Understanding IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a common gut concern that many people experience - especially women. IBS usually presents as a constellation of symptoms for patients - some have looser stool, for some it’s constipation and others it’s a combination of the two. It can also mean bloating, digestive discomfort and frequent upset stomach or reactions to foods. Often a diagnosis of IBS is given after other serious gut concerns have been ruled out. Living with IBS can be frustrating, and although these symptoms are common, they aren’t normal for our digestion.

What causes IBS?

There are a few different theories about what may be contributing to the development of IBS. These can include factors relating to inflammation or sensitivity to certain foods (which can lead to what we call “leaky gut”), changes in gut motility (how the digestive system pushes food along), changes to our microbiome (which may occur after an infection, antibiotics or changes in diet). There may even be a genetic component.

Stress, emotional trauma and mental health can also play a major role in our experiences of IBS. There’s research that patients with IBS actually have higher sensitivity in their digestive organs - meaning they actually sense gas and bloating as more painful than other people do!

What can I do to help IBS?

There are a variety of things you can work on with your practitioner to support your IBS. Depending on your individual case, our naturopathic doctors work on supporting your gut health with targeted supplementation or make temporary diet changes. They also take into account your mental health, stress levels, activity and other areas of your health that may seem unrelated - but fit into the overall picture of you and your health!