Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Functional Medicine Treatments

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive disorders, affecting an estimated 10–15% of the population. IBS can significantly impact your quality of life, causing abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and unpredictable bowel movements.

At Integrative Wellness Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to IBS, focusing on identifying the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. Our goal is to restore balance to your gut and help you feel in control of your health again. Explore this article to learn more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, which means there are real symptoms but no obvious structural damage seen in tests like colonoscopies. The digestive tract becomes hypersensitive, causing discomfort and changes in bowel habits.

There are three main subtypes of IBS:

• IBS-C: Constipation dominant
• IBS-D: Diarrhea dominant
• IBS-M: Mixed type (alternating constipation and diarrhea)

Understanding which type you have is crucial for tailoring the right treatment plan.

Common IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping relieved by a bowel movement
  
  
• Excess gas and bloating
  
  
• Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between both
  
  
• Changes in stool consistency or frequency
  
  
• Mucus in the stool
  
  
• Feeling that you cannot completely empty the bowels
  
  

If you frequently experience these issues, it may be time to explore functional medicine solutions. You can also check out our blog on How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health

Root Causes of IBS

Conventional medicine often labels IBS as “idiopathic,” meaning the cause is unknown. Functional medicine, however, looks deeper into the potential root triggers, including:

• Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Overgrowth of harmful bacteria (SIBO) or lack of beneficial bacteria
  
  
• Food Sensitivities: Reactions to gluten, dairy, or FODMAP carbohydrates
  
  
• Stress and Anxiety: Brain-gut axis dysfunction can trigger flare-ups
  
  
• Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can worsen symptoms, especially in women
  
  
• Post-Infectious Changes: IBS sometimes follows food poisoning or a gastrointestinal infection

Addressing these root causes can significantly improve quality of life and reduce flare-ups.

IBS Treatment Options

The right treatment for IBS depends on your unique triggers and symptoms. At Integrative Wellness Centers, we use a personalized, whole-body approach that may include:

• Comprehensive Stool Testing to evaluate gut microbiome health
  
  
• Targeted Nutrition Plans including elimination diets or a low-FODMAP diet
  
  
• Probiotics and Prebiotics to restore gut flora balance
  
  
• Stress Management Techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and counseling
  
  
• Lifestyle Coaching to improve sleep and daily habits
  
  
• Supplements like digestive enzymes, L-glutamine, and magnesium for gut support

Learn more about our functional medicine services designed to get to the root cause of your digestive problems.

Lifestyle Tips for IBS Relief

You can make simple, effective changes at home to ease IBS symptoms:

1. Keep a food journal to identify trigger foods
   
   
2. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce digestive stress
   
   
3. Limit caffeine and alcohol as they can irritate the gut
   
   
4. Stay hydrated to keep stools soft and regular
   
   
5. Practice gentle exercise like yoga or walking to improve gut motility
   
   
6. Manage stress daily with mindfulness or relaxation techniques
   
   

When to See a Functional Medicine Specialist

IBS symptoms are common, but if you experience:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
  
• Blood in stool
  
  
• Nighttime diarrhea
  
  
• Symptoms that don’t improve with dietary changes
  
  

These red flags can indicate more than just IBS, they may point to underlying infections, inflammation, or other gastrointestinal disorders that need a deeper look.

At Integrative Wellness Centers, we combine advanced diagnostics, personalized nutrition plans, and stress-management techniques to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and design a treatment plan that works for your unique needs. 

Take Back Control of Your Digestive Health With Functional Medicine

Living with IBS can feel exhausting, but relief is possible. By uncovering the root causes from gut imbalances to food sensitivities and stress triggers, you can finally break the cycle of discomfort and unpredictability. At Integrative Wellness Centers, we use advanced testing, personalized nutrition plans, and holistic strategies to restore gut balance and help you feel like yourself again.

📅 Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward calm digestion, improved energy, and a better quality of life. Your gut health journey starts here.

Dr. Josh Shields, D.C., C.F.M.P. Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner Supporting natural healing since 2003

Frequently Asked Questions About Inflammatory Bowel Disease

1. Is IBS the same as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?
No, IBS does not cause structural damage like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.

2. Can IBS go away on its own?
Symptoms may improve over time, but addressing root causes helps achieve long-term relief.

3. What is the best diet for IBS?
Many patients benefit from a low-FODMAP diet, but personalization is key.

4. Can stress make IBS worse?
Yes, stress and anxiety can trigger flare-ups due to the gut-brain connection.

5. Should I take probiotics for IBS?
Some probiotics help, but it’s important to choose the right strains based on stool testing.

6. Is IBS dangerous?
IBS is not life-threatening but can greatly impact daily quality of life.

7. Can functional medicine help with IBS?
Absolutely, functional medicine addresses root causes for long-term improvement, not just symptom relief.

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