Your 6 Step Roadmap to Healing from IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often described as a functional gastrointestinal disorder, but for anyone living with it, the symptoms of bloating, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation can feel anything but functional. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, but as a naturopath, I see IBS as a sign that something deeper is out of balance in the body.

Let’s dive into the root causes of IBS and explore what you need to know to start finding relief.

The Root Causes of IBS

• Gut Dysbiosis - An imbalance in the gut microbiome is one of the most common contributors to IBS. This includes:

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Excess bacteria in the small intestine can ferment carbohydrates, leading to gas, bloating, and motility issues.

  • Fungal Overgrowth or Parasites: These unwelcome residents can cause all sorts of problems in your gut.

• Food Sensitivities and Intolerances - Certain foods, like gluten, dairy, or FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates), may trigger symptoms in individuals with IBS. These reactions are often due to an already irritated or inflamed gut.

  
  

• Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis - The gut and brain are intricately connected via the vagus nerve. Chronic stress can disrupt this connection, alter gut motility, and increase gut permeability (“leaky gut”).

• Impaired Digestion - Low stomach acid, insufficient bile, or pancreatic enzyme deficiencies can lead to improper digestion and absorption of food, which may trigger IBS symptoms.

• Hormonal Imbalances - Many women notice their IBS symptoms worsen around their menstrual cycle. This is because hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence gut motility and inflammation.

• Post-Infectious IBS - IBS symptoms often develop after a bout of food poisoning or a gastrointestinal infection, due to lingering inflammation and dysbiosis.

Your roadmap to getting relief (in just 6 steps!):

1. Identify Your Triggers - Start by keeping a detailed food and symptom diary. This can help pinpoint specific foods or situations (like stress) that worsen your symptoms.

Tip: Work with a naturopath to test for food sensitivities and underlying gut infections, such as SIBO or parasites.

2. Support Your Digestive Function

   • Chew your food thoroughly to stimulate digestive enzymes.

   • Consider digestive aids like bitters or apple cider vinegar to enhance stomach acid and enzyme production.

   • Use probiotics tailored to your needs—not all strains are beneficial for IBS, so choosing the right one is key.

3. Balance Your Stress Levels - Stress management is a non-negotiable for anyone with IBS! Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or deep belly breathing can improve vagus nerve function and reduce gut inflammation.

4. Personalised Nutrition

   • Experiment with a temporary low-FODMAP diet under professional guidance to reduce fermentable carbohydrates that feed gut bacteria.

   • Add anti-inflammatory foods, such as ginger, turmeric, and omega-3-rich foods, to soothe the gut lining.

5. Repair Your Gut - A leaky gut can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and slippery elm can help repair the gut lining.

6. Test, Don’t Guess - Comprehensive testing can uncover hidden issues like bacterial imbalances, enzyme deficiencies, or infections. Stool testing and breath tests for SIBO are excellent starting points!

Long-Term Relief - Are you Ready to Commit to a Healthier and Happier Future You?

As a naturopath, I believe in personalised care because no two cases of IBS are the same. If you’re ready to uncover your unique triggers and restore balance, please send any questions through to wellnesswithinclinic@gmail.com. You can also book an appointment here 💗.