? – Understanding symptoms, causes, and treatment

The Tummy Clinic | August 8th, 2022

Did you know irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 5% to 10% of people worldwide? That’s approximately 8 million people across the world! Yet, there are many misconceptions surrounding IBS, which is often seen as an ordinary stomach ache by those who don’t have it. However, for those with IBS, their entire life can start […]

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IBS & Bowel Function

The Tummy Clinic | August 8th, 2022

A lot happens in your gut, and much of it remains unacknowledged. Here’s an informative piece on IBS & bowel function… with steps to help your gut health Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that consists of a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.  It is thought to be […]

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The Impact of Alcohol on IBS

The Impact Of Alcohol On IBS

The Tummy Clinic | June 29th, 2022

Can you enjoy alcohol if you have IBS? Read on… Cheers! Alcohol is a known gut irritant that affects intestinal mobility, absorption, and permeability. Also some alcoholic drinks contains FODMAPs. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Basically, they are carbohydrates that are poorly digested by people; often linked to stomach pain, […]

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Camping Bites: Savour the outdoors while managing IBS

Camping Bites: Savour The Outdoors While Managing Ibs

The Tummy Clinic | June 25th, 2022

Here’s how you can relish an easy and delicious food that is IBS friendly while enjoying the great outdoors Outdoor camping is a favourite summertime activity for families, adventurers, and nature lovers. Relaxing amidst the mountains and woods, or beside beautiful lakes and oceans… sleeping under the stars – all makes for a soul-satisfying experience! […]

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Ibs, Low Fodmap & Bloating

Ibs, Low Fodmap & Bloating: Is A Low Fodmap Diet Beneficial To Combat Bloating?

The Tummy Clinic | June 1st, 2022

Several foods are naturally low in FODMAPs. From proteins such as beef, chicken, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, prawns and tofu… to whole grains and starches like white and brown rice, canned lentils, corn, oats, quinoa and potatoes. A low FODMAP diet restricts the consumption of short chain carbohydrates that are fermented by the gut bacteria. […]

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IBS & Gut Bacteria

Ibs & Gut Bacteria: Can You Really Improve Your Gut Bacteria?

The Tummy Clinic | June 1st, 2022

Here are tested tips that can bring results Our gut is home to 300 to 500 different kinds of live bacteria. Most live in the intestines and colon. Along with other tiny organisms like viruses and fungi, they make up the microbiome. They affect everything from our metabolism to our mood, and our immune system. […]

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Avoid these foods

Suffering From IBS? Avoid These Foods!

The Tummy Clinic | April 8th, 2022

Introduction: IBS can play havoc with your digestive system. It’s time you eliminated and/or added certain foods to your diet to live a healthy, comfortable life. Choose wisely, live happy! A nutritious, wholesome diet comprises a wide variety of nourishing foods. However, certain foods generate painful digestive symptoms in those dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome […]

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You Can Work It Out: How Not To Let IBS Interfere With Your Job

The Tummy Clinic | April 8th, 2022

Introduction From keeping medication handy, to beating tension with deep breathing, here are a few tips to help you deal with IBS at your work place. While dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is challenging, it can be particularly problematic when coping with the symptoms in the workplace. Abdominal pain and the sudden intense urge to […]

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Include or Avoid

Include or Avoid?

The Tummy Clinic | March 9th, 2022

The truth about fibre and IBS It is important to choose gut-friendly fibre options to avoid worsening of IBS symptoms, writes Nichola Marie While fibre-rich food is thought to be good for gut bacteria and to improve health, its relation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not as uncomplicated. Fibre is beneficial to most people […]

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Ladies, IBS Playing Havoc With Your Life

Ladies, IBS Playing Havoc With Your Life?

The Tummy Clinic | March 9th, 2022

Introduction Not to worry! IBS is totally manageable with a combination of approaches, says Andrea CostaBir. Hmmmm… we all poo, don’t we?! Obviously, women are no exception – they go through period-time poo, over drinking from the previous night out with the gals poo, over gorging on yummy delights poo… Sporadic poo or bloat problems […]

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How To Manage IBS

How To Manage IBS

The Tummy Clinic | February 22nd, 2022

Don’t let Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) weigh you down. Tackle it and live free! Are you or your loved ones traumatized by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Is IBS impacting your life and wearing you down? Are you constantly suffering from cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and/or constipation? Well, this common disorder that affects the […]

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Don’t Let IBS Disrupt Your Love Life

Don’t Let IBS Disrupt Your Love Life

The Tummy Clinic | February 22nd, 2022

A few tips for a happy love life From managing stress to being honest with your partner, discover how IBS symptoms can be managed for a smooth sex life Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) brings with it certain specific challenges. Symptoms can appear at any moment, the need to use a bathroom can arise anytime, and […]

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Low-FODMap Diet Guide: 10 Simple Steps

Low-FODMap Diet Guide: 10 Simple Steps

The Tummy Clinic | October 6th, 2021

Confused about the #1 diet for IBS? 10 simple steps demystify the FODMAP diet Your IBS is in a flare and you have no idea what to eat. It seems like everything you are eating is causing gas and excessive bloating. Not to mention your usual morning poop seems to be off kilter or not […]

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One Size Fits All IBS Diet

One Size Fits All IBS Diet

The Tummy Clinic | October 6th, 2021

Is there a one size fits all IBS diet? The quick answer is sort of and no. I know, that doesn’t really help. The reason for the hedging is because IBS is not a one size fits all syndrome. It is not a disease we can cure but rather, it’s a syndrome. It is definitely […]

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Frequently Asked Questions

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long term. The cause is not well understood.

There is no definitive test to diagnose IBS. IBS is diagnosed after your doctor has reviewed your symptoms and occasionally ordered tests to rule out other conditions.

Visits at the Tummy Clinic are not covered by OHIP or your provincial health care system, however, most extended healthcare plans cover many aspects of the care you will receive here, such as visits to Naturopathic Doctors, Dietitians, Social Workers or Psychotherapists. Check your benefits package or contact your insurance company for more information.