IBS is NOT a Root Cause.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. Characterized by symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both, IBS can significantly impact quality of life. From a functional medicine perspective, IBS is not just a digestive issue but a multifaceted condition that reflects imbalances in various body systems.

In this blog, we’ll explore IBS through the lens of functional medicine and discuss how a holistic, personalized approach can provide long-term relief from this complex condition.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome is classified as a “functional” gastrointestinal disorder, meaning it is diagnosed based on symptoms in the absence of identifiable structural damage or disease in the digestive tract. It is simply a name for a group of symptoms, not the cause of those symptoms. As Mark Hyman, MD says “just because you know the name of your disease, doesn’t mean you know what is wrong with you.”

Traditional medical approaches often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes, which can lead to chronic suffering and frustration for patients.

Irritable bowel syndrome is typically divided into three main subtypes:

1. IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant)

2. IBS-C (Constipation predominant)

3. IBS-M (Mixed type), involving both diarrhea and constipation

The condition often has a complex relationship with stress, diet, the gut microbiome, and even systemic inflammation, which is where functional medicine steps in.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Functional medicine goes beyond symptom suppression to address the root causes of health conditions. IBS is seen as a result of dysregulation across multiple body systems—especially the gut-brain axis, the microbiome, and the immune system. Here’s how functional medicine tackles IBS:

Identify Root Causes: The Multi-Factorial Nature of IBS

IBS can stem from various factors, and identifying the unique triggers for each individual is critical for effective treatment. Some common root causes include:

• • Gut Dysbiosis: Imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as bacterial overgrowth (like SIBO), yeast overgrowth, or insufficient beneficial bacteria, are frequently linked to IBS.
  • Food Sensitivities: Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have underlying sensitivities to foods such as gluten, dairy, or fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), which can irritate the gut lining and trigger symptoms.
  • Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: The connection between the brain and the gut, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a significant role in IBS. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate irritable bowel symptoms, as the gut is highly responsive to emotional signals from the brain.
  • Impaired Motility: Irregular movement of food through the intestines (either too fast or too slow) can lead to IBS symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
  • Post-Infectious irritable bowel syndrome: A previous gastrointestinal infection or bout of food poisoning can lead to chronic IBS due to ongoing inflammation or changes in gut motility and microbiome composition.

Testing: Personalized Diagnostics

While there is no single test for IBS, a functional medicine approach uses a variety of diagnostic tools to uncover hidden causes. This may include:

• • Comprehensive Stool Testing: This can help identify imbalances in gut bacteria, the presence of parasites, signs of inflammation, problems with digestion and more.
  • SIBO Breath Testing: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is often a contributing factor to irritable bowel syndrome, particularly in those with bloating or diarrhea (more on SIBO next week!)
  • Food Sensitivity Testing: Identifying specific food triggers like gluten, dairy, or other common allergens can be key in managing irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Hormonal and Stress Testing: Cortisol, thyroid function, and other hormone imbalances can influence IBS symptoms.

Treatment: A Personalized, Whole-Body Approach

Once the root causes are identified, the functional medicine approach to irritable bowel syndrome focuses on personalized treatment strategies that address the whole person, not just the symptoms. Here are some of the key treatment pillars:

Dietary Modifications

Food plays a central role in managing irritable bowel syndrome, but there is no universal IBS diet. Functional medicine uses a tailored approach to eliminate triggering foods and restore balance to the gut. Some key dietary strategies include:

• • Low FODMAP Diet: Many people with irritable bowel syndrome benefit from avoiding fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that can feed harmful bacteria and produce gas.
  • Elimination Diet: Identifying and removing food sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, soy, or artificial sweeteners, can alleviate symptoms.
  • Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Supporting gut healing by incorporating anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3s, polyphenols, and fiber can restore gut integrity and soothe irritation.

Restore Microbiome Balance

Supporting a healthy gut microbiome is critical in IBS management. Strategies may include:

• • Probiotics: Introducing beneficial bacteria strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can improve gut health and help rebalance the microbiome.
  • Prebiotics: These fiber-rich compounds feed beneficial bacteria and help maintain a balanced gut environment.
  • Herbal Antimicrobials: In cases of gut dysbiosis or SIBO, herbal antimicrobials like oregano oil, berberine, and garlic may be used to eliminate harmful bacterial overgrowth.

Stress Reduction and Gut-Brain Axis Support

Because stress and emotional well-being are so closely tied to IBS, addressing the gut-brain connection is essential. Techniques may include:

• • Mind-Body Therapies: Practices like mindfulness, yoga, prayer, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce stress and alleviate IBS symptoms.
  • Adaptogens: Herbs such as ashwagandha, valerian, and passionflower can help calm the nervous system and regulate the stress response.

Gut Healing Support

Repairing the gut lining and reducing inflammation can be achieved using targeted supplements and lifestyle changes, such as:

• • L-Glutamine: This amino acid helps repair the gut lining and can reduce symptoms of leaky gut, which often accompanies irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Digestive Enzymes: Supplementing with enzymes can improve digestion and help break down problematic foods more efficiently.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These powerful anti-inflammatory compounds help soothe gut inflammation and promote healing.
  • Getting adequate protein to promote healing of the gastric lining. This can include bone broth which is loaded with collagen.
  • Mucilaginous herbs like aloe vera, slippery elm, marshmallow root, artichoke which help to sooth and repair the stomach lining.

Long-Term Maintenance and Prevention

IBS is often a chronic condition that requires ongoing support. Functional medicine practitioners work with patients to develop long-term strategies for gut health maintenance, which may include:

• • Continued dietary guidance
  • Periodic microbiome monitoring
  • Stress management practices
  • Regular physical activity, which has been shown to improve motility and reduce symptoms

If you are looking for a partner in health, look no further, Wild Rice Wellness is here to help! We take a root cause approach to your whole health, including your gut health! Book a FREE 15 minute consultation today!