Let’s be honest: talking about digestive problems can be uncomfortable. Whether it’s bloating, urgency or unpredictable toilet habits, these things aren’t exactly casual conversation. But if you’ve been silently suffering, it’s time to break this silence and get the support you deserve.
You’re not alone
Did you know that around 40% of people with ongoing digestive symptoms never talk to their doctor about them? That means millions of people are quietly struggling — feeling uncomfortable, dismissed or just not sure what to say.
But here’s the truth: speaking up is the first step toward real relief. And being prepared can help you feel more confident and in control.
Start the conversation (and how to do it well)
Approaching your doctor about gut health doesn’t have to be daunting. One of the best things you can do is describe your symptoms clearly and specifically.
Instead of saying: “My stomach is off”, try: “I often get bloated in the evenings, especially after eating X… I also experience cramping and have had some urgent trips to the toilet in the morning recently”.
You could also bring along a copy of the Bristol Stool Chart (you can just Google it or screenshot it!) and point to your usual “poo number.” Whether it’s a 1 (hard and lumpy), a 6 (mushy), or something in between, this can actually tell your doctor a lot about what’s going on in your gut — and help get you the right support faster.
Being detailed gives your doctor a better chance of understanding what might be going on — and what steps to take next.
Here are some helpful questions to ask during your appointment:
1. “I’ve been experiencing these symptoms for a while — can we explore what might be causing them?”
You don’t have to settle for vague reassurance or just another prescription. Ask your doctor if there’s a plan to identify the root cause — whether that involves blood tests, stool tests or referral to a gastroenterologist
2. “Are there specific tests we should consider — like coeliac disease, SIBO or food intolerances?”
Some testing can be helpful, especially to rule out coeliac disease, which is essential to outrule if you have gut symptoms. But not all tests are necessary — and some (like most food intolerance tests) are not evidence-based or accurate.
There’s currently no test to diagnose IBS, and while lactose intolerance can be tested, most other “intolerance” tests don’t measure what they claim to. Ask your doctor what’s appropriate for your situation.
3. “Who else should be part of my care team?”
Long-term gut issues often need a team approach. This can include:
- A gut-specialist dietitian to guide you on diet and symptom triggers. Some – like me- can also offer gut directed hypotherapy and combine with dietary interventions to optimise outcomes of your treatment plan.
- A GI psychologist or therapist to support the gut-brain connection (e.g. using gut-directed hypnotherapy or CBT)
- A consultant gastroenterologist to investigate and manage more complex conditions
You don’t have to do this alone — and your GP can help refer you to the right professionals.
4. “Can we talk about diet — and where should I start?”
Diet has a huge impact on gut symptoms. Ask what basic changes might help first — like including regular meals, cutting back on caffeine or booze, looking at fibre intake and chewing your food well.
It’s a great idea to ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian for more tailored support, especially if you feel like food is a trigger (approx 84% of people with IBS do)! If a low FODMAP diet is being considered – outcomes are going to be more successfull with support of a dietitian as not only can it be less effective on your own, it can also lead to unnecessary restriction or nutrient gaps.
5. “What’s the long-term plan for managing this?”
A short-term fix isn’t enough. Ask what the follow-up plan is, how progress will be tracked and what support is available if symptoms return.
Managing gut symptoms well means having a strategy — not just a fire-fighting approach every time things flare up.
Take the first step
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but talking about your symptoms is not a weakness — it’s a turning point. The more clearly you can share what you’re experiencing, the more likely you are to get the help you need.
And if you’re ready to go beyond prescriptions and restrictions — and want a science-backed, whole-person plan that actually works — I’m here to help.
Start by downloading my free IBS Quiz here — it’s a quick way to help you take back control of your gut and find a path that actually works for you.
