IB-Free: Relief & Strength for People Living with IBS
Evidence-informed tips, gut-friendly recipes, and honest stories.
Education Hub
CBG for IBS: The Science of Gut-Brain Axis Regulation
While CBD is widely known, cannabigerol (CBG) is emerging as a sophisticated tool for gut health. By targeting the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor and immune pathways, it addresses the underlying communication errors of the gut-brain axis.
An All-Natural, Over-the-Counter Approach to IBS Relief
IBS doesn’t respond to miracle cures, but a growing body of evidence suggests that a thoughtful combination of probiotics, soluble fiber, and CBD/CBG supplements may offer durable, over-the-counter relief by addressing the gut from multiple angles at once.
The Gluten Myth: Wheat's Other Troublemakers
Recent research suggests that Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity is a misnomer, and that other components of wheat, like fructans and ATIs, may be the real culprits. This shift in understanding may lead to better diagnostic clarity and more effective treatment strategies for functional gut disorders.
The Unsuspecting Carnivore: When Gluten Hides in Animal Products
While meat, eggs, and dairy are naturally gluten-free, industrial processing often introduces wheat-based binders and fillers. We explore the common animal products where gluten hides—from deli meats to omelets—and how to identify them.
The Gluten Paradox: Debunking the Myth of Hidden Wheat in Common Foods
Misinformation about gluten can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions or accidental exposure for those with sensitivities. We debunk the myths and reveal the surprising truth about common foods that are naturally gluten-free.
The Hidden Wheat in Your Weeknight Meatballs and Gyros
For those managing celiac disease or IBS, the vigilance required for a gluten-free diet must extend beyond the obvious bread and pasta aisle and into the processed meat section, where hidden wheat is used as a binder and filler. The safest and most flavorful way to enjoy dishes like meatballs and gyros is to swap pre-made options for whole cuts of meat or homemade versions using gluten-free binders like oat flour or cornstarch.
The Transatlantic Gut Divide: Why American Wheat Makes Us Sick and the Unexpected Truth About Your “Gluten Sensitivity”
The phenomenon of finding digestive peace while eating bread in Europe, yet suffering in the U.S., is more than just anecdotal. The true triggers of modern wheat sensitivity likely involve immune-activating proteins and divergent agricultural practices.
The Unexpected Price of Bread: When Gluten Turns Hemorrhagic
Rectal bleeding is an alarming symptom, but for a sensitive subset of the population, the culprit hiding in the pantry is often wheat, acting as a trigger for profound gut inflammation. For non-celiac individuals, a monitored gluten-free diet often leads to the complete resolution of both pain and bleeding.
Non-Celiac Wheat Sensitivity: Why ATIs, Not Gluten, Could Be the Real Problem
For many, the discomfort blamed on gluten is actually caused by Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors (ATIs), natural pest-defense proteins in wheat that activate the innate immune system. Switching to ATI-free grains like rice, corn, or oats can often resolve symptoms of non-celiac wheat sensitivity without the need to fear gluten itself.
The Unlikely Culprit: Why Your Bread Problem Might Not Be Gluten
If you react poorly to American bread, it may not be the gluten protein, but chemical additives like glyphosate and potassium bromate, or fermentable carbohydrates (fructans). Modern wheat farming and processing practices, largely absent in Europe, are the likely triggers for many with IBS.
The Safety Net: Over-the-Counter Enzymes for Accidental Gluten Exposure
If you're sensitive to gluten or wheat, over-the-counter enzyme supplements like AN-PEP (Tolerase G) can offer support, especially for accidental exposure. AN-PEP breaks down the immune-reactive gliadin peptide in the stomach, with dosages up to 330,000 PPI for high-risk meals. These enzymes are a strong adjunct to a gluten-free diet, but never a replacement.
The Ultimate IBS-Friendly Thanksgiving Menu (Low FODMAP, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not gut distress. Yet, for the nearly one in ten adults with IBS, the traditional menu is a cascade of high-FODMAP compounds. With a few mindful, science-backed substitutions—like using garlic-infused oil instead of whole garlic—you can still savor a delicious, satisfying, and low-FODMAP meal without the resulting visceral hypersensitivity.
The Quiet Revolution on the Thanksgiving Table: Mastering the Low-FODMAP Feast
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, not gut distress. Yet, for the nearly one in ten adults with IBS, the traditional menu is a cascade of high-FODMAP compounds. With a few mindful, science-backed substitutions—like using garlic-infused oil instead of whole garlic—you can still savor a delicious, satisfying, and low-FODMAP meal without the resulting visceral hypersensitivity.
The Hard-Stopping Strains: Precision Probiotics for IBS-D
In IBS-D, the goal is to reduce motility and firm up stool. The single strain Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is the top-ranked option for improving stool form, while a specific 14-strain mixture has shown strong evidence for reducing daily bowel motions.
The Quiet Push: Finding Motility in the IBS-C Microbiome
While the evidence for probiotics in IBS-C is modest compared to IBS-D, specific strains like B. lactis DN-173 010 have objectively proven their ability to accelerate gut transit time. Success depends on matching the exact strain and dose used in clinical trials.
Probiotics for IBS-D: What the Strongest Strain-Specific Evidence Actually Shows
Not all probiotics are equal. Learn which strains have real IBS-D data behind them and how to use them effectively for better gut balance.
Probiotics for IBS-D: Strains That Support Gut Balance and Regularity
For people with IBS-D, probiotics may help calm inflammation and restore microbial balance. Learn which strains—like Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum—are supported by science.
Bacterial Constituents of a Healthy vs. IBS Gut Microbiome
A healthy gut microbiome maintains balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria—but in IBS, that harmony is disrupted. Understanding which microbes shift, and how diet or probiotics can restore them, is key to easing digestive symptoms.
Not All Dairy Alternatives Are Safe for People with IBS
Dairy alternatives aren’t always gut-friendly. Almond, oat, and coconut milks can still contain FODMAPs that trigger IBS symptoms. Here’s how to choose safer options.
Can a Keto or Carnivore Diet Help IBS? Exploring the Potential of Low-Carb Diets for Gut Relief
For some people with IBS, cutting carbs through keto or carnivore diets offers real relief. Here’s what science says about how low-carb eating impacts gut health and digestion.
Educational content only — not medical advice.
When the world locked down for COVID, my gut went into meltdown. What started as minor bloating turned into a full-blown digestive disorder. This is the story of how I found my way out—and why IBS is anything but BS.