IBS Symptoms

According to Healthline, there are some common signs and symptoms of IBS.
  1. Abdominal Cramping. This pain usually occurs in the lower abdomen or the entire abdomen but is less likely to be in the upper abdomen alone. Pain typically decreases following a bowel movement (4).
  2. Diarrhea. Diarrhea-predominant IBS is one of the three main types of the disorder. It affects roughly one-third of patients with IBS (7).
  3. Constipation. Constipation in IBS also often causes a sensation of an incomplete bowel movement. This leads to unnecessary straining (13).
  4. Changes in Bowel Movement. Slow-moving stool in the intestine often becomes dehydrated as the intestine absorbs water. In turn, this creates hard stool, which can exacerbate symptoms of constipation (16).
  5. Gas and Bloating. Altered digestion in IBS leads to more gas production in the gut. This can cause bloating, which is uncomfortable (18).
  6. Food Intolerance. Up to 70% of individuals with IBS report that particular foods trigger symptoms (23). Apparently, it’s still unclear why food intolerances are a symptom, but we believe it’s more to do with the inefficient digestive enzymes.

Food intolerances

Finding a way to manage symptoms can help you to cope with IBS. Understanding your food intolerances, you don’t need to have an intolerance test for this, is important. We will share with you on our treatment page how you can do this without spending a fortune on these nonsense tests.

Stress

Management of stress is incredibly important. Stress is often over-looked with gut health related conditions, but the connection between the brain and the gut is enough to let us know that its important to find a way to control your stress and your gut will thank you for it.

Pain relief

If pain is severe, then take a pain killer. That’s what they are there for. If you are not keen on taking pain killers, then finding ways to control your pain through methods such medication, listening to calm music or joining a relaxation group.

The chart opposite shows an average diversity score before and after bone broth. As you can see there was an overall average increase before and after bone broth for 4 weeks.

This chart shows us the average number of species in 32 dogs before and after 4 weeks of bone broth. Again you can see there was an increase taking the average number of species to nearly 500 which is considered better for dogs. Lower than 400 species can show as digestive problems in your dog.

The chart on the right shows the average helicobacter making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything above 1% can show as digestive discomfort and inflammation.

As you can see that after 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of the canines on the study fell to 1.36%

The chart on the left shows the average Clostridium making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything above 0.5% can show as gastrointestinal disorders.

After only 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of Clostridium in canines on the study fell to 1.50%

This % is still above normal levels, but the question must be would broth for a longer time reduce this further?

The chart on the right shows the average Bifidobacterium making up the total % of the canine gut microbiome. Anything below 1-2% can lower the immune system, disrupt nutrient absorption, and cause inflammation. Above 1-2% and the gut improves in function and can have a positive improvement on the canine overall wellbeing.

After only 4 weeks of bone broth, the average total % of Bifidobacterium in canines rose from an alarming less 0.54% to an incredible 2.33% putting all dogs in a better gut health position when it comes to beneficial bacteria.

Dr Carol Hughes Microbiologist - Biome4Pets

"We analysed the microbiome and chose three important species (genus level) of bacteria. There are multiple other beneficial changes to the microbial community but these three were chosen because two are commonly associated with gastric discomfort/disease/diarrhoea and the third is associated with good health. Helicobacter associated with leaky gut, gut wall integrity and itchiness in dogs. Clostridium sensu stricto, and a species of bacteria associated with good gut/ overall health and immune response Bifidobacteria. We have seen remarkable results with bone broth and this is because of the high amino acid count in the bone broth, which seems to behave as a prebiotic feeding the good bacteria."

Rachel Down Founder | Managing Director | BSc Health Science Yr 2 Student - Boil and Broth. 

“We’re thrilled to see scientific evidence supporting the quality of our bone broths. My personal health journey began seven years ago, when I reversed a chronic condition in just 12 weeks and lost six stone over two years. This experience sparked my passion for bone broth’s science—so much so that I even pursued a degree. When I met Carol, I suggested this study as a way to demonstrate our products' true benefits. The results have been fascinating, especially as many of the dogs had skin issues, which have since improved with bone broth supplementation. We’re excited not only for what this means for broth but also for our brand. We believe in our products so deeply that we were willing to put them to the test—how many brands can say that?”

Anna Webb - Canine Nutritionist and Behaviour Expert

“It has been so exciting to confirm that bone broth delivers so many remarkable changes to these dog’s gut microbial environments. It’s as if the broth is naturally restoring homeostasis or balance, which is the key to optimum wellness. In my study at the College of Integrated Veterinary Studies (CIVT), I learnt how this age-old remedy was noted as a fundamental ingredient for boosting the immune system, which science now concurs resides in our gut lining.  Science also now supports that the relationship between the gut and the brain are inextricably linked, so behaviourally, the addition of broth could help dogs’ cognition and learning through their life stages. Not least in their senior years, but also in the first seven weeks of their lives, when many environmental factors, including nutrition, can impact positively or negatively for a lifetime”.