Understanding IBS: Causes, Symptoms, and a Functional Medicine Approach to Healing

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the global population. If you've been struggling with chronic bloating, abdominal pain, or unpredictable bowel movements, you might have been told it's "just IBS." But for many women, IBS is more than just an inconvenience—it's a daily battle that impacts not only their digestion but also their mental and emotional well-being. IBS keeps you from enjoying your life to the fullest and being present with those you love. Always worried about which foods will trigger symptoms, being tired all the time, or even having to schedule your days around bathroom locations or times that you can (or really shouldn't) leave the house.... IBS is a 💩 diagnosis. 

In this post, we’ll talk about what IBS really is, why it occurs, and how conventional and functional medicine approaches to treatment differ. By understanding these differences, you can make informed decisions about your health and find the relief you've been searching for. If you're ready to take control of your gut health and reclaim your life, this post is for you.

*Remember, this isn't medical advice*

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits—ranging from diarrhea to constipation or a mix of both. Unlike other gastrointestinal conditions, IBS doesn’t cause visible damage (that you would see with a colonoscopy) to the digestive tract, making it a “diagnosis of exclusion” in conventional medicine.

How Does IBS Occur?

The exact cause of IBS is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be a multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of factors, including:

• Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: The communication between the gut and brain is disrupted, leading to altered bowel motility and increased pain sensitivity.
• Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiome, with either too much harmful bacteria or not enough beneficial bacteria, can contribute to IBS symptoms. SIBO is a type of dysbiosis that can contribute IBS. Read more about it HERE.
• Visceral Hypersensitivity: Increased sensitivity to pain in the internal organs, particularly the intestines, can make normal digestion painful.
• Chronic Stress: High levels of stress and anxiety are closely linked to IBS, often exacerbating symptoms through the gut-brain connection.
• Food Sensitivities: Certain foods may trigger IBS symptoms, but these triggers can vary widely from person to person.
• Genetics: The estimated genetic responsibility ranges between 1–20%
• Infections: Gastroenteritis (stomach bug) can be a contributor to IBS. Infections can create lasting changes to the microbiome.
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Yep- hormonal changes through out the menstrual cycle can impact IBS symptoms.

Symptoms of IBS:

IBS symptoms can vary, but common signs include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by a bowel movement
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Mucus in the stool
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement

These symptoms can be unpredictable, making it difficult to manage daily life. Beyond the physical discomfort, IBS often brings emotional distress, as many women feel isolated or anxious about their symptoms.

Conventional Medicine vs. Functional Medicine Approaches to IBS:

Conventional Medicine: In conventional medicine, IBS is often managed through symptom relief. Physicians may prescribe medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or antidepressants to control pain, bowel movements, and stress. Dietary changes, like increasing fiber intake or following a low FODMAP diet, are also commonly recommended. However, these treatments often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes. A number of women I've interacted with are also told to "get used to it. There is no cure and you're going to have to just live with it for the rest of your life". 

Functional Medicine: Functional medicine takes a holistic approach, seeking to uncover and address the root causes of IBS. Rather than just treating the symptoms, functional medicine practitioners look at the whole body, considering factors like gut health, diet, lifestyle, and stress management. This approach often includes:

• Comprehensive Testing: Advanced testing can identify underlying issues such as SIBO, dysbiosis, food sensitivities, or leaky gut.
• Personalized Diet Plans: Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, functional medicine tailors dietary recommendations based on individual triggers and intolerances.
• Gut Healing Protocols: This may include supplements like probiotics, digestive enzymes, or L-glutamine to restore gut integrity.
• Stress Management: Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of managing stress through practices like mindfulness, yoga, or counseling to support the gut-brain connection.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing factors like sleep, exercise, and overall wellness is crucial for long-term management and healing.

Why Functional Medicine Might Be the Answer for You:

If you've tried managing your IBS with conventional treatments but still feel like you're just getting by, functional medicine might offer the comprehensive approach you need. By addressing the root causes of your symptoms, we can create a personalized plan that not only brings relief but also supports your overall health and well-being.

Take the Next Step:

Are you ready to take control of your IBS and get your life back? Let’s work together to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a plan that works for your unique needs. Book a consultation with me today, and let’s start your journey to better gut health and a happier life.

References: 

Heitkemper MM, Chang L. Do fluctuations in ovarian hormones affect gastrointestinal symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome? Gend Med. 2009;6 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):152-67. doi: 10.1016/j.genm.2009.03.004. PMID: 19406367; PMCID: PMC3322543.

Saito YA. The role of genetics in IBS. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2011 Mar;40(1):45-67. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2010.12.011. PMID: 21333900; PMCID: PMC3056499.

Thabane M, Marshall JK. Post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Aug 7;15(29):3591-6. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.3591. PMID: 19653335; PMCID: PMC2721231.

Van Oudenhove, L., Vandenberghe, J., Demyttenaere, K., & Tack, J. (2010). Psychosocial factors, psychiatric illness and functional gastrointestinal disorders: a historical perspective. Digestion, 82(4), 201–210. https://doi.org/10.1159/000269822