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.
In conventional medicine, IBS is often considered a condition that can only be treated, not cured and is considered a diagnosis of exclusion.
If you go to your doctor with digestive symptoms, they will run tests to rule out serious conditions such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, bowel cancer and colitis. If the tests are all normal, then you are typically diagnosed with IBS.
The exciting news is that IBS is no longer a disease that we have to learn to live with like we once thought. Newer research is showing that there are treatable causes of IBS and that after treatment, for many, the symptoms can be greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.
What Are the Symptoms of IBS?
Gas & bloating
Pain & cramping
Constipation/diarrhea or both
Changes in stool appearance
Reflux/heartburn or GERD
Burping
Fatigue
Weight changes
Your IBS may be affecting your health in more ways than you know. IBS & SIBO are associated with:
Hypoglycaemia (low & fluctuating blood sugars)
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
There are treatable causes of IBS. Once diagnosed with IBS, many individuals are under the misconception that they will have to live with their IBS for the rest of their lives. At Whole Medicine, we will help you determine the cause(s) of your IBS.
Some of the causes of IBS symptoms include:
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SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). This is the #1 cause of IBS
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Imbalanced GI bacteria (microflora) caused by antibiotic use, other medications & poor diet.
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Celiac disease
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Food sensitivities
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Intestinal permeability
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Food poisoning
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Parasitic or bacterial infections
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Candida (Yeast overgrowth)
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Hypochlorhydria (Low stomach acid) & pancreatic insufficiency
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Bile acid & liver dysfunction
When you meet with our team of certified Naturopathic Doctors, we will assess all of your health concerns to determine what tests and treatments may be needed to understand the source of your digestive problems.
