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

Common IBS Symptoms

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

    
 
 
        
   Cormac Whelan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  Rob has helped me through a gut health conditon that no other GP was able or willing to figure out. There was no guess work involved. He got to the root of my issues through knowledge, testing and investigation. I would highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   Roger Hassan 
 2023-03-26
 
 
  I can’t say enough good things about my experience at the London Centre for Functional Medicine. After 3 years of misdiagnosis and living with IBS I finally felt I was able to heal. I’m truly grateful to Rob for his expertise in SIBO. I have to keep things in check but I feel so much better. I would highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   G Monkee 
 2023-03-22
 
 
  For those seeking an alternative viewpoint to their chronic conditions, I would recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine to others. They were helpful and mindful of my financial restrictions. Thank you.
  
 
       
   Martin Beaumont 
 2023-03-21
 
 
  Working with the London Centre for Functional Medicine team has been a great experience. I have had big improvements with digestion issues and now live pain free! Having the support of Rob was very useful when questions or issues arose during the program and was particularly impressed with not going overboard with the supplement regime. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Sean Hayden 
 2023-02-20
 
 
  I'm currently going through treatment with Rob and just wanted to acknowledge the individualised and personalised care that has been provided. From when I started Rob has looked at my health issues without judgement and was able to help me in many areas that weren't optimal.
Notably, Rob has helped me overcome gut issues and other niggling issues that I didn't were related but seemingly are.
Rob is also great at explaining the body systems and related things which has been great. I can highly recommend the London Centre for Functional Medicine
  
 
       
   K Kelly 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  "What I appreciate about Rob at the London Centre for Functional Medicine is that he seeks to educate rather than just give supplements and instructions. He makes you understand both the action needed to take as well the underlying physiological processes driving the underlying issues. Highly recommended."
  
 
       
   Aaron Robson 
 2023-02-18
 
 
  If you're dealing with health challenges that conventional medicine hasn't resolved, I strongly suggest you visit the London Centre for Functional Medicine. They make a real effort to comprehend symptoms and worked with me to develop a plan for exploring treatment possibilities. Thanks to my practitioner, I now have answers to health questions that had eluded me for years, and I couldn't be more grateful. My practitioner (rob) uses a data-driven approach to identify the underlying cause. I've already recommended him to friends, and they have had success with his care as well.
  
 
       
   Tracy Thomas 
 2023-02-12
 
 
  Rather than going to a GP when you are sick I entered the Functional Medicine journey before things got out of hand. It’s a route everyone should consider as it does prevent illness and can reverse it! I learned a lot about how my body works and how to become healthier. London CFM walked me through the things I needed to know by educating me about how the digestive system works and healing my SIBO. Thank you!
  
 
       
   Lindsay Jones 
 2023-01-08
 
 
  I sought help from the London Centre for Functional Medicine for a problem I have had for most of my life, terrible digestive issues.
Rob has worked with me to get back normal function of my digestive function. It has taken some time but the result have been great so far.
  
 
       
   T Webster 
 2022-07-16
 
 
  I was originally referred to Mr Staunton by a nutritional therapist who felt that his particular expertise was required for my specific needs. After meeting him and explaining the situation, he conducted some lab tests which had to be shipped to Germany.. In the 3 months that I’ve been treated by Mr Staunton, I’ve seen a significant improvement in my symptoms and I’m feeling optimistic about my continued good health. I highly recommend the Clinic and working with Mr Staunton has been a very professional and pleasant experience. He’s extremely knowledgeable about both nutrition and how the body works.
  
 
  
  
 
 
   Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews

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

MENU

IBS

A Functional Medicine Approach to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

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.