Diverticulitis or IBS… Or Both? The Truth No One Talks About

I see this question all the time: Is it a flare-up, or is it IBS?

And my answer? It depends.

But here’s what I know for sure—these conditions don’t exist in isolation. People try to treat IBS, diverticulitis, SIBO, gastritis like they’re all separate, unconnected issues. But the truth is, they’re all symptoms of a bigger gut imbalance that’s been brewing for years.

I know, because I was stuck in this cycle myself for six years.

When I was first diagnosed with diverticulitis, I was told the same tired advice:
⚡ "Just take antibiotics and eat a low-fiber diet."
⚡ "When you feel better, load up on fiber again."
⚡ "Avoid seeds, nuts, and popcorn."

Sound familiar?

I followed this approach, and guess what? It didn’t work. I kept flaring, my gut was a mess, and my symptoms weren’t improving. I had IBS symptoms long before my diverticulitis diagnosis—bloating, constipation, random stomach pains. But I never connected the dots because no one told me they were related. And no one told me that my gut issues were reversible if I actually addressed the root cause.

So… Is It a Flare-Up or IBS?

Ask yourself:

1. What did you eat? Was it processed, full of sugar, or high in FODMAPs?
2. How long ago was it? Did symptoms start immediately, or did they build over time?
3. Are you constipated? If you’re not pooping regularly, that can lead to bloating, gas, and inflammation.
4. Are you bloated or gassy? IBS symptoms like gas and bloating can create internal pressure—if you have pouches, that can trigger pain and lead to a flare-up.
5. Are you under stress? The gut and nervous system are directly connected. Chronic stress slows digestion, increases inflammation, and keeps you stuck in the cycle.

💡 IBS symptoms (gas, bloating, constipation) can push you into a flare-up. Food sits, digestion slows, and pressure builds—if you have pouches, that’s where pain and inflammation start. Add stress and poor food choices, and it’s a recipe for a flare-up.

The Hard Truth: Diagnosis ≠ Excuse

🛑 “But Robin, I have IBS—I can’t eat that.”
🛑 “But Robin, I have gastritis—I can’t do that.”
🛑 “But Robin, I have SIBO—this is just how it is.”

Listen, I get it. Labels feel safe. A diagnosis can make you feel like you finally have an answer. But too many people use their diagnosis as a reason to avoid doing the real work.

Having IBS, gastritis, or SIBO doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it means your gut needs to be rebuilt. But if you’re just focused on avoiding food instead of healing your gut so you CAN digest food again… you’re missing the point.

When I first started this journey, there were foods I couldn’t touch. I used to believe my stomach was just “sensitive” and that my gut was broken beyond repair. It wasn’t. It was just wrecked from years of stress, antibiotics, and poor dietary habits. And once I fixed that, everything changed.

How to Break the Cycle & Heal Your Gut

Step 1: Acknowledge that what you’ve been doing isn’t working. Antibiotics for every little pain? Not a long-term solution. Cutting out all fiber forever? That’s not fixing the problem either.
Step 2: Track everything in a Food Journal. (I created a 30-day fillable one to help you with this!) Writing it down helps you see patterns and pinpoint triggers.
Step 3: Follow the 4 Stages of Eating for Diverticulitis. This is the roadmap to reset, recover, and get your gut back on track. You can’t just jump into high-fiber foods and expect your gut to handle it. There’s a process.
Step 4: Get out of survival mode. Healing happens in rest and digest, not fight-or-flight. Stress, anxiety, and overwhelm slow digestion and fuel inflammation—so managing stress is just as important as what’s on your plate.

You CAN Change This—But You Have to Take Action.

I spent years stuck in a cycle of flare-ups, food fear, and frustration. Now, I live a life where I don’t have to constantly worry about what I eat or whether I’ll end up in pain after a meal. But I had to put in the work.

If you’re tired of guessing, I can help!

I offer private coaching for people who are serious about getting to the root cause of their gut issues. In a one-on-one session, we’ll:

✔ Figure out whether you’re dealing with a flare-up, IBS, or something else
✔ Identify the foods and lifestyle habits that are keeping you stuck
✔ Create a personalized plan using my holistic mind-body approach

💥 Click here to book a private coaching session.

This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about regaining control of your health—so you can eat, live, and feel good again.

Are you ready? Because I am. Let’s do this together.