You may have been told you have IBS – but IBS is not a root cause. It is a label for a group of symptoms.
If you are struggling with IBS, bloating, or ongoing digestive discomfort, getting to the causative factors is fundamental. Many people are told their symptoms are “normal” or something they simply have to live with. As a Nutritional Therapist in Surrey specialising in IBS and gut health, I help identify and address the root causes of digestive symptoms, so you can feel comfortable, energised and in control of your health again.
I support clients with IBS and digestive disorders, including bloating, food intolerances and ongoing gut health issues.
Bloating And Abdominal Discomfort
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting up to 1 in 5 people in the UK at some point in their lives. It is typically characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. In my clinical experience I have found that around one in three people present with symptoms related to IBS, often alongside candida albicans. In many cases IBS symptoms can be caused by food sensitivities, but not always.
Is This You?
- You feel bloated most days (even when eating “healthily”)
- You have tried cutting foods but nothing seems to work
- You have been told it is IBS but don’t know why
- You feel uncomfortable, tired or frustrated after eating
Many people with IBS feel frustrated after trying everything – elimination diets, low FODMAP diets, candida cleanses, avoiding common triggers like gluten and dairy, or relying on over-the-counter remedies, only to find limited or no relief. But there is one often-overlooked cause of IBS-like symptoms: parasite infestation.
Why IBS Symptoms Persist
IBS is often treated as a diagnosis, but in reality it is a collection of symptoms with underlying causes.
These may include:
- Gut microbiome imbalances
- Food intolerances
- Chronic inflammation
- Parasites or infections
- Stress and gut-brain axis disruption
- Poor digestion and nutrient absorption
Parasites are far more common than most people realise. In some cases, persistent IBS symptoms may be linked to underlying gut infections, including parasites.The symptoms of parasitic infections can mimic IBS, which makes it hard to pinpoint the real problem without proper testing. That is where Functional Laboratory Testing can be helpful. A comprehensive stool analysis (usually three samples), to account for parasite egg-laying cycles) can provide a clearer picture of what is really going on inside your gut. One sample isn’t always reliable as parasites can be elusive!
I work with clients with IBS and digestive issues in Surbiton, Esher, Wimbledon and across Surrey, as well as online consultations across the UK.
A Real-Life Example
One patient shared that when she first visited me, she could barely walk from the door to my desk – she felt so unwell. Testing revealed multiple parasites. Once we began targeted treatment, her health gradually returned. It is important to note that not all herbs or antibiotics work against all parasites. Treatment must be tailored to the specific organism(s) found. That is why it is crucial to know exactly what you’re dealing with before starting any protocol.
Common Symptoms Of Parasitic Infection
- Abdominal pain & cramps
- Bloating & distension
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Fatigue & chronic fatigue
- Food intolerances
- Weight loss or difficulty losing weight
- Nausea & vomiting
- Excessive flatulence
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Anal itching
- Teeth grinding (especially at night)
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Joint & muscle aches
- Skin conditions
- Headaches
- Low immunity
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Anxiety, irritability, or nervousness
Parasites can also contribute to or worsen conditions like IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease, colitis, gastritis, autoimmune disorders, and candida overgrowth.
Where Do Parasites Come From?
- Food or water
- Raw fish or undercooked meat
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Animal contact
- Travel to certain countries
- Changing nappies or handling animal waste
Once inside, they steal nutrients, damage your gut lining, and suppress your immune system – making you more vulnerable to further infections and chronic illness.
The Gut–Skin Connection
Many clients with IBS and bloating also experience acid reflux
Gut-Skin connection:
- Eczema
- Acne
- Skin inflammation
- Hives
- Rosacea
Supporting gut health often leads to improvements in skin and overall well-being.
How I Support IBS Clients
This includes:
- detailed health analysis
- identifying food triggers
- supporting gut repair
- targeted nutritional plans
- ongoing support
Client Results
“Thank you so much for helping me overcome my digestive and stomach issues. Ann is warm, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable. She supported me brilliantly throughout my treatment and made great progress possible even while navigating my Coeliac disease and lactose intolerance. I’m very grateful for all her help and would highly recommend her.”
If you are struggling with persistent digestive issues, recurring food intolerances, skin problems, or fatigue, it is worth investigating whether parasites could be playing a role. My approach is always to look beyond the symptoms and identify the underlying causes, whether it is parasites, candida, food sensitivities, SIBO, bacterial imbalance, or stress.
Are you ready to improve your gut health?
If you are tired of guessing and want to understand what is really causing your symptoms, I offer a free discovery call where we can explore what may be driving your IBS and how to move forward.
Book your free call or get in touch here to find out how personalised nutritional therapy can help you overcome IBS and feel in control again.
I work with clients with IBS and digestive issues in Surbiton, Esher, Wimbledon and across Surrey & London, as well as online consultations across the UK.
(c) Ann Shaw Clinic of Nutritional Medicine 2026