Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common yet often misunderstood condition affecting the large intestine.
It鈥檚 estimated that up to 15 per cent of people globally experience IBS symptoms, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both). IBS is usually diagnosed based on symptoms such as those found in the Rome IV criteria, which focus on recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits over at least three months, highlighting the importance of symptom patterns in diagnosis.
Unlike Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which involves structural inflammation and damage to the bowel wall, IBS is considered a functional disorder鈥攎eaning symptoms arise from disruptions in how the gut functions, not from visible disease. That鈥檚 why ruling out IBD and other serious conditions is essential when diagnosing IBS.
Several factors play a key role in IBS development. These include gastrointestinal infections, early life stress or trauma, chronic low-grade intestinal inflammation, and changes in the gut microbiome (the community of bacteria living in your digestive tract). Abnormal functioning of gut endocrine cells, which help regulate digestion and gut signaling, may also be involved.
Many patients report symptom onset after a stressful event or a bout of food poisoning. Food poisoning can account for more than 50 per cent of IBS cases; a blood test can help determine the root cause.
The gut-brain axis, the two-way communication system between the brain and digestive tract, is important. The brain can directly influence gut function, and vice versa. Supporting this axis and the vagus nerve through mind-body techniques like breathwork, yoga, and gut-directed hypnotherapy can be transformative.
Stress reduction and cortisol support are important aspects. Simple techniques, such as three slow, deep belly breaths before meals, can make a real difference.
Identifying common IBS triggers and potential food sensitivities is also vital. A short-term elimination diet, best under professional supervision, can help isolate problematic foods. Common culprits may include dairy, gluten, sugar, processed foods, and high FODMAP foods.
Herbal and nutrient therapies can support digestion and intestinal healing. Consider peppermint oil for pain, mucilaginous herbs like slippery elm for gut lining support, and IBS-specific probiotics to rebalance the microbiome. Nutrients like L-glutamine can also help restore gut integrity. L-glutamine may exacerbate anxiety, so take caution if anxiety is a challenge for you.
IV nutrient therapy can replenish nutrients that may be depleted in those with IBS, especially B-vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin C. IBS and food avoidance can result in nutrient deficiencies.
If you feel like naturopathic medicine can help you, contact Dr. Shawn for a complimentary 鈥渕eet and greet鈥� visit.
Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in Courtenay and Powell River.
Contact via 250-897-0235 ; getwellhere.com ; drshawnpeters.com
