Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is labeled as a disorder affecting the stomach and intestines with symptoms ranging from gas and bloating, pain, cramping or even frequent bouts of diarrhea or constipation. Popular commercials can lead people to believe the only way to feel better and “manage symptoms” of a “long-term disorder” is to reach for medications ranging from acid blockers, laxatives, painkillers or even antidepressants. Some people may notice an improvement in symptoms, making a person feel better in the short term without addressing the true cause of IBS. Some of these medications come with other side effects leading to other problems.
Discovering what is truly causing your IBS doesn’t need to be a challenge. A well trained natural healthcare practitioner will spend time talking to you, learn your symptoms and will offer appropriate testing to personalize a care plan specifically for you. Today, let’s talk about two root causes of IBS.
Food Triggers
Eating the wrong foods can trigger IBS symptoms. A doctor may tell you to avoid these foods or prescribe a limited diet. Fatty foods, acidic foods and dairy are common triggers to symptoms like gas, bloating and constipation. Yet, years of practice has taught me that each person has their own food triggers and some of these foods are difficult to pinpoint. Limited diets should also only be for the short term. A limited diet alone often does not treat underlying causes of IBS, as food sensitivities triggering symptoms are often a result of a leaky gut.
A natural healthcare practitioner will offer food sensitivity testing which will identify the foods causing IBS symptoms. Even then, this specialized diet should not be long-term as the body can heal many of its own food sensitivities over time. (Meaning you get to eat your favorite foods again!)
If you think food sensitivities may be one of your underlying causes of IBS, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if food sensitivity testing could help you.
Dysbiosis
Many pathogenic bacteria, parasites, fungi and yeast live in balance within our intestines. When an imbalance occurs, these opportunistic pathogens overpopulate the gut and cause symptoms like gas, bloating, heartburn, thrush, cramping, pain, loose stools or constipation.
The gut microbiome plays a huge role in breaking down foods, creating vitamins and mediating inflammation. When the microbiome is out of balance, the power of digestion decreases, foods may not break down fully, and inflammation can increase leading to IBS-like symptoms. Unfortunately, a stool test offered by a conventional healthcare system only tests for about 12 of the most common bacteria acquired from undercooked or contaminated food. This leaves out many of the top bacteria responsible for IBS symptoms.
If you are suffering with IBS, one of your triggers could be an imbalance in these opportunistic pathogens. Comprehensive stool testing is easy and also allows for a personalized treatment plan, as no two people with IBS should be treated the same. This type of testing identifies opportunistic pathogens, digestive dysfunction and inflammation-some root causes of IBS.
When the underlying cause of IBS symptoms are discovered, a personalized and natural treatment plan can be followed and symptoms can start to improve in as little as one week. I am a strong believer that as long as you have faith and work towards your end goal, you don’t have to suffer with IBS.
I have used GI Map comprehensive stool testing for years. I have seen it change people’s lives in such great, dramatic ways. If your doctor has not offered GI Map stool testing, feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if this testing may be right for you.
Don’t live like this anymore! Real positive change can happen!