Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Unlike Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), IBS does not involve structural damage or inflammation of the digestive tract but is instead linked to gut-brain communication, motility issues, and microbial imbalances.

IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting 10-15% of people worldwide. It is often triggered by stress, food intolerances, gut microbiome imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation.

At Caring for the Body, we take a functional medicine approach to IBS, addressing its root causes through gut healing, dietary modifications, and nervous system support to restore long-term digestive balance.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS symptoms can vary from person to person and fluctuate between flare-ups and symptom-free periods.

The condition is classified into different subtypes based on bowel movement patterns:

• IBS-D (Diarrhea-Predominant): Frequent, loose stools and urgency.
• IBS-C (Constipation-Predominant): Hard, difficult-to-pass stools, bloating, and discomfort.
• IBS-M (Mixed Type): Alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Common Symptoms of IBS Include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by a bowel movement
• Bloating and excess gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Mucus in stool
• A feeling of incomplete bowel movements
• Increased urgency or straining with bowel movements

Many individuals with IBS also experience fatigue, anxiety, and depression, highlighting the connection between gut health and mental well-being.Root Causes of IBSUnlike conventional medicine, which often treats IBS symptoms with medications, functional medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of IBS.

‍1. Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

• The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, and disruptions in this communication can lead to overactive gut motility or hypersensitivity to normal digestion.
• Chronic stress and anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms by altering gut motility and increasing gut inflammation.

2. Gut Dysbiosis (Microbiome Imbalance)

• An imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to gas production, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is commonly found in IBS-D cases.

3. Leaky Gut Syndrome (Increased Intestinal Permeability)

• A damaged gut lining allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune reactions that can worsen IBS symptoms.

4. Food Sensitivities and Triggers

• Dairy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, high FODMAP foods, and processed foods can worsen symptoms.
• Many people with IBS have difficulty digesting fermentable carbohydrates, leading to bloating and gas.

5. Poor Digestive Enzyme Function

• Some individuals with IBS have low levels of digestive enzymes, making it harder to break down food and absorb nutrients properly.

6. Chronic Inflammation and Immune Dysregulation

• IBS may involve low-grade inflammation in the gut, contributing to pain and altered motility.
• Some individuals develop IBS after a gut infection or food poisoning (post-infectious IBS).

Diagnosis of IBSThere is no single test for IBS, but diagnosis is made based on symptoms and ruling out other digestive conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), celiac disease, or infections.

At Caring for the Body, we use advanced diagnostic testing to uncover the root causes of IBS, including:

• Comprehensive Stool Testing – To assess gut bacteria balance, inflammation, and enzyme function.
• SIBO Breath Test – To detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
• Food Sensitivity Testing – To identify food triggers that may be worsening IBS symptoms.
• Leaky Gut Assessment – To evaluate gut barrier integrity.
• Nutrient & Micronutrient Testing – To check for deficiencies caused by malabsorption.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Managing IBSHealing IBS requires a personalized, root-cause approach rather than just symptom suppression. At Caring for the Body, we focus on gut healing, diet, stress management, and targeted supplementation.

‍1. Personalized Nutrition & Dietary Changes

‍Adjusting diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce IBS symptoms and restore gut balance.

✅ Low FODMAP Diet – Reducing fermentable carbohydrates that cause bloating and discomfort.
✅ Elimination Diet – Identifying and removing food triggers (gluten, dairy, processed foods).
✅ Gut-Healing Foods – Incorporating bone broth, fermented foods, healthy fats, and fiber.
✅ Hydration & Electrolyte Balance – To prevent dehydration from diarrhea or constipation.

‍2. Gut Microbiome Restoration

• Probiotics & Prebiotics – Help restore beneficial gut bacteria and reduce bloating.
• Digestive Enzymes & Betaine HCL – Improve food digestion and absorption.
• L-Glutamine & Zinc – Support gut lining repair for leaky gut.

3. Managing Stress and Supporting the Gut-Brain Connection

• Mindfulness & Meditation – To calm the nervous system and reduce gut hypersensitivity.
• Deep Breathing & Yoga – Help activate the vagus nerve to regulate digestion.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Hypnotherapy – Shown to improve IBS symptoms by retraining gut-brain communication.

4. Lifestyle Modifications for Digestive Health

• Regular Physical Activity – Walking, yoga, and gentle movement stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.
• Consistent Sleep Patterns – Poor sleep can worsen gut motility and IBS symptoms.
• Meal Timing & Chewing Well – Eating at regular times and chewing thoroughly supports digestion.

Take Control of Your IBS Naturally

‍IBS does not have to control your life. By identifying the root causes and making targeted changes, you can experience relief from symptoms and restore gut harmony.

At Caring for the Body, we provide:
✔ Comprehensive gut health testing
✔ Personalized nutrition and elimination diets
✔ Targeted gut healing and microbiome support
✔ Stress management strategies for long-term relief

‍If you’re struggling with IBS symptoms, schedule a consultation today to start your journey toward lasting digestive wellness.