Author: Dr. Rehan Lakhani, ND
Dr. Rehan is a Collingwood naturopath who provides evidence-based care to those struggling with IBS, brain fog, memory issues, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, and all things related to your gut health. Click here to schedule a free consult with our doctors.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS for short) is a functional bowel disorder that causes abdominal pain and discomfort. It is also associated with a change in bowel habits. It is estimated that IBS affects 7% to 21% of the population, and it is more prevalent in women.
Some common symptoms of IBS are:
– loose stools
– frequent defecation
– alternating constipation and/or diarrhea
– bloating
– abdominal cramping and pain
Multiple different comorbidities are associated with IBS, including psychiatric disorders like anxiety. If you have IBS, you may experience high levels of anxiety due to the intimate connection between the colon/gut microbiome, and the nervous system. Alterations in neuroendocrine-immune pathways due to stress act on the gut-brain axis as well as the microbiota-gut-brain axis, and can cause flare ups of IBS symptoms. This is how psychological stressors can impact the sensitivity, motility, secretion and permeability of the intestines.
This is why it’s SO important to manage stress to reduce anxiety and IBS symptoms.
It is a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life and productivity at work.
Because it is a chronic condition it may not go away completely, but with a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan (that includes diet changes, lifestyle changes and supplements) you can manage the condition and take back control of your life.
It is important to consult a licensed healthcare provider before trying any medical diets or supplementing with any vitamins/herbs. Our accredited and board licensed naturopathic doctors are specifically trained in the correct therapeutic doses of supplements, drug contraindications (what drugs supplements may negatively interact with) and they can order lab testing to see your current levels to ensure an effective treatment plan. Each prescription will be individualised based on your health history and concerns.
Do you have any of the above symptoms?
Talk to our licensed naturopathic doctors or other healthcare practitioners about what different interventions are right for you! If you are interested in booking an appointment with a Collingwood naturopath, please book through our online booking link below. We can’t wait to work with you to meet your health goals.