Why IBS is BS
If you’re acquainted with bloating, cramping, and endless bathroom trips, then you’re likely no stranger to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This frustrating condition affects millions of individuals, yet it remains a puzzle for many medical professionals. Often used as a catch-all term for digestive issues, IBS is more than just a label – it's a complex interplay of gut dysfunction, imbalanced flora, and environmental and mental stressors.
In this post, we’ll explore:
What is IBS?
Why is IBS so common?
IBS symptoms
What causes IBS?
How to treat IBS through lifestyle changes and functional lab testing
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a commonly diagnosed condition that affects the digestive system. Although being the most common intestinal problem that causes people to be referred to a bowel specialist, many physicians know little about this condition and may hastily diagnose individuals with IBS when the underlying cause of their symptoms is uncertain.
Why is IBS so common?
IBS is an increasingly diagnosed condition: IBS is a prevalent ailment, impacting as many as 1 in 10 individuals globally, which places it among the most widespread digestive issues. Given the current food quality available in stores, growing instances of food sensitivities, and surging rates of autoimmune disorders, many people are experiencing greater difficulty in feeling well after meals.
There is no specific test for IBS: There is no blood test or imaging scan that can definitively diagnose IBS. Instead, doctors diagnose IBS based on a person's symptoms and by ruling out other possible causes. This can make it difficult to be sure of the diagnosis, especially in the early stages.
IBS is an umbrella term: Frankly, IBS is an umbrella term for individual gut-related conditions characterized by a set of associated symptoms. These symptoms tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time.
What are the main symptoms of IBS?
Bloating
Cramping
Urgent trips to the toilet
Diarrhea
Constipation
Fatigue
Food anxiety
Weight loss
Self-isolation
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it's thought to be related to a number of factors, including:
Food sensitivities: Some people with IBS find that their symptoms are triggered by certain foods, such as dairy products, gluten, or fatty foods.
Stress: Stress can worsen IBS symptoms as it activates the "fight-or-flight" response, triggering the release of our main stress hormones including cortisol. These hormones can increase sensitivity in the gut, meaning even minor stimuli can trigger IBS symptoms like pain and cramping. Additionally, stress has been shown to alter the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, potentially leading to intestinal inflammation and worsening IBS symptoms.
Imbalance in gut bacteria: The balance of bacteria in your gut may play a role in IBS. Very often, IBS symptoms point to potential imbalances in the gut microbiome and potential overgrowth in pathogens and bacteria.
Gut-brain interaction: The brain and gut are intimately connected via the gut-brain axis. Chronic stress can disrupt this communication, leading to abnormal gut motility and altered pain perception, exacerbating IBS symptoms.
Early life trauma: Trauma can dysregulate the stress response system, resulting in chronic hyper-vigilance and heightened sensitivity to even minor stressors, ultimately aggravating IBS symptoms. In a review of the PubMed literature from 1966 through 2007, Chitkara et al. concluded that abuse in childhood was associated with the development of IBS in adulthood.
Is it possible to treat IBS?
There are a number of treatments that can help to manage the symptoms. We recommend:
Diet changes: Avoiding trigger foods and eating a healthy diet can help to improve IBS symptoms. We recommend keeping a food diary to track food intake and note your response.
Rebalancing the microbiome: IBS symptoms indicate potential imbalances in the gut due to viral and pathogenic overgrowth. Uncovering the exact imbalances through functional lab testing allows us to rebalance the gut microbiome and target any bacterial overgrowth through nutrition and targeted supplementation.
Stress management: Approaches like relaxation therapy and yoga can alleviate stress and IBS symptoms. Moreover, stress-induced food-related anxiety can be reduced through therapeutic practices aimed at rewiring the brain's stress response, particularly regarding eating food outside of the home.
Functional lab testing to uncover potential triggers and weaknesses in the gut: To gain insight into your current microbiome status and identify foods that may trigger IBS episodes, we suggest pursuing functional lab testing. This takes away much of the guesswork that comes with trying to address IBS. Learn more below!
Download our Gut Guide to uncover the root cause of your digestive woes and take control of your gut health journey today.
Lab Tests for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
We understand the frustration of seeking answers about your gut health, only to be told by doctors that everything appears "normal" in your tests. Unfortunately, since IBS cannot be diagnosed through a single marker and is characterized by a collection of symptoms rather than a specific disorder or disease, conventional medical care may not provide the necessary support.
To gain insight into your current microbiome status and identify foods that may trigger IBS episodes, we suggest pursuing functional lab testing rather than guessing what to do. Collaborating with a functional practitioner to conduct these tests can offer a clearer understanding of the factors contributing to your symptoms and the inflammation in your gut.
GI Map (Gut Microbiome Assay Plus)
Identifies imbalances in gut bacteria: Assesses the composition of your gut microbiome, detecting overgrowth or deficiencies in specific bacteria that might contribute to IBS symptoms.
Detects pathogens: Tests for the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi that could be underlying causes of IBS symptoms. Identifying these pathogens can lead to targeted treatments and symptom resolution.
Assesses inflammation and immune function: Measures markers of inflammation in the gut, which is often elevated in IBS. It also evaluates immune function, identifying potential immune-related triggers of IBS symptoms.
Provides insights into digestive health: Measures levels of digestive enzymes, antibodies, and other markers that can shed light on gut health and identify potential causes of IBS symptoms.
Identifies food sensitivities: Measures the body's immune response to over 170 foods and food chemicals. This helps pinpoint foods that might be triggering IBS symptoms, even if they don't cause immediate reactions like allergies.
Guides personalized diet: Based on MRT results, a personalized elimination diet can be designed to remove trigger foods and reduce IBS symptoms.
Reduces inflammation: Avoiding trigger foods can help decrease inflammation in the gut, which is a common factor in IBS.
Improves nutrient absorption: Eliminating trigger foods can also improve the absorption of nutrients, which can contribute to overall gut health and well-being.
Combining the GI Map and MRT provides a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to IBS, including gut microbiome imbalances, pathogens, food sensitivities, inflammation, and immune dysfunction.
If you’re interested in running functional labs and getting to the root of your IBS symptoms, schedule a discovery call with the team of functional practitioners at Wholistic Renewal.
Fed up with unanswered questions about your health?
At Wholistic Renewal, we dig deep to uncover the root causes of your concerns. Our programs combine comprehensive functional lab testing with personalized protocols and dedicated support from a nutritional practitioner. Through one-on-one guidance and education, you can finally find the answers you've been searching for and renew your health.
*The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related questions or concerns you may have. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
