IBS
A Functional Medicine Approach to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
A diagnosis of IBS from your GP or gastroenterologist often means that your condition does not fit into any typical category of digestive disorders that has observable physical anomalies. IBS is a non-diagnosis where they aren’t able to find out what is causing your underlying IBS symptoms, and for the most part, is because they haven’t done the right testing or looked at contributing factors. We take a different approach at our IBS specialist clinic in London, on Harley Street.
Many of our patients have gone through a round of different GP’s, dieticians and specialists and continued to suffer IBS symptoms with some temporary relief but their symptoms continue to cause them discomfort. Anxiety and depression often accompany IBS through the gut-brain axis. The gut has its own nervous system called the “enteric nervous system” which connects the digestive tract to the central nervous system through the vagus nerve.
Just because your IBS symptoms can’t be given a proper diagnosis does not mean they are insignificant. More importantly, it does not mean that you have to continue living with your symptoms on a daily basis.
IBS Causes
IBS presents itself in so many ways that there is not a singular cause for this digestive condition. There are many different causes ranging from an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) to Candida and food sensitivities which all need investigation. We know from research that stress plays a factor and its important to try and manage stress as much as you can. A lack of gut motility which controls the muscles that regulate the movement of food through the gut may not function normally. This can present in two ways, either an increased or decreased gut motility, presenting in either diarrhea or constipation.
Other causes can include
- Leaky Gut
- Brain-gut interactions
- Gut infections
- Candida
- SIBO
- Food Intolerances
- Genetics
- Low Stomach Acid
- Alteration in fecal microflora
- Carbohydrate malabsorption
Common IBS Symptoms
- Constipation
- Diarrohea
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Immediate need to move your bowels
- Cramping pain
- Insomnia
- Excessive Gas
- Bloating and gas
- Burping
- Stomach Distension
- Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements
- Mucus and undigested foods in your stool
- Relief of pain after bowel movements
IBS Treatment
Conventional IBS treatment looks at the symptoms rather than the underlying issues that lead to gut dysfunction and don’t appreciate the huge impact the microbiome has on the gut.
Conventional treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may include a variety of medications, including OTC fibre supplements, anti-diarrheal, antispasmodic and antidepressant medications., however, these treatments may have short- or long-term side effects.
Like a lot of our patients, you’ve probably been suffering from your symptoms for a while now, you may have tried a few things which helped a little, or feel like you have tried everything and nothing works. The key is to take out the guesswork.
Our functional medicine and naturopathic approach to IBS treatment with our dedicated team of practitioners includes identifying the root cause of your symptoms by using a combination of various IBS tests to look at the root cause including but not limited to organic acids test, Dutch test UK, SIBO breath test, food sensitivity/intolerances testing, parasite testing and gut biome testing
While the focus is on correcting the underlying conditions that are causing your symptoms, we will also look to ensure you can reduce some of the main symptoms straight away whilst waiting for waiting test results so you can start living your life.
Our IBS Treatment Programme at our London Clinic will aim to give you all the support you need, from recipes and eating plans, to ongoing consultations and support. You are supported until the causes of your symptoms are resolved and you back to being symptom-free from your IBS.=
IBS Approach
Optimal Nutrition and Absorption
Imbalances to our digestive contribute to a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. We are what we eat and what we absorb. Symptoms of low stomach acid and gut dysfunction can present themselves though IBS related disorders.
Supplement Support
Depending on the condition, your practitioner can recommend some targeted supplements to help support the body, reduce deficiencies, overcome infections and balance the microbiome.
Testing
We work on the motto of testing rather than guessing which can be quicker and cheaper in the long run. Our practitioners can recommend specific IBS testing related to digestive health, including organic acid testing for Candida, SIBO breath test, parasite testing,, food intolerance, and food allergy testing.
Targeted Treatments
Our practitioners can recommendations additional treatment or lifestyle interventions that have proven effects to help you overcome a specific digestive condition.
Our Client's Feedback
Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.
Experience
We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
Custom Approach
There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.
london center for functional medicine