Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Are you part of the worldwide population of millions who suffer from the disabling symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? This common condition affects up to 20% of people worldwide and causes significant reductions in quality of life. IBS changes your daily life through symptoms that manifest as abdominal pain along with altered bowel movements. It might not be common knowledge that genetic elements significantly affect how IBS manifests in people. Research reveals genetic factors determine up to 60% of individual differences found in people who have IBS. Multiple risk factors including age and gender affect IBS development while stress and gut infections contribute but genetic configuration dictates your personal experience of the condition.

There are two primary types of IBS:

IBS manifests primarily as two main types called diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) but IBS-D appears more frequently. IBS-M affects a group of patients who show mixed symptoms including both constipation and diarrhea.

Managing IBS:

Although researchers have yet to find a cure for IBS medical specialists use genetic knowledge to develop personalized treatment options for patients. Targeted therapies for IBS symptom management become possible when scientists grasp how genes that regulate bile production, intestinal motility, pain perception, and immune responses influence the disorder. People with genetic susceptibility to IBS or those with current symptoms need to manage their condition through changes to modifiable elements like stress management, proper diet and adequate sleep. IBS symptoms can be lessened by adopting lifestyle changes such as eating a high-fiber diet while staying hydrated, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a steady sleep pattern, managing stress effectively, and avoiding trigger foods. A genetic predisposition alongside multiple other factors helps explain the development of IBS. Age and current stress levels along with gender identity and mental health status together with past gut infections and family medical history related to IBS affect your susceptibility to this condition.

PlexusDx Precision Health & Wellness tests analyze genetic predisposition to IBS to deliver personalized recommendations for people seeking more detailed information about their condition. The assessment of over 390,000 genetic variants allows these tests to provide genetic risk scores for IBS and specific lifestyle and dietary recommendations tailored to each person's genetic profile. Knowing the genetic factors of IBS allows people to control their symptoms effectively even when facing the difficulties of the condition. Patients who tailor their treatment strategies using genetic data experience better quality of life while minimizing IBS symptoms during daily activities. You can start your gut health journey with Precision Health & Wellness tests through PlexusDx which can be found on their website PlexusDx.com and available at Amazon and Walmart. Personalized strategies for IBS treatment enable better symptom management and enhanced general health.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

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