About Our IBS Consultations
Welcome to our IBS clinic on Harley Street, one of London’s most established private clinics dedicated exclusively to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and complex digestive disorders.
Based in Harley Street, London, our IBS specialists provide IBS consultations, advanced functional gut testing and personalised treatment programmes for patients seeking expert, evidence-based care. Consultations are available in person on Harley Street and virtually across the UK, allowing us to support patients nationwide.
Our clinic focuses on identifying the root causes of IBS, rather than simply managing symptoms, using a functional medicine approach tailored to each individual.
Private IBS Specialists in London
As a private IBS clinic in London, our IBS specialists focus exclusively in digestive health. Our clinicians work with patients who have often struggled for years with ongoing symptoms despite conventional treatment.
We commonly support patients experiencing:
Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating and excessive gas
Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits
Food-related digestive symptoms
Acid reflux and upper digestive discomfort
Symptoms triggered by stress or hormonal changes
Many of our patients come to us after being told that “nothing is wrong” or that IBS must simply be managed long-term. Our approach is different.
What is IBS:
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional gastrointestinal condition characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, altered bowel habits, diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both.
Although IBS does not cause structural damage to the gut, it can significantly affect quality of life. In clinical practice, IBS is often associated with gut motility disturbances, visceral hypersensitivity, microbiome imbalances, food intolerances and conditions such as SIBO.
At our Harley Street IBS clinic, we focus on understanding why IBS symptoms are occurring, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Symptoms of IBS:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
- Changes in bowel movements (e.g., frequency, consistency)
Traditional vs. Functional Medicine Approaches to IBS
While traditional medicine typically focuses on symptom management through medications like antidiarrheals, laxatives, or pain relievers, functional medicine takes a holistic approach by addressing the underlying causes of IBS. This includes using advanced testing to identify issues like SIBO, food sensitivities, and gut dysbiosis, and designing personalized treatment plans that promote long-term gut health.
Traditional Medicine:
Primarily focuses on symptom management with medications.
Often doesn’t address root causes like gut imbalances or inflammation.
Functional Medicine:
Focuses on understanding the root causes of IBS, including SIBO, dysbiosis, and food sensitivities.
Utilizes advanced testing to uncover imbalances.
Offers a personalized treatment plan that includes dietary changes, supplements, and gut-healing therapies.
Causes of IBS:
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
Increased sensitivity to pain: People with IBS may be more sensitive to gas, bloating, or other sensations in the gut.
Stress: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen symptoms.Dietary factors: Certain foods like fatty foods, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol can exacerbate symptoms
Gut dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as too many harmful bacteria or not enough beneficial bacteria.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine can disrupt digestion and contribute to IBS symptoms.
Leaky gut: Increased intestinal permeability may allow harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, promoting inflammation.
Types of IBS:
- IBS-D: Diarrhea-predominant IBS
- IBS-C: Constipation-predominant IBS
- IBS-M: Mixed IBS, alternating between diarrhea and constipation
How long does it take to see results with functional medicine for IBS?
While results vary, many people begin to notice improvements in symptoms within a few weeks after making dietary changes and addressing underlying gut issues with functional medicine.
Our IBS Treatment Approach
Our IBS clinic is located in Harley Street London. We provide a comprehensive, personalized approach to IBS treatment. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to address the root causes of IBS, such as gut imbalances, food sensitivities, and inflammation.
Gut Testing
We use tests to get a deeper understanding of your digestive health, such as:
- SIBO Breath Test: Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
- Comprehensive Stool Analysis: GI-MAP UK Identifies microbial imbalances and inflammatory markers, candida, parasites and bacteria
- Leaky Gut Assessment: Tests for increased intestinal permeability, which can lead to systemic inflammation. Consider a GI-MAP stool test with Zonulin
Long-Term Relief
By addressing the root causes, our approach aims to reduce inflammation, restore gut health, and help you regain control over your digestive system.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Once we identify the underlying issues, we work with you to create a treatment plan.
What our patients say
“Since starting treatment with Victoria, my IBS symptoms have drastically improved. I no longer feel bloated all the time and my energy levels are through the roof. I can’t thank Victoria enough!”
— Sarah, 28, London
What areas do you look at with IBS?
Gut Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiome (the collection of bacteria, yeast such as Candida and other microorganisms in the digestive tract) can play a significant role in IBS. We use advanced testing to identify microbial imbalances that may contribute to symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): SIBO can be a hidden contributor to IBS symptoms like bloating, pain, and irregular bowel movements. We explore the possibility of SIBO through SIBO testing and provide targeted dietary changes, antimicrobial therapies, and strategies to restore gut motility.
Addressing SIBO has provided relief for many IBS patients.
Candida: We also consider Candida overgrowth as a potential cause of IBS symptoms. An imbalance of the Candida fungus in the gut can lead to bloating, fatigue, and digestive discomfort. We can assess Candida through candida testing and if you require treatment we recommend antifungal treatments, dietary adjustments, and gut-supportive strategies to help restore a healthy microbiome and alleviate symptoms of IBS.
Food Sensitivities and Intolerances: Many IBS patients experience symptoms triggered by certain foods. Through comprehensive testing and elimination diets, we identify food sensitivities and intolerances, such as to gluten, dairy, or other common allergens, and help you tailor a diet that minimizes these triggers.
Food Poisoning and Its Impact on IBS: Food poisoning typically results from consuming contaminated food or drink, often containing harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. While the immediate effects—nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain—are temporary, food poisoning can lead to longer-term digestive issues that may contribute to IBS. This includes:
Post-Infectious IBS (PI-IBS): Some people develop IBS after an episode of food poisoning, a condition known as post-infectious IBS. It occurs when the gut’s immune system is triggered by the infection, leading to chronic digestive problems.
Leaky Gut Syndrome: We may assess for increased intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” which allows toxins, undigested food particles, and harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and immune system activation that can contribute to digestive distress and IBS symptoms.
How do you diagnose IBS?
IBS is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and by ruling out other conditions. There are no specific tests for IBS, but tests may be done to exclude other causes of symptoms (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease or infections).
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis: This test provides an in-depth look at gut health by analysing digestive function, inflammation, and the balance of bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms in the intestines. It can detect infections like H. pylori, assess digestive enzyme levels, and identify inflammation markers, helping to distinguish IBS from other conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Breath Test: SIBO is common among those with IBS, especially with symptoms of bloating, gas, and constipation. A SIBO breath test measures the levels of hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria in the small intestine, providing insights into bacterial overgrowth that may be contributing to symptoms.
Food Sensitivity and Intolerance Testing: Food intolerances or sensitivities can play a significant role in IBS symptoms. While elimination diets are often effective, food sensitivity tests may help identify specific foods that trigger symptoms. Tests that measure IgG antibodies, for example, can provide clues about which foods may be causing low-level inflammation or digestive discomfort.
Organic Acids Test: This test analyses metabolites in the urine to assess gut bacteria and yeast balance, which can reveal bacterial or fungal imbalances. Elevated markers may indicate dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), which can contribute to IBS symptoms and provide guidance for personalised probiotic or dietary interventions.
Zonulin Test for Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut): Zonulin is a protein that regulates gut permeability. Elevated levels can indicate “leaky gut,” where the gut lining becomes more permeable, allowing toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially trigger inflammation and IBS symptoms. This test can be useful for determining whether gut healing is necessary.
What are the best diets for IBS?
Diet plays a significant role in managing IBS, and functional medicine takes a personalised approach to finding the right dietary plan for each individual. Here are some of the most effective dietary approaches commonly recommended for managing IBS:
Low-FODMAP Diet: A low-FODMAP diet restricts fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that can be difficult to digest and often cause bloating, gas, and discomfort in those with IBS. By avoiding high-FODMAP foods like certain fruits, dairy, and legumes, many people with IBS experience symptom relief. This diet is generally followed for a few weeks, with foods gradually reintroduced to identify specific triggers.
Gluten-Free Diet: Some people with IBS may be sensitive to gluten, even if they don’t have coeliac disease. A gluten-free diet removes gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, which can improve symptoms in gluten-sensitive individuals. A trial elimination of gluten may be beneficial to determine if it’s contributing to symptoms.
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD): The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is similar to the low-FODMAP approach but focuses on eliminating complex carbohydrates that may be hard to digest and feed harmful bacteria. Foods are chosen for their ease of digestion, aiming to reduce bacterial overgrowth and promote gut healing.
GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) Diet: The GAPS diet is designed to heal and support gut health by focusing on nutrient-dense, easily digestible foods. It emphasises bone broths, fermented foods, and a gradual reintroduction of foods to reduce inflammation, balance gut bacteria, and support digestion.
Low-Histamine Diet: For those who are sensitive to histamines (natural compounds in certain foods), a low-histamine diet may help reduce symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and gas. This diet restricts high-histamine foods, like fermented foods, aged cheeses, and cured meats, which may exacerbate IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Tailoring the Diet to Your Needs: Since IBS symptoms and triggers are highly individual, a tailored approach to diet is essential. Working with a functional medicine practitioner can help determine which diet may be most effective based on specific test results, symptoms, and lifestyle factors.
Set up a first consultation
We recommend an extended session to review your medical history in detail and lay out a program to address your gut health issues.
Get a Test
If you have a specific test in mind or want to learn more about how our testing can help, contact us today.
FAQ
What happens during a consultation?
The consultation is very comprehensive and is designed to understand what may be the cause of your symptoms. After the consultation, we will make recommendations based on your specific symptoms, these may be dietary. In some cases, we may recommend functional tests as well. For IBS suffers, we often use a stool test. This test covers bacteria, yeast, parasites and friendly gut bacteria.
Should I have a test first or have a consultation?
We normally recommend having a consultation first so we can have a thourough understanding of your symptoms.
Who will I be seeing during my consultation?
Your consultation will be held with Victoria Tyler. She is a registered Nutritional Therapist and was awarded a BSc Hons in Nutritional Therapy. She is also a Functional Medicine Practitioner.
How many consultations should I have?
Typically, we see patients twice.
What type of advice will I receive?
You will receive detailed dietary advice as well as herbal supplement advice. We will also provide you with hand-outs/ dietary recommendations and e-mail support.
Are there any other benefits to having consultation at your IBS clinic?
It is always helpful to discuss your symptoms with a professional to understand possible causes of your symptoms and receive professional recommendations.
If you are interested in booking a consultation please contact us, e-mail us at help@nutritionandvitality.co.uk, or call directly on 0345 129 7996.
Appointment Costs
The fee for the 1 hour initial consultation is £170
The fee for a 45 minute follow up consultation is £140
The fee for in person appointments at our clinic on Harley Street London is £210
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation or test, feel free to call, email, or request a call back using the form below.
To schedule an appointment or order a test, simply email us or call us at 0345 1297996.
We look forward to hearing from you!