8 Things You Need to Know About IBS

Articles

Mentions

Health Clinic

8 Things You Need to Know About IBS

Up to 45 million(1) people in the US struggle with gas, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to IBS.

Yet conventional medicine has very little to offer IBS patients to help them recover. Some patients are even brushed off entirely by their doctor and told that their symptoms are all in their head.

This leaves millions of people suffering daily, feeling frustrated and alone. I know because I’ve been there!

I struggled with digestive issues for the first 25+ years of my life. Here’s what I wish I would have known then.

1. It IS a Big Deal

Because you look “fine” on the outside, many people see IBS as simply an annoyance instead of a potentially debilitating health condition.

When you’re not digesting your food properly, your body doesn’t get all of the nutrients it needs to thrive and microbial imbalances develop. This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, depression, brain fog, poor thyroid function, joint pain, autoimmunity, and other serious issues.

2. It’s More than a Bathroom Problem

Those of us who’ve experienced IBS (myself included) know how significantly it can impact your life and hold you back from doing what you love.

The constant search for a restroom, daily stomach pains, and fear over when the next “incident” might occur can rob you of your confidence and joy and leave you feeling isolated.

3. It’s NOT All in Your Head, there are Physiological Causes for IBS

Until recently, many doctors claimed IBS was psychosomatic, but we now know that is not the case. There are physiological reactions and imbalances behind your symptoms.

The tricky part is that they are not the same for everyone. Each patient has their own root causes and triggers and it takes time, patience, and testing to uncover and treat them. I’ll cover the most common ones later in this article.

4. It’s Not JUST Caused by Stress

Don’t get me wrong, stress can be a major trigger for IBS symptoms, and stress relief techniques can have a positive impact on your condition. But, stress alone does not cause IBS. The same goes for anxiety and depression.

5. It May (or May Not!) Be Due to Food Sensitivities

Many IBS patients have undiagnosed food sensitivities. These are IgG immune reactions to certain foods that present up to 72 hours after eating them. The most common triggers are gluten and dairy, along with other highly inflammatory foods like corn, soy, eggs, and nightshades.

However, just because this is a common cause doesn’t mean that ALL IBS cases come down to food intolerances. It may also be the case that food sensitivities are one of a few underlying causes of your symptoms. If you identified your trigger foods and removed them from your diet and saw some improvement in your symptoms but not a complete resolution, this may be the case.

6. SIBO Could Be a Factor

Another common culprit for IBS is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO. This imbalance occurs when you have an increase in the number of bacteria or changes in the types of bacteria present in your small intestine.

The classic signs of SIBO are bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Sound familiar?

7. It’s Important to Look at the ENTIRE Digestive System

Many people don’t realize just how many components there are in the digestive process. It’s an impressively complex system, but that means there are many things that can go wrong and each possibility needs to be evaluated and addressed.

When it comes to IBS, vagal nerve function, low stomach acid, and microbiome imbalances are some of the first areas I investigate with patients.

8. IBS Medications are Just a Bandaid

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription antidiarrheals (such as Imodium), gas relief medications, antidepressants (thought to help with stomach pains), and antispasmodics.

None of these do anything to address or treat the underlying root cause of your condition. They’re just meant to reduce symptoms in the short-term. What’s worse, many of these drugs can cause the very symptoms they aim to treat, including stomach cramps, bloating, and diarrhea!

Sources & References
Subscribe for Email Updates

Digestive Disorders Articles

Intestinal Parasites: Signs, Symptoms & Natural Treatments
Mentions:
It may not be nice to think about, but intestinal parasites are way more common than you probably think. You don’t have to travel to a foreign country to get one. And if you are suffering with unresolved...
7 Reasons Candida Won’t Go Away
Mentions:
Are you battling fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or any of the other countless symptoms of Candida overgrowth the candida won’t go away? I see patients every day who’ve dealt with these symptoms over and over again, who continue to test positive...
Low Stomach Acid & the Myth Behind Heartburn
Mentions:
More than 40% of Americans (1) suffer from heartburn, acid reflux, or GERD every month! 20-30% (2) experience it every week, and 10% of people struggle with it every day! That’s millions of people who regularly deal with a condition that conventional...
Candida Overgrowth: What it is, What Causes it & What Most Treatments Get Wrong
Mentions:
Brain fog, skin issues like eczema and dandruff, intense sugar cravings, embarrassing itching “down there” – these are all signs of an overgrowth of Candida, which is a type of fungus. But before you worry too much, know...
SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Mentions:
If your stomach often feels so gassy and bloated that you have trouble buttoning up your pants, your intestinal inflammation may have progressed into Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Imbalances in your gut microbiome – made up of 1,000 different species of bacteria with...

Digestive Disorder Testimonials

Dr. Nitya Eisenheim, ND
 
N/A
"I’ve been dealing with Lyme Disease since June of 2017 and still suffer intermittent symptoms. I attended Dr Eisenheim’s workshop on Lyme Disease in April 2018. I was impressed with her easy to understand information and willingness to share her knowledge as well as her kind and professional demeanor so I scheduled a consult and bodywork session. She had scheduled the bodywork session after the initial consult. I had never had one done before. It was an interesting experience that surprised me when it was mostly hands off. When she came to my upper right stomach I felt slight fluttering..."
Dr. Rachel Rozelle, ND
 
N/A
"As a parent you always want what is best for your child, that’s a given. As a parent of a child with Autism that need intensifies. You do countless hours of research, spend ridiculous amounts of money, try everything to hold on to the hope that your child will have a chance at a fulfilling life. My son Logan is a great kid who just so happens to be on the spectrum. Some people may view him as difficult to deal with. I see him as awesome, smart, loving, and filled with potential. We..."
Dr. Andrew Chevalier, ND
 
N/A
"Dr. Chevalier is an awesome, kind, caring and attentive doctor. He is an excellent listener and works with his patients to understand their medical condition and to find the best possible resolution to the root cause of their issue. Dr. Chevalier is very passionate and devoted to his patients well-being. He is outstanding at explaining a medical diagnosis, a procedure or the need for medication and the associated goals/benefits that will result. Dr. Chevalier is a LLMD, with a focus on the ILADS Protocol. Dr. Chevalier regularly attends conferences on Lyme Disease to increase his expertise and to provide..."
Dr. Darren Schmidt, DC
 
N/A
"Before I came to the Nutritional Healing Center I was having problems with my bowel movements and I was constantly stuffed up + congested. I had to sleep on a certain side to open up my nasal passage so I could breathe better. I also had constant headaches from the congestion. My bowel movements continue to improve and are normal compared to what they were…. I can completely breathe out of both sides of my nose and I am no longer congested. I can’t even remember the last time I had a headache. How have these improvements changed your life?..."
Dr. Darren Schmidt, DC
 
N/A
"I was having trouble sleeping; I would wake up 4-6 times per night and couldn’t fall back asleep. I had arthritic pain in my hips and knees, and also often felt constipated and fatigued. I am sleeping well. I can return to sleep easier if I awaken during the night, and am waking up well rested in the morning. Arthritis in my hips and knees is only present when I overdo strenuous physical activity, my bowels have returned to normal and I have more energy. I am able to return to my active lifestyle and can participate in physical activity..."
Dr. Nitya Eisenheim, ND
 
N/A
"After nearly completely recovering from late-stage Lyme disease, I came to Nitya for help with SIBO(small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), upper right quadrant pain, and air hunger (I kept running out of breath). After receiving her bodywork for the first time, I had relief from my daily upper right quadrant pain for more than two weeks, the longest period of relief I’d felt in a year of having the pain. And, it continued to improve. She educated me on the different options to treat the SIBO and helped me design a diet and herbal protocol that worked for me. After..."
Dr. Danny VanNoy, DC
 
N/A
"This guy is a magician! Before I saw Dr. Danny, I literally thought that I was dying. I was chronically fatigued, constipated with IBS style symptoms, and was having these crazy nerve sensations in my hip. I saw several other doctors who gave me steroid shots, antibiotics, laxatives and sent me for two MRIs. They couldn’t figure out what to do with me."
Dr. Tenesha Wards, DC
 
N/A
"I just wanted to thank Dr. Wards for all she has done for me since I started her program. My digestion is working 100% better. I haven't felt this good in years. My anxiety, hot flashes, and stomach upset are gone. Additionally, I no longer have constant pain in my neck and shoulders. Also, I took her advise and moved my bed away from the wall with the circuit breaker on the opposite side and my sleep has improved. I feel like I've almost made a full recovery. I know I'm getting there..."
Dr. Danny VanNoy, DC
 
N/A
"Dr. Danny put me on a program that got me feeling the best I’ve felt in years. Turns out I had a bad case of overworked adrenals and a problem with Candida yeast. With a combination of supplementation, chiropractic adjustment, and diet plans, my major symptoms started to diminish in about a month. Two months in, I wake up energized and am no longer a slave to Starbucks in the morning. My stomach issues are completely better, and I feel like I am starting to understand how certain foods affect me. I will say, the diet plans are quite intense,..."
Dr. Jonathan Goodman, ND
 
N/A
"I've been seeing Dr Goodman for almost a year now and am feeling so so much better! I came to him with diverticulosis and many digestive issues. He did a thorough testing of what I'm sensitive to, among other great counseling. Have to say I came to him a mess, and now feel like a million bucks! Very impressed with all his knowledge and he has a great personality as well. Highly recommend him to anyone who wants to be proactive about their health. You won't regret it!"
Dr. Joy Sturgill, ND
 
N/A
"I was so pleased to find Wellspring Whole Health when my eldest son began showing symptoms of some various issues with his gut, as well as anxiety. I knew that he needed help, but was at a loss to determine the best path for him. I wanted very much to keep his treatment as holistic as possible, and was so happy with the care he received from the entire team at Wellspring. Over the course of about 2 years, the team helped him to detox and to heal. My son ended up feeling significantly better, and could continue to grow..."
Dr. Nitya Eisenheim, ND
 
N/A
"Slowly, I was able to heal. You were able to recommend supplements and herbs to heal my stomach. Although it took awhile to get back to normal, I feel much better. No more vomiting or diarrhea. No acid reflux or back pain. Sleep is much better and my energy levels are better than before. My overall health has improved. My energy levels are better than before the stomach problems. I missed being able to work more and go out with friends. I can exercise more and have better stamina. I’m able to sleep better. My stools are always healthy...."
Dr. Emily Maiella, ND
 
N/A
"Dr. Maiella is one of those who shows how much she cares about her patients, and she really does. Her repertoire of medical practices is wide and she has always had something to help me. I came to her, recommended, from someone in Seattle, with bad gut problems and they are 95% cured! She has also helped me progress with combating my Lyme systems. I recommend her for anyone with long standing issues your other doctors can't help you with."
Dr. Nitya Eisenheim, ND
 
N/A
"I contacted Nitya to ease some of my digestive problems. I have suffered from them most of my life, so I was skeptical about any success. For a year –meeting at first weekly and then monthly — she used visceral manipulation and craniosacral therapies, as well as herbal supplements, to bring heath back to my body. The results amazed me. She also helped me combat my Lyme disease effectively. Nitya was gentle, supportive and encouraging, and I feel I a much healthier person through her intervention."
Jennifer Goldstock BSN, MSN, ANP-BC
 
N/A
"Jennifer has helped me through quite an uphill battle with various tick born illnesses. If you aren't getting any answers from other providers or just feel like a diagnosis is not the whole story, come here. I had IBS my whole life, and Jennifer helped me realize I had food intolerances that no other doctors (even allergists!) even tried to find out. I had been told my symptoms were in my head for years. I went to a therapy. My therapist told me to get more tests since I didn't have any obvious mental issues (after a year of seeing..."

Subscribe for Updates

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.