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IBS Chronic Cases

IBS – Knowing Your Optimal Gut Health

Solutions for IBS Chronic Cases

By Jessica Marshall, RD

Normal digestion, absorption, and excretion are secretly the keys to optimal health.

ibs-new-directions-nutrition-counselingIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders seen by physicians. In the US, it has been estimated that 10-15% of the population suffers with IBS symptoms, yet only 5-7% of the adults have been diagnosed. IBS is a syndrome with a myriad of possible causes as opposed to a single disease with a single cause. IBS Chronic Cases might need a different approach than traditional medicine provides.

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder in which symptoms are due to the dysfunction of the gut and not necessarily a structural problem.  Structural problems like irritable bowel disease, GERD/ reflux, diverticulitis, and cancer are also typically ruled out at time of determining an IBS diagnosis.

IBS symptoms include things such as:  abdominal pain/discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and/or alternating diarrhea with constipation.  The more symptoms present, the greater the likelihood for an IBS diagnosis.  There are 3 types of diagnoses:

  • IBS-C: constipation dominant
  • IBS- D: diarrhea dominant
  • IBS-mixed: alternating

We Know A Way to Assist IBS Chronic Cases!

There are definitely times where medications can really helpful for IBS.  However, I find that IBS can improve if not resolve completely as we start to focus on how the individual’s whole body operates. I like to think of it as a system instead of each piece operating independently from one another.  IBS is a syndrome with a myriad of possible causes as opposed to a single disease with a single cause.  There are different underlying pathologies which could be present in IBS cases. By working together to uncover and address them, we can certainly help calm some symptoms from the inside out.

Things we start try to work together on (often times with the help of your medical doctors) to rule out and address:

  1. Gut Dysbiosis in the large or small intestines (SIBO)
  2. Intestinal barrier permeability
  3. Gut Co-Infections
  4. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity and other food intolerances

As you can see, digestion, absorption, and assimilating all of the food we eat into the necessary nutrients we need is critical to our health and well-being

Our digestion system is such an important barrier between the outside world and the inside of our bodies.  A breakdown anywhere in this process can lead to illness.  Diving deeper into root causes that impair our digestion can have a huge impact on all other systems. The body wants to get what it needs more efficiently.

Knowing this is half the battle and the other half is not only effectively treating, but also having patience with your body as you work to rebalance these key areas. If interested in learning more and speaking to our nutritionist, call New Directions Nutritional Counseling now at 724.934.3905