What are the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Signs & Symptoms Explained.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States. In Functional Medicine, we know that there are many reasons for IBS. We take a detailed history and use specialty lab testing to find the cause of IBS.
IBS is broken down into two types IBS-D (Diarrhea) and IBS-C (Constipation). Patients can have a combination of both IBS-D and IBS-C.
What are common symptoms of IBS?
Constipation and diarrhea
Indigestion
Nausea
Gas
Urgency
Abdominal pain or cramping
Depression
Anxiety
What are the causes of IBS?
In Functional Medicine we are going to start with looking for dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is an imbalance of good vs. bad bacteria in the gut. Your gut microbiome affects body, immunity, digestion and mental health.
There are 3 main categories of dysbiosis
Loss of good bacteria
Overgrowth of harmful bacteria
Digestive dysfunction - this is due to low stomach acid, insufficient bile acids, pancreatic insufficiency, and altered GI motility.
Symptoms of Dysbiosis include:
Reflux or heartburn
Food intolerance, gas, bloating
Acne, skin rashes, and psoriasis
Fatigue
Anxiety and depression
We use a test called the GI Map to find the type of dysbiosis and then use specific antimicrobial herbs to kill off harmful bacteria and prebiotics and probiotics to improve the good bacteria.
IBS is a common GI disorder that is often overlooked or dismissed in conventional medicine. In Functional Medicine we use specialty testing and develop a personalized treatment plan to get to the root cause of what is driving your symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that can manifest at any age and affects up to 15% of the global population. It is characterized by GI symptoms that arise without structural and biochemical alterations or due to other GI conditions. These symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, and altered bowel habits. IBS can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and daily functioning. IBS can be categorized into different subtypes: diarrhea‑predominant, constipation‑predominant, mixed, or unclassified. Constipation‑predominant (IBS‑C) affects about 34% of those with IBS, many of whom are older. IBS‑C is associated with constipation, lumpy or hard stools (Bristol Scale Type 1, 2), abdominal pain, bloating, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, and infrequent bowel movements. The pathophysiology of IBS is multifactorial, involving dysfunctions in gut‑brain axis communication, inflammatory responses, epithelial permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and GI motility. It is recognized that factors like small‑intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysbiosis, stress, genetics, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental and dietary factors may also contribute to the development of IBS.
Our clinical protocol is designed to support individuals with IBS through evidence‑based lifestyle, dietary, and nutrient interventions to help promote normal GI function and bowel motility.
