Discover the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic, gastrointestinal disorder that can cause symptoms such as cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea.
IBS is diagnosed based on your symptoms, usually after your doctor has ruled out other conditions. It’s often described as something you manage rather than resolve — but for many people, there are underlying factors that can be identified and addressed.
When you see your doctor with digestive symptoms, they’ll often run tests to rule out other conditions such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s or colitis). This step is important. When those tests come back normal, IBS is a common diagnosis.
The encouraging part: IBS isn’t necessarily something you just have to live with. A growing body of research points to treatable contributors, like SIBO, and when those are addressed, many people find their symptoms improve significantly.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
Gas & bloating
Pain & cramping
Constipation/diarrhea or both
Changes in stool appearance
Reflux/heartburn or GERD
Burping
Fatigue
Your IBS may be affecting your health in more ways than you know. IBS & SIBO are associated with:
Social isolation / anxiety / depression
Food poisoning & traveler’s diarrhea
Nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamins B12, A & D)
Headaches, joint & body pain
Inflammation and autoimmune conditions
Skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema
Causes of IBS
IBS isn’t something you simply have to live with. For many people, there are identifiable, treatable factors behind their symptoms. Our role is to help you figure out what’s contributing to yours, so your plan can target the cause, not just the symptoms.
Some of the causes of IBS symptoms include:
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SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). One of the most common treatable contributors to IBS symptoms.
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Imbalanced GI bacteria (microflora) caused by antibiotic use, other medications & dietary factors.
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Celiac disease
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Food sensitivities
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Food poisoning
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Parasitic or bacterial infections
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Hypochlorhydria (Low stomach acid) & pancreatic insufficiency
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Bile Acid Malabsorption
When you meet with our team of registered Naturopathic Doctors, we’ll look at your full health picture to determine which tests and treatments, if any, may help identify the source of your digestive symptoms.
