It Has To Be Me Episode

IBS 101

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

Episode #97: March 12th, 2026

THE GOLD FROM THIS EPISODE

“IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, gas, and bloating that is associated with changes in stool frequency and texture.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“IBS affects 10 to 15% of people in the United States. The condition is more common in women due to hormone fluctuations.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“1 in 10 people develop IBS after food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“There is no biomarker for IBS. A gastroenterologist makes a diagnosis based on symptoms. There is no blood test, and it does not show up in a colonoscopy or endoscopy.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“To make an accurate diagnosis, a gastroenterologist will look at your symptoms, test for anemia, inflammatory markers, and rule out celiac disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBD, and colon cancer.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“If you have a family history of colon cancer, IBD, or celiac disease, inform your doctor when looking at a potential IBS diagnosis.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“IBS does not cause structural damage, but the gut-brain connection is hyper-stimulated or impaired causing inflammation.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“Food intolerances don't necessarily cause IBS, but they can contribute to the symptoms of IBS.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“To treat IBS and calm the digestive system, we use dietary interventions, stress management techniques, and sometimes medication and supplements. There is no one-size-fits-all protocol.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“The Low FODMAP Diet is not a cure for IBS. It’s  a short-term intervention strategy to identify trigger foods and manage symptoms. When you eat high FODMAP foods, you’re not causing damage to the intestines, but it can trigger symptoms.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“Gut-directed hypnotherapy supports changes in gut sensitivity, and cognitive behavioral therapy helps with nervous system regulation. Both strategies can help manage IBS symptoms.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“We have to be treating the nervous system for any dietary intervention to work. A good practitioner will work with you to reduce health anxiety and develop the least restrictive plan that is realistic for your personality and lifestyle.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

“Don’t navigate IBS alone. Work with a healthcare team that understands the digestive system, and can suggest the least restrictive solutions that fit your needs and lifestyle.”

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH

GI Dietitian and FODMAP Practitioner

in THIS EPISODE

  • 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

Meghan Donnelly, MS, RDN, CSDH, 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

Low FODMAP Diet Podcast