Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):
Finding Relief Naturally
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It’s characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, Dr. Tiffani Fries offers a functional medicine approach to help manage IBS symptoms and improve your overall gut health.
Understanding IBS
IBS is considered a functional disorder, meaning that there’s no identifiable structural damage to the intestines. However, the gut doesn’t function properly, leading to a variety of symptoms. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it’s thought to involve a combination of factors, including:
Gut motility problems:
Issues with the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Visceral hypersensitivity:
Increased sensitivity to pain in the gut.
Gut-brain axis dysfunction:
Problems with the communication between the gut and the brain.
Food sensitivities:
Reactions to certain foods that can trigger IBS symptoms.
Stress:
Emotional stress can worsen IBS symptoms.
Gut microbiome imbalances:
Alterations in the composition of gut bacteria.
Common Symptoms of IBS:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two
- Mucus in the stool
The Salt Lake Functional Medicine Approach to IBS
Dr. Fries, DC takes a comprehensive approach to managing IBS, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to your symptoms. This may include:
Detailed Assessment:
A thorough evaluation of your health history, symptoms, diet, and lifestyle.
Advanced Testing:
This may include stool testing to analyze the gut microbiome, food sensitivity testing, and breath testing for SIBO.
Personalized Support Plans:
Based on your individual needs, Dr. Fries, DC will develop a tailored plan that may include:
Dietary Modifications:
Implementing a personalized elimination diet, the low-FODMAP diet, or other dietary strategies to identify trigger foods and reduce symptoms.
Targeted Supplementation:
Using specific supplements like probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs to support gut health and reduce inflammation.
Stress Management:
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
Addressing other lifestyle factors that can impact IBS, such as sleep hygiene and physical activity.
Finding Long-Term Relief
At Salt Lake Functional Medicine, we aim to help you find long-term relief from IBS symptoms. By addressing the root causes of your condition and supporting your body’s natural healing processes, we believe you can experience significant improvement in your gut health and overall well-being.
