Finally find the root cause
- and actually heal
See how we fix IBS
(5 min)
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What your GP typically recommends:
Low-FODMAP diet (restrict fermentable carbohydrates)
Antispasmodics (reduce cramping)
Laxatives or anti-diarrhoeals (manage symptoms)
"Reduce stress" (vague advice with no practical plan)
The problem: These approaches treat symptoms, not causes.
The low-FODMAP diet starves bacteria (good and bad) but doesn't restore balance
Antispasmodics don't fix bacterial overgrowth
Stress management helps, but it doesn't address the infections driving your symptoms
It's like taking painkillers for a broken arm. Yes, the pain reduces - but the bone is still broken.
This is why IBS becomes a chronic condition people "manage" for years or decades. They're treating symptoms, not the bacterial imbalances causing them.
After analyzing over 2,000 microbiome tests, we've identified that IBS is driven by specific, identifiable patterns. Here's what we look for:
Root Cause #1:
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
What it is:
Bacteria that belong in your large intestine migrate into your small intestine. When you eat, these bacteria ferment your food before your body can absorb nutrients - producing hydrogen gas, methane, or hydrogen sulfide.
Common symptoms:
Bloating that gets worse throughout the day
Bloating within 30-90 minutes of eating
Worse with carbohydrates, fibre, or "healthy" foods
Diarrhoea or loose stools (IBS-D)
Brain fog and fatigue after meals
Nutrient deficiencies despite eating well
Why standard testing misses it:
Stool tests look at your large intestine, not your small intestine. Breath tests can suggest SIBO but have high false-negative rates (up to 40%) and don't tell you which bacteria are overgrowing.
EXPERT INSIGHT
"When I analyse metagenomic results for someone with IBS-D, I look for the organisms driving the inflammatory metabolites - endotoxin (LPS), hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, D-lactate, and other irritants, along with the loss of protective butyrate-producers. Breath tests only measure gases; they tell us nothing about which bacteria are producing them. That's why being told 'you have hydrogen SIBO' isn’t enough - we need to know which specific organisms we're treating."
Victoria Samios, Microbiologist
Root Cause #2:
IMO (Intestinal Methane Overgrowth)
What it is:
Not bacteria, but archaea—commonly Methanobrevibacter smithii—that produce methane gas. Methane doesn't just cause bloating; it slows gut motility, creating a vicious cycle: slow transit → more fermentation → more methane → slower transit.
Common symptoms:
Severe, visible bloating (looking pregnant by evening)
Chronic constipation (IBS-C)
Feeling "full" or "heavy" even after small meals
Bloating that doesn't improve with dietary changes
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Why it's often missed:
Standard antimicrobials that work for bacterial SIBO don't work for methane-producing archaea. If no one tests for methane or identifies the specific organisms involved, treatment fails.
Root Cause #3:
Dysbiosis (Bacterial Imbalance)
What it is:
Your gut microbiome is out of balance—protective bacteria may be depleted, and potentially inflammatory or pathobiont bacteria (like Protebacteria or Bacteridetes) have overgrown. Some of these bacteria produce inflammatory compounds (like lipopolysaccharides, or LPS) that contribute to an inflamed gut lining and trigger immune responses.
Common symptoms:
Bloating with pain, cramping, or a "sore" abdomen
Symptoms beyond the gut (skin issues, joint pain, brain fog, anxiety)
History of antibiotics, food poisoning, or gastro infections
Unpredictable symptoms (sometimes certain foods, sometimes random)
IBS-M (mixed symptoms—both diarrhoea and constipation)
EXPERT INSIGHT
"When I review gut microbiome test results for IBS clients, I'm looking at balance. Elevated levels of some gram-negative bacteria for example, are LPS producers triggering immune responses every time you eat. Your body isn't reacting to the food itself; it's reacting to the bacterial byproducts being produced during digestion."
Victoria Samios, Microbiologist
Root Cause #4:
Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut)
What it is:
Your gut lining becomes compromised (often due to chronic inflammation, pathogenic bacteria, or depletion of protective bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila). Undigested food particles and bacterial toxins leak into your bloodstream, triggering immune activation and systemic inflammation.
Common symptoms:
Bloating that feels like inflammation/swelling (not just gas)
Growing list of food sensitivities (reacting to more and more foods)
Symptoms beyond digestion (fatigue, headaches, anxiety, skin reactions)
History of chronic stress, NSAID use, or autoimmune conditions
Bloating even with small amounts of food
Why it's missed:
Standard blood tests don't measure gut permeability. Your GP might run inflammation markers (CRP, ESR), but these are often "normal" in early-stage leaky gut because the inflammation is localised and low-grade.
EXPERT INSIGHT
"In my experience, about 70% of clients diagnosed with IBS have overlapping patterns - SIBO plus intestinal permeability, or dysbiosis plus IMO. This is why generic IBS protocols fail - they treat one issue while ignoring the others. When I review someone's test results alongside their symptom history, I'm looking for these layers: what's driving the inflammation, what's compromising the gut lining, and what's creating the bacterial imbalance. That's why testing isn't optional - you can't treat what you can't see."
Amanda Ledwith, Naturopath
Many of our clients can pinpoint exactly when their IBS began:
"I got food poisoning on holiday two years ago, and my gut has never been the same."
This is called PI-IBS (post-infectious IBS), and it's more common than most doctors realise.
How Infections Trigger Long-Term IBS:
Bacterial or parasitic infections (like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, Blastocystis) can:
Damage your gut lining
Trigger chronic low-grade inflammation
Alter your microbiome (beneficial bacteria get wiped out, pathogenic species take over)
Create a hyper-reactive gut state (increased nerve sensitivity)
Even after the acute infection clears, the damage persists. Your gut lining may remain compromised, your microbiome may stay out of balance, and your gut becomes hyper-sensitive—reacting to foods that never bothered you before.
Risk Factors for Developing Post-Infectious IBS:
Severity and duration of the initial infection
Antibiotic use (which further disrupts your microbiome)
History of stress or trauma
Pre-existing gut issues
The good news: PI-IBS is treatable. Metagenomic testing can identify lingering pathogens, measure the damage to your microbiome, and reveal which protective bacteria need to be restored.
TESTIMONIAL
"I have been battling IBS for several years now, mainly due to several food poisoning incidents and me not repopulating my gut bacteria. It had gotten quite bad about 8 months ago, and it was affecting all aspects of my life. I did not know what was causing the issue as almost anything I ate caused bloating and gas. That's when I contacted Prana Thrive and met Tracey. I am 3 months into my treatment, and slowly re-introducing trigger foods, and I am handling them well in general. Thanks to the support and supplements recommended by Tracey."
— Vicknesh, Post-Infectious IBS Client
What Standard Testing Looks For (And Why It Misses IBS):
Blood tests
Screen for inflammation markers, nutrient deficiencies, coeliac disease - but don't assess your microbiome or gut lining integrity.
Stool culture (standard GP test)
Checks for known pathogens like Salmonella or C. difficile - but doesn't measure bacterial diversity, beneficial bacteria levels, or overgrowth of opportunistic species. If you don't have an active infection, it comes back "normal."
SIBO breath test
Measures hydrogen and methane gas after drinking a sugar solution. Can suggest SIBO or IMO, but has a high false-negative rate (up to 40%) and doesn't tell you which bacteria are overgrowing or why.
Endoscopy/colonoscopy
Looks for structural problems (ulcers, polyps, IBD) - but doesn't assess microbial balance or functional issues. If the tissue looks visually "normal," you're told there's nothing wrong.
What Metagenomic Sequencing Reveals
Our comprehensive testing uses research-grade DNA sequencing to analyze your complete gut ecosystem:
✓ Every bacterial species in your gut (not just known pathogens)
✓ Methane-producing organisms (IMO)
✓ Pathogenic or inflammatory bacteria driving dysbiosis
✓ Beneficial bacteria levels (protective species like Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium)
✓ Functional genes (what your bacteria are actually producing—beneficial compounds or inflammatory toxins)
✓ SIBO indicators (bacterial populations that suggest small intestinal overgrowth)
✓ Parasites and infections standard tests miss
This is the testing we use at Prana Thrive. When Amanda reviews your results alongside your symptom history, and Victoria analyses the microbial patterns and functional pathways, we're not guessing.
We're building a targeted protocol based on real data.
Meet Your IBS Specialist Team
✅ Prana Thrive
Microbiologist + Naturopath collaboration
Dual-expert analysis
of your test results
Research-grade testing
finds root cause
Personalized protocols
based on 2,000+ cases
❌ Most IBS Clinics
One practitioner working alone
Limited perspective
Guessing based on symptoms
Generic "IBS protocol"
Unlike conventional approaches that just manage symptoms, our AIM Method™ addresses the root cause of your IBS and guides you to lasting healing.
Analyse: Uncover What's Really Wrong
Research-grade microbiome testing reveals what standard medical tests miss
We use metagenomic sequencing to identify:
SIBO markers (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
IMO (methane-producing organisms causing constipation)
Dysbiosis (pathogenic bacterial imbalances)
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Hidden infections and parasites
Gut Inflammation markers
Victoria, our in-house microbiologist, personally reviews every report - ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Test kit delivered to your door (Australia-wide). Simple 5-minute at-home collection. Results in 3-4 weeks.
Integrate: Your Personalised Healing Protocol
Targeted plan based on YOUR specific test results (not generic templates)
Your protocol is built specifically for your gut ecosystem and may include:
Targeted antimicrobials (for overgrowth or infections)
Gut lining repair (if permeability is present)
Beneficial bacteria restoration
Strategic nutrition plan (temporary modifications, not forever)
Nervous system support (stress, sleep, lifestyle)
You receive a comprehensive consultation explaining everything in plain English - no medical jargon.
Many clients notice initial improvements within 2-4 weeks as your protocol rebalances your gut.
Monitor: Ongoing Support Until You're Healed
3-6 months of expert guidance
(we don't abandon you with a protocol that doesn't work)
We track your progress and adjust your plan as you heal:
Follow-up consultations at key milestones
Protocol adjustments based on your progress
Email support between sessions
Guided food reintroductions as your gut heals
Retest at 3-4 months to confirm healing at the microbial level
Our goal: Lasting resolution, not lifelong symptom management.
So you can:
✓ Eat diverse foods without fear
✓ Have predictable, comfortable digestion
✓ Stop planning your life around bathroom access
✓ Feel energised and confident in your body
See how we fix IBS
(5 min)
WATCH NOW
Book your free
IBS evaluation call
BOOK FREE CALL
✅ You're an ideal candidate if:
You've been diagnosed with IBS but treatments aren't working
You've tried the low-FODMAP diet and it helped temporarily but isn't sustainable
You've had IBS for months or years without understanding the root cause
Your symptoms started after food poisoning, antibiotics, or overseas travel (post-infectious IBS)
Standard tests showed "nothing wrong" but you're still suffering
You have IBS plus other symptoms (skin issues, anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, hormone issues)
You're tired of managing symptoms and ready to heal the root cause
🤔 You may not need specialist support if:
Your symptoms are mild and occasional (not chronic)
You haven't tried basic dietary changes yet (we can guide you during your free call)
You're looking for a quick fix (healing takes 3-6 months of commitment)
You're not ready to follow a protocol (testing without action won't help)
Not sure if IBS specialist support is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute evaluation call - we'll give you honest guidance even if testing isn't the next step.
5 STAR REVIEWS
"Before working with Amanda, I had been struggling for years with ongoing gut issues and high anxiety. No matter what I tried, I couldn't seem to find lasting relief or answers. From the very beginning, working with Amanda was a game-changer. Since starting with Amanda, my gut issues have completely disappeared, and I feel like a new person. My anxiety levels have also dropped significantly. I can't thank Amanda enough—this journey has been truly life-changing. Wish I started earlier!"
— Rachael, Melbourne, VIC
"Two years ago, I joined this program with the goal of improving my gut health, as I was struggling with undiagnosed IBS. It was an initial leap of faith for me but turned out to be truly life-changing. Amanda was incredibly helpful, patient, and attentive during every consultation. Even now, I still use many of the delicious and healing recipes provided in the program's portal. I've learned what aggravates my system and more importantly, how to nourish it. The long-term benefits have been remarkable."
— Marli, Brisbane, QLD
"After years of suffering with IBS, Amanda carefully worked out a plan for me and over a few months of treatment that included some supplements and a couple of dietary modifications, I can now say that my IBS is history. Bloating (severe) has gone as have many other inconvenient, unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms. I'm so appreciative."
— Liddy, Perth, WA
Read more client success stories
You've Tried Everything:
✗ Low-FODMAP diet (helped temporarily, not sustainable)
✗ Probiotics from the chemist (made bloating worse)
✗ Cut out gluten, dairy, and half your favorite foods
✗ Antispasmodics and anti-diarrhoeals (symptom Band-Aids)
✗ "Reduce stress" advice (vague, unhelpful)
✗ Seen multiple GPs and specialists who say "it's just IBS"
You're told this is something you have to live with.
But we've helped over 2,000 clients prove that wrong.
It's Time for Answers.
Book your free 15-minute IBS evaluation call to discuss:
✓ Your IBS symptoms, history, and what you've already tried
✓ Whether comprehensive microbiome testing is right for you
✓ How our dual-expert approach differs from conventional IBS treatment
✓ Your path to healing (not just managing)
No pressure. No obligation.
Just clarity on what's actually causing your IBS and whether our comprehensive testing with expert support can help.
We're proudly based in Perth, Western Australia,
and work with clients across the entire country:
Perth & WA
(Fremantle, Joondalup, Mandurah, regional WA)
Sydney & NSW
Melbourne & VIC
Brisbane & QLD
Adelaide & SA
Hobart & TAS
Canberra & ACT
Darwin & NT
Regional and remote areas across Australia
All consultations are conducted via secure video call.
Your test kit ships Australia-wide with prepaid return postage included.
Whether you're in Perth or Cairns, you get the same comprehensive testing & expert review from our microbiologist Victoria and naturopath Amanda.
You deserve to know why your gut is reacting this way.
You deserve to know which bacteria are driving your symptoms.
You deserve a targeted protocol based on real data - not guesswork.
And most importantly, you deserve to heal - not just manage symptoms for the rest of your life.
We've helped over 2,000 Australians go from
"I have IBS and nothing works" to
"I can't remember the last time I had symptoms."
Many of them spent years trying different approaches - elimination diets, supplements, managing stress - before they found us. They wish they'd started with comprehensive testing from the beginning.
You don't have to keep guessing.


