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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Creating balance. Restoring function.

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Restoring intestinal function by addressing the root cause.

 

​Symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, discomfort, and inconsistent bowel movements, can be quite troubling. Functional medicine adopts a holistic approach, focusing on identifying triggers and promoting gut health to achieve long-term relief from symptoms.

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What is it?

Gaining insight into your condition

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and intestines. symptoms consist of cramping, abdominal pain bloating, gas, and alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. As a chronic condition, IBS requires ongoing management.

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Only a minority of individuals with IBS experience severe symptoms. Many can alleviate their discomfort through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and stress management. More intense symptoms may be addressed with medications and counseling. It's important to note that IBS does not alter bowel tissue or increase risk of colorectal cancer.

IBS symptoms

 Symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include:

  • Belly pain, cramping or bloating that is related to passing stool.

  • Changes in appearance of stool.

  • Changes in how often you are passing stool.

  • Reflux

  • Urgency

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Other symptoms that are often related include sensation of incomplete evacuation and increased gas or mucus in the stool.

What are the causes of IBS?

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The precise cause of IBS remains unclear. However several contributing factors include:

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  • Muscle contractions in the intestine: intestinal walls contain muscle layers that contract to propel food through the digestive system. Stronger and prolonged contractions can result in gas,ating, and diarrhea, while weaker contractions may slow down food movement, leading to hard, dry stools.

  • Nervous system: Problems with the nerves in the digestive system can lead to discomfort when the abdomen stretches to gas or stool. Miscommunication between the brain andines may cause an exaggerated response to normal digestive changes, resulting in pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

  • Severe infection: IBS can arise following a significant episode of diarrhea from bacteria or viruses, known as gastroenteritis. It may also be linked to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines.

  • Early-life stress: Individuals who faced stressful experiences particularly during childhood, often report more IBS symptoms.

  • Changes in gut microbes: Variations in the bacteria fungi, and viruses that reside in the intestines, which are crucial for health, have been observed in people with IBS compared to those without the condition.

Functional medicine approach to gastritis

 

At Balance Functional Medicine, we seek to establish the root cause, or causes, of IBS, and focus treatment strategies on resolving these underlying issues.

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Via thorough investigation, our IBS specialists will consider:

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  • Your health history

  • Antibiotic and medication

  • Family health history including genetic factors

  • diagnostic and functional test results 

  • Coexisting conditions

  • Your symptom history

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Dependent on the factors affecting your condition, your healthcare plan may include:

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  • Improving stress resilience with strategies

  • Specific dietary or nutritional changes to eliminate aggravating foods(FODMAP, Mediterranean Diet)

  • Prebiotics, and probiotics, specifically targeted to your symptom picture.

  • Nutrient supplements ​​

Ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment?

Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today.

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How it works
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