Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder, meaning it is a condition in which the bowel appears normal when tested, but does not function normally.  Common symptoms include abdominal pain, gas and bloating and bowel habit irregularities (constipation and/or diarrhea). Outright pain and abdominal cramping are other common symptoms experienced by IBS sufferers.

What causes it?

Although the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, contributors may include poor stress management, dietary choices, food sensitivities, neurotransmitter imbalances, mood disorders, and/or infection(s).

Finding a solution

The first step to treating IBS is to identify the cause.  Is your diet the culprit?  Even what one thinks is a healthy diet may not be if it includes foods that you are sensitive or allergic to.  Do you have poorly controlled stress? Are you a shift worker?  Once the actual cause is determined, you are one step closer to knowing which treatments options will work best.

Conventional approaches

A visit to your family doctor or a gastroenterologist will typically result in minor dietary adjustments and medications such as laxatives or stool softeners if constipation and/or diarrhea are present. Ant-acids such as pepcid are commonly prescribed for bloating and there are also anti-spasmotics for abdominal pain. Tricyclic antidepressants or regular anti-depressants (SSRI’s) are also commonly recommended for symptoms of bloating. 

Our Integrative Approach to Treating Food Sensitivities

Our digestive wellness approach is designed to first identify the key triggers that may be contributing to your symptoms. Stress and food sensitivities are very common causes of this condition and as such often assessed for during the intitial appointment.  Once the root issues are uncovered, we provide our patients with practical treatment guidelines based on the 4 R’s approach to decrease symptoms and help heal your digestive tract.  The 4 R’s include: Remove (food intolerances, unhealthy foods), replace (with healthy foods), re-inoculate (the good bacteria) and repair (the gut lining).  With a healthy gut, you will notice improved energy levels, improved sleep, and much less digestive discomfort.

Read more about our treatment plans below.

KIH Naturopathic Doctors:

Treatments are performed in the clinic by one of the below Naturopathic Doctors.

Dr. Sarah Tayebi, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Susan Slipacoff, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Jessica Cardona, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Natalie Stalteri, ND
Naturopathic Doctor