Why Your IBS, Fatigue and Migraines Might Be Connected

Have you ever felt like your symptoms don't quite fit together?

Perhaps you've struggled with IBS, migraines, chronic fatigue, dizziness, joint pain or food sensitivities, yet every symptom has been treated in isolation. What if they were all connected?

In this episode, I'm exploring the often-overlooked world of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), and why being "double-jointed" is only a small part of the story.

We'll discuss how connective tissue influences almost every system in the body, why hypermobility can affect your gut, immune system and nervous system, and why so many people spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis.

I also share why this topic has caught my attention recently, including reading Lena Dunham's memoir, where she describes how a reader recognised the signs of hypermobility after seeing a photograph of her bending her thumbs backwards. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the clues have been there all along—we've just never been taught how to connect them.

We'll also look at the exciting changes coming to the diagnostic criteria for EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, and what these updates could mean for improving recognition and diagnosis in the future.

Finally, I'll share some practical ways to support connective tissue, the nervous system and overall health through nutrition and lifestyle, regardless of whether you have a diagnosis.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why EDS is about far more than flexible joints
• The overlooked signs and symptoms of hypermobility
• The connection between hypermobility, IBS, bloating and gut motility
• Why migraines, dizziness and fatigue may share a common thread
• The relationship between hypermobility, POTS and the autonomic nervous system
• Histamine, mast cells and why some people become increasingly reactive
• The upcoming changes to EDS and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder diagnostic criteria
• Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support connective tissue health
• Why understanding patterns—not just individual symptoms—can transform your health journey

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who has been searching for answers to seemingly unrelated symptoms.

📥 Ready for a more structured, personalised approach?
→ Apply to work with me
— we’ll create a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your body, your symptoms, and your goals.

🧪 Want to understand what’s happening beneath the surface?
→ I use functional testing in clinic to assess gut health, nutrient status, and digestion — including markers related to bile flow, microbial balance, and inflammation.
You can explore the tests I use here:
https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/functional-testing/

📥 New to the podcast or need a starting point?
→ Download my free The Autoimmunity Recovery Plan
— a simple guide that outlines the steps I recommend

The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Thanks for listening! You can join The Autoimmune Forum on Facebook or find me on Instagram @theautoimmunitynutritionist.