Do you constantly feel bloated, especially after meals? Is there a discomfort in your belly that often leads to episodes of diarrhea? While these experiences are common at times, if they’ve become a regular part of your daily life, something deeper may be happening in your gut. You might find yourself staying near a bathroom, bracing for an extended visit that feels almost inevitable. This is a tough way to live, and if it’s been going on for months, it’s understandable to feel drained and frustrated.
If you’re facing this daily struggle, you might find yourself wondering, “What is wrong with me? Why is my digestion so unpredictable? Why has eating, something that should be nourishing and enjoyable, turned into such a challenge?” These thoughts can be isolating, especially if you’ve sought answers from multiple doctors and still don’t feel any closer to relief. You’re not alone in feeling desperate for solutions.
What is IBS?
There’s a name for what you’re experiencing—irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). You’re not alone in this; according to the American College of Gastroenterology, between 25 and 45 million people in the United States live with IBS.¹ If you’re among them, you may notice a pattern of symptoms over several months, such as:
- Abdominal pain or cramping, often occurring randomly or shortly after meals, which may ease after a trip to the bathroom
- Persistent bloating and excessive gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
- Mucus in the stool
Despite being common, IBS is often underdiagnosed. Among the 10-15% of adults in the US with IBS symptoms, only about 5-7% receive a formal diagnosis. And since IBS is often diagnosed based on a collection of symptoms, it sometimes feels like a “catch-all” label when no other GI condition is identified. This can leave you feeling as though your experience isn’t fully understood, especially since the possible causes behind IBS can vary widely.
The Functional Medicine Approach to IBS and SIBO
Functional Medicine offers a unique and holistic approach to conditions like IBS and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on managing symptoms, Functional Medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of these digestive issues. By taking a comprehensive look at factors such as diet, stress levels, lifestyle, and other underlying health conditions, Functional Medicine practitioners aim to create a personalized plan that promotes true healing.
For example, IBS may sometimes overlap with SIBO, which occurs when bacteria, typically found in other parts of the gut, begin to multiply excessively in the small intestine. Research shows that as many as 70% of people with IBS might have undiagnosed SIBO.² SIBO can be triggered by a variety of factors, including low motility, thyroid issues, prolonged stress, or constant snacking—all of which Functional Medicine can address through a fully comprehensive and integrative approach.
Functional Medicine practitioners may recommend a combination of dietary adjustments, targeted nutritional supplements, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques to help restore balance in the gut. Through specialized testing, a Functional Medicine practitioner can also determine if specific bacterial imbalances or food intolerances are contributing to your symptoms, allowing for more precise and individualized care.
Tips for Improved Gut Health
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know that your experience is valid and that answers are possible. There are many factors that can affect digestion, and Functional Medicine provides a framework to explore and address them all. I’ve observed countless cases where Functional Medicine has brought much-needed relief and transformation to individuals facing similar challenges. I’d be more than happy to discuss your gut health with you. Together, we can carefully consider potential causes, make thoughtful changes to your diet, and explore treatment options to restore comfort and balance.
We warmly invite you to schedule your free consult with us or call us (608-790-9292) so that we can begin to develop precision and personalized strategies to improve your gut health.
This is an opportunity to learn more about how Functional Medicine can make a difference, and to ask questions in a supportive space. We look forward to hearing from you, to meeting you, and to helping you on your journey toward healing that endures.
References
² Ghoshal UC, Shukla R, Ghoshal U. *Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Bridge between Functional Organic Dichotomy*. Gut Liver. 2017 Mar 15;11(2):196-208. doi: 10.5009/gnl16126. PMID: 28274108; PMCID: PMC5347643.