Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life. If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive issues, you could have IBS. The symptoms can vary and include bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea, and many others, all of which can severely impact your quality of life.
Learn more about IBS and find out how treatment with a holistic gut specialist can help.
Overview: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a chronic disorder that primarily affects your gastrointestinal tract, especially the large intestine. It’s characterized by a group of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration from person to person. Unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes visible inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, IBS is considered a functional disorder. This means that while the digestive tract might appear normal upon examination, its function is impaired, leading to symptoms.
IBS is not life-threatening, but it can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily activities.
Symptoms of IBS Can Include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or both
- Changes in bowel habits
- Mucus in the stool
- Urgent need to have a bowel movement
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Food intolerance, especially to certain foods
- Nausea and other symptoms
Causes of IBS
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to a combination of factors. These might include abnormal bowel movements, a sensitive digestive tract, a history of severe infection, chronic pain conditions, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety.
Certain foods, like those high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), can also trigger IBS symptoms and make symptoms worse.
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
Diagnosing IBS involves a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and family history. At National Wellness Group, we approach diagnosis from a functional and holistic perspective. Our healthcare providers consider not only your physical exam but also your overall lifestyle, diet, and stress levels.
We might recommend blood tests, stool tests, and a physical exam to rule out other conditions like celiac disease or colon cancer, which can present similar symptoms. Once other potential causes are excluded, we diagnose IBS based on the presence of common symptoms and your unique health profile.
Treatment for IBS
We believe in treating IBS by addressing the root causes rather than just alleviating symptoms. Your first appointment will include a comprehensive evaluation to assess your current health, review your bowel habits, and discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing. This personalized approach helps us understand the underlying issues that contribute to your IBS.
Based on your evaluation, we will create a customized treatment plan designed to restore your digestive health. This plan might include:
- Incorporating prebiotic and probiotic supplements to support gut health
- Identifying and avoiding certain foods that trigger your symptoms, such as processed carbohydrates
- Discovering foods rich in natural prebiotics and probiotics, like fermented foods, fruits, and vegetables
- Prescribing clinical-grade nutritional supplements to enhance your digestive system and balance gut bacteria
- Integrating functional medicine with quantum energy diagnostics to transform imbalances into healing energies
Our goal is to provide you with long-term relief from IBS symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. By focusing on your unique needs, we can help you regain control of your digestive health and live comfortably.
Treat IBS at National Wellness Group
If you’re struggling with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms or other health problems, it’s time to take a holistic approach to your health. At National Wellness Group, we’re here to support you on your journey to wellness. Our dedicated team of health practitioners is ready to help you diagnose IBS, treat its causes, and find lasting relief through personalized care. Don’t let IBS control your life—reach out to us today to start your path to better health.