IBS

---

 IBS affects between 25 and 45 million or 1 in 11 individuals in the US.  

Are you tired of constantly battling the discomfort and frustration that comes with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Have you tried countless medications and treatments with little relief? 

Have you even seen a gastroenterologist, but still don't feel well?

The majority of the patients we see have seen specialists and still have symptoms and this is where functional medicine shines. 

Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. 

IBS is diagnosed when someone has abdominal pain and alterations in bowel/stool frequency or consistency for a prolonged period of time in the absence of other disease states.

IBS is 2x as common in women as men. 

Common symptoms of IBS include

• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Stool urgency
• Constipation and or diarrhea
• Change in stool appearance

​

The Biopsychosocial Model

We believe the biopsychosocial model of IBS shows IBS is multifactorial. It involves physiological changes in the movement of the gastrointestinal tract along with psychological factors like stress and ineffective coping strategies.

We believe that we must address all aspects of IBS to heal.  

Interaction between psychological and physiological factors associated with IBS

Psychosocial factors

• stress
• psychological state
• Ineffective coping  strategies
• social support

Physiology

• motility
• sensation- visceral hypersensitivity
• altered bacterial flora
• inflammation

Early life factors

• genetics
• environment (childhood trauma, stressful household)
• personality type- neuroticism

Medications only targets the physiological component of IBS, it misses the psychosocial components that are often contributing to ongoing symptoms.

​

Testing

We ensure that our patients go through comprehensive testing to rule out any other causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tests may include: 

• stool tests for infections
• lactulose breath test for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• blood work to look at inflammatory markers, micronutrients, thyroid issues and more
• Imaging studies
• Motility studies and more  

​

Personalized Treatment

Our practitioners take the time to get to know you and your unique health history to develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

​

Lifestyle Changes 

Our practitioners emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to support your overall health and wellbeing.

​

Integrative treatments

We have more treatment options than a conventional gastroenterologist because we also use natural remedies like herbs, vitamins and minerals in addition to medications when needed. 

​

We understand that every patient is different, and that's why we offer a free consultation to discuss your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan. During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to speak with our experienced naturopathic doctors and learn more about how we can help you find relief from IBS.

Types of IBS:

IBS-C

29% of people with IBS have constipation-predominant IBS

IBS-M

31% of people with IBS have a mix of diarrhea and constipation

IBS-D

The majority of people (35%) with IBS have diarrhea-predominant symptom