IBS Forum

THE GUT IS OUR "SECOND BRAIN" - Information on IBS

Blood agar and bicarbonate agar plate cultures of Bacillus cereus, a bacteria (often in rice) that causes food poisoning which then leads to long term IBS related symptoms


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The intestines have the highest concentration of nerve cells in the body, besides the brain. This Enteric Nervous System (ENS) contains between 70 and 85% of the body’s immune cells. It is a so called data processing centre which handles complicated pathways of neurons, neuromodulators and neurotransmitters. There is constant communication between the brain and the gut particularly through nerve cells using serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is also very important for mood regulation. 1000 – 2000 nerve fibres connect both brains and enable the two to talk. When one gets upset, the other one does too.

In the past, many gut diseases were classified as psychosomatic. We now know that this is not the case. There is an element of the brain controlling the gut, but there is also an organic and physiological basis for the functional changes of the little brain.

And this is the reason, why Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has so many links:

IBS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
IBS and Endometriosis
IBS and Chronic Pelvic Pain
IBS and Food Allergies
IBS and Food Sensitivities & Intolerances
IBS and Depression
IBS and Leaky Gut Syndrome
IBS and Dysbiosis
IBS and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
IBS and Parasites
IBS and Fibromyalgia
IBS and Autism


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common condition. It might affect up to one third of the population. It is difficult to have exact figures because of three reasons:

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only 10 – 20% of people with IBS-like symptoms visit a doctor
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it is extremely difficult to diagnose
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conventional treatment (specific medication) is not available

There are many diagnoses available for: diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, spasms, bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, urge to open the bowels, anxiety if no toilet is nearby, sharp pains, feeling of incomplete evacuation, etc... and of course it is not always Irritable Bowel Syndrome or an IBS related symptom.

When you visit your GP, the first diagnosis is often “stress” or "unhealthy eating habits", before you might be referred to a gastro-intestinal specialist. If nothing can be found after several tests, the diagnosis is very often: Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The first consultations can be very critical. And in health systems, where a doctor has just several minutes time for a patient, ...where there is no ‘relationship’ between doctor and patient, it is nearly impossible to expect:
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a clear explanation of the possible mechanisms for the symptoms,
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a full lifestyle check including all possible psychological factors,
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a reassurance and explanation of fears of serious organic diseases,
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correct dietary/nutritional advice.

If the diagnosis is not 100% right, IBS treatment is extremely difficult.


Dirk Budka is specialised in gut diseases and IBS treatment and works in different clinics in London (Hale Clinic Marylebone, Healthy Living Centre Islington, and Neal's Yard Covent Garden, Clapham, Borough Market. More information, addresses, etc. on page "HOW AND WHERE I WORK"

To e-mail Dirk Budka on info@ibsforum.co.uk CLICK HERE


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