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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS) is a set of symptoms that cause digestive distress. Symptoms include indigestion, gas, bloating, pain, constipation and diarrhea. Food intolerances such as gluten, lactose and fructose are often present. SIBO and SIFO(small intestine bacterial/fungal overgrowth) have similar symptoms and have been implicated as causes of IBS.

What we look at when treating IBS.
  1. Low stomach acid(Hypochlorhydria). The stomach produces hydrochloric acid(HCl) to digest the food we eat and to protect the body from pathogens that may find their way into the stomach. If the stomach isn’t producing enough HCl, digestive function is reduced and nutritional deficiencies can result. Hypochlorhydria can worsen IBS symptoms significantly causing bloating, gas, indigestion, pain after eating and even acid reflux. 
  2. Reduced bile flow. The liver produces bile and stores it in the gallbladder. Stomach acid triggers the release of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine to break down fats in our diet and to help absorb fat soluble vitamins. Sometimes bile gets thick and sludgy and is unable to flow freely causing nausea, gas, pain under the right ribs, constipation or diarrhea. 
  3. Colon microbiome. A diverse microbiome is essential for proper gut and immune function. When bacteria becomes unbalanced, the chemistry of the intestine changes and digestive issues, including IBS can occur. The use of antibiotics and other medications can deplete the microbiome leaving the colon susceptible to dysbiosis and parasitic infection.
  4. Diet. Your diet is extremely important when treating IBS. In many cases food intolerances trigger IBS symptoms. The 3 main food groups that cause digestive disorders are sugar, wheat and dairy. Avoiding or reducing these foods and following a clean eating program will help to reduce the severity of IBS symptoms.