FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO IBS
IBS isn't a diagnosis. It's just a naming of a set of symptoms. Dig deeper for a proper diagnosis.
The Functional Medicine approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of the symptoms, rather than just managing the symptoms themselves. This approach recognizes that IBS is often multi-factorial, meaning there can be several underlying issues contributing to the condition.
The key root causes of IBS identified
in Functional Medicine:
1. Gut Microbiome Imbalances (Dysbiosis)
A major focus is the disruption of the gut flora, which can manifest in several ways:
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√ Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine, which is a common finding in people with IBS (particularly those with bloating and gas).
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√ Imbalance of Gut Bacteria (General Dysbiosis): An imbalance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms in the large intestine. This can affect gut motility, permeability, and inflammation.
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√ Infections: Past or chronic infections like post-infectious IBS (IBS that develops after a severe bout of gastroenteritis) or the presence of parasites (like Blastocystis hominis or Giardia) or fungal overgrowth (SIFO).
2. Altered Gut-Brain Axis Communication
The gut-brain axis is the bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system (brain) and the enteric nervous system (gut). Disruptions in this pathway can lead to:
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√ Visceral Hypersensitivity: The nerves in the gut become overly sensitive, causing normal processes like gas or stool movement to be interpreted as painful.
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√ Stress and Psychological Factors: Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can significantly alter gut motility, permeability, and immune responses, often worsening IBS symptoms. Functional Medicine addresses these factors with mind-body techniques.
​3. Digestive Insufficiencies
If the digestive process isn't working optimally, it can lead to poorly digested food, which then feeds bacteria and causes symptoms. This includes:
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√ Low Stomach Acid: Inadequate stomach acid can impair the initial breakdown of food and act as a less effective barrier against ingested pathogens.
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√ Low Digestive Enzymes: Insufficient production of pancreatic enzymes, like in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), can lead to maldigestion and symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.
​4. Food Sensitivities and Intolerances
Certain foods can act as triggers by creating inflammation and discomfort in the gut. These are typically different from true food allergies.
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√ Food Sensitivities: Identifying and eliminating foods that cause an immune reaction can sometimes reduce symptoms.
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√ FODMAP Intolerance: FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) are types of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed and rapidly fermented by gut bacteria, leading to gas, bloating, and pain.
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√ Gluten or Dairy Sensitivity: Even without Celiac disease or true lactose intolerance, some people with IBS find their symptoms improve significantly on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet.
5. Increased Intestinal Permeability ("Leaky Gut")
The intestinal barrier may become compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to cross into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and immune reactions that contribute to gut symptoms.
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√ The Functional Medicine approach is highly personalized, recognizing that the combination of root causes is unique for each individual with IBS.
IBS Testing
√ Gut Microbiome Test PCR : testing for intestinal microflora, fungal infections and parasites. Contact us for my details.
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√ Food Sensitivities Test: Identifying foods that cause an immune reaction.
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√ Elemental Hair Analysis (EHA) is required to diagnose heavy metal toxicity and deficiencies in key minerals (e.g. zinc ) , which can impair diagestion.
Contact us for my details.
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WHAT IS ESTROGEN?
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Read this testimonial from one of my clients:
Katarzyna is an amazing naturopath with great knowledge of conditions and natural remedies. She has helped me feel much better after only a few days when I have suffered from IBS symptoms! Katarzyna also helped me to regain my general health by offering great quality minerals and supplements.
Thanks to her I feel great, happy, and have a lot of energy. Unlike other professionals, who would rather treat your symptoms, she knows exactly how to deal with different conditions by looking to get to the core of the issue. Katarzyna can actually make you healthy and happy again! Her knowledge is truly impressive.
Thank you, Katarzyna for looking after me so well. I highly recommend her services to anyone willing to stay well and healthy.
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Iwona, Gravesend
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