Common Digestive Complaints and their Causes
Digestive discomfort is a broad term that includes bloating, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), excess gas, abdominal pain, irregular bowel habits and a sense of fullness. These symptoms often originate in the abdominal area, where digestion, absorption and microbial activity must work in careful coordination.
Common contributors include:
- Food intolerances such as lactose or sensitivity to gluten
- Disruptions to gut bacteria (dysbiosis), leading to imbalance within the gut microbiome.
- Stress and altered gut–brain signalling, which can affect digestive function. Learn more in our guide on the gut-brain axis.
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Reduced or inefficient digestive enzyme activity, impacting how well food is broken down and absorbed.
Note: functional digestive conditions such as IBS are different from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and requires medical diagnosis and ongoing care. These chronic conditions involve significant inflammation of the digestive tract and are typically managed with specialist medical treatment.
Bloating: Triggers and Solutions
Bloating is one of the most frequent digestive complaints and can occur even in people without a diagnosed condition. It often involves excess gas production, slowed gut motility or sensitivity of the gut wall.
Common triggers include:
FODMAPs: These short-chain carbohydrates can be resistant to digestion and are often poorly absorbed in the small intestine. Instead of being absorbed into the bloodstream, they pass into the intestine, where they are fermented by gut bacteria, which may contribute to bloating and gas[1].
Food intolerances: Food intolerances occur when the digestive system struggles to break down certain food, such as dairy or gluten such as wheat and barley. This can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort or changes in bowel habits[2]. Unlike food allergies, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can still significantly affect digestive comfort.
Coeliac disease: This is an autoimmune condition in which the ingestion of gluten triggers an immune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine. This damage can impair nutrient absorption and cause symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, fatigue and abdominal pain[3]. Unlike non-coeliac gluten sensitivity or IBS, coeliac disease requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet and medical diagnosis to prevent long-term complications.
Dysbiosis: This refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, where beneficial bacteria may be reduced and less helpful or even harmful microbes become more dominant[4]. This imbalance can alter how food is fermented in the gut, potentially increasing gas production and digestive discomfort. Over time, dysbiosis may also influence gut barrier function and overall digestive resilience.
Stress: Stress can have a direct impact on digestion through the gut–brain axis, affecting how quickly food moves through the digestive tract and how sensitive the gut becomes. During periods of stress, the body may prioritise “fight or flight” responses over digestion, which can contribute to bloating, cramping and irregular bowel habits.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional digestive condition characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits without structural disease. Symptoms are often triggered by food choices, stress or hormonal changes and can vary widely between individuals.
Practical bloating remedies
- Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly
- Trialling a short-term low FODMAP approach under guidance
- Supporting digestion with herbal teas such as fennel or peppermint
- Managing stress through breathing, movement or relaxation practices
People often ask about how they can get rid of bloating fast. While no solution is instant for everyone, gentle movement, warm drinks and avoiding trigger foods can provide short-term relief. Understanding the triggers can help prevent bloating from occurring.
IBS: Symptom Patterns, Diet and Herbal Approaches
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a common digestive condition characterised by recurring abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both. While it does not cause permanent damage to the digestive tract, IBS is often a long-term condition and can significantly affect day-to-day wellbeing.
According to the NHS, the exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it has been associated with altered gut motility (food moving too quickly or too slowly through the gut), previous gastroenteritis, increased gut sensitivity, stress, and a family history of the condition[5].
Dietary approaches
Diet plays a central role in managing IBS symptoms, although triggers can vary widely between individuals. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, dietary strategies for IBS are typically used to help identify personal sensitivities and support digestive comfort over time.
Trying a low FODMAP diet is one of the most widely used dietary approaches for IBS. This short-term restriction phase is followed by a structured reintroduction process to identify specific triggers, helping individuals personalise their diet while maintaining nutritional variety. Long-term restriction is not usually recommended, as FODMAP-rich foods can support a healthy gut microbiome.
Another option to consider is elimination diets, involving removing suspected trigger foods (such as dairy, gluten-containing grains, or certain additives) for a set period before gradually reintroducing them one at a time. This methodical approach can help clarify which foods may contribute to symptoms like bloating or altered bowel habits. Working with a qualified practitioner can help ensure you're receiving the right nutrients and avoid unnecessary dietary restriction.
Regular meal timing of a balanced diet can also help support gut coordination and motility. Skipping meals or eating large portions irregularly may place additional strain on the digestive system and contribute to symptom flare-ups. Consistent meal timing can also support the gut–brain axis, helping the digestive system respond more predictably to food intake.
These approaches should ideally be guided by a practitioner or medical professional to avoid unnecessary restriction or misdiagnosis.
Herbal Digestive Aids
Note: Before considering any herbal remedies, we recommend speaking to a registered herbalist first. Napiers has been trusted for over 165 years, supporting generations with their health, naturally. Book a free 1:1 consultation with one of our herbalists, and we can recommend a collection of herbs tailored to your individual needs.
Many people explore herbal and natural approaches as a way to support digestive comfort alongside dietary and lifestyle changes. While these options are not intended to treat the conditions themselves, they have traditionally been used to help promote relaxation of the digestive system and ease occasional symptoms such as bloating.
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Peppermint: Commonly used in IBS support, peppermint may help relax the muscles around the gut, which can be beneficial for abdominal cramping and discomfort. It may also help ease bloating or flatulence.
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Fennel: Traditionally used to support digestive comfort, fennel is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antibacterial properties[6]. It can help ease bloating and gas as well as reduce feelings of fullness after meals. It is a great herbal option for supporting the digestive process and is commonly used to help maintain everyday digestive comfort, particularly after meals.
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Ginger: Well known for supporting digestion and gut motility, ginger is often used to ease nausea and support the movement of food through the digestive system. It may also help reduce inflammation and manage indigestion[7].
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Herbal bitters: Bitter herbs such as yellow gentian and dandelion root are traditionally used to stimulate digestive secretions and enzyme activity. They are often taken before or after meals to support appetite, digestion and a more comfortable post-meal experience.
These herbs are best viewed as part of broader natural digestive support, rather than standalone solutions.
Shop Napiers' herbal recommendations for digestive support, including tinctures and herbal supplements and dried herbs.
When to Seek Professional Help
Digestive discomfort should always be assessed if symptoms are persistent, worsening or accompanied by red flags such as unexplained weight loss, bleeding or night-time symptoms. A healthcare professional can help rule out conditions such as coeliac disease, IBD or infections.
Supporting Gut Health with Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have traditionally played a role in supporting gut health and overall wellbeing.
If you have a known digestive health concern, personalised guidance from a herbal practitioner can help support you. Our team of passionate herbalists can understand your unique needs and help guide you on your natural journey.
For those looking for general gut health support, we recommend our Napiers Gut Health Protocol. This thoughtfully curated four-week supplement regime is designed to support the digestive system. Combining probiotics, traditional herbal support and essential nutrients such as vitamin D, this bundle supports the gut microbiome, digestive function and gut-immune interaction from multiple angles.
This 4-week protocol combines:
- Napiers Happy Gut
- Napiers Jarropick Herb Blend
- Napiers Vitamin D3 and K2 Spray
Rather than focusing on bacteria alone, the protocol takes a whole-system view of gut health. Probiotics and prebiotics in Napiers Happy Gut help nurture microbiome diversity, while Napiers Jarropick Herb Blend supports digestion, liver function and comfort after meals. The addition of Napiers Vitamin D3 and K2 Spray contributes to immune function and nutrient absorption – both important factors in maintaining gut barrier health and overall wellbeing.
This protocol is ideal for anyone seeking longer-term digestive comfort, improved microbiome diversity and gentle, ongoing digestive support as part of a balanced lifestyle.
By combining herbs, probiotics and minerals, the protocol avoids a one-size-fits-all approach often seen in standalone gut and digestive supplements. A four-week structure allows for gradual, consistent support as part of a wider gut health routine.
Save 20% when you shop this 4-week reset protocol with code PROTOCOL20.*
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To explore gut health further, read our blog on why the gut microbiome matters and discover practical, everyday ways to support gut health naturally.
FAQs
How do I know if I have IBS?
IBS is usually suspected when digestive symptoms such as bloating, pain and altered bowel habits persist for several months.
How to test for IBS?
There is no single test for IBS. Diagnosis typically involves symptom assessment and ruling out other conditions through blood tests or stool tests.
Can you develop IBS later in life?
Yes. IBS can develop at any age, sometimes following infection, stress or dietary changes.
What food should I avoid with IBS?
Common triggers include high FODMAP foods, lactose-containing dairy and highly processed foods, though triggers vary between individuals.
How can you get rid of bloating fast?
Gentle movement, warm fluids, avoiding trigger foods and using calming herbs like fennel or peppermint may help reduce bloating temporarily.
References
- Gunnars, K. (2024) Everything You Need to Know About the FODMAP Diet. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Jones, J. Updated 6 March. Available at: Healthline.
- NHS. (2022) Food intolerance. Available at: NHS.
- NHS. (2023) Coeliac disease. Available at: NHS.
- DeGruttola, A.K., Low, D., Mizoguchi, A. and Mizoguchi, E. (2016) 'Current understanding of dysbiosis in disease in human and animal models', Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, 22(5), pp. 1137–1150. Available at: Oxford Academic.
- NHS. (2025) What is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Available at: NHS.
- Iftikhar, N. (2024) Fennel Seeds for Fighting Gas. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Trull, K. Updated 17 September. Available at: Healthline.
- Leech, J. (2025) 11 Possible Health Benefits of Ginger. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Johnson, M.L. Updated 29 April. Available at: Healthline.
