Frequently Asked Questions About IBS and Naturopathic Care
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Q: What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a functional digestive disorder marked by symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel habits. It’s a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning it’s often diagnosed after other conditions are ruled out — but underlying root causes can often be identified and treated with the right approach.
Q: What are the root causes of IBS?
In clinical practice at NDcare, we often find that IBS symptoms stem from one or more of the following:
- Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Colon dysbiosis (imbalanced gut flora in the large intestine)
- Pancreatic insufficiency (inadequate digestive enzyme production)
Identifying and addressing these factors is essential for lasting relief — not just symptom suppression.
Q: Can a naturopath help treat IBS?
Yes. A naturopathic approach to IBS focuses on uncovering the underlying drivers of symptoms and correcting them with personalized treatment. This may include advanced digestive testing, gut microbiome restoration, targeted supplements, and supportive dietary and lifestyle changes.
Q: What about the low FODMAP diet — does it work?
The low FODMAP diet may provide short-term symptom relief for some people with IBS by reducing fermentable carbohydrates that contribute to gas and bloating. However, it does not address the root cause and is not a long-term solution on its own. We use it selectively as part of a broader treatment plan.
Q: Are herbal remedies like peppermint oil or ginger effective for IBS?
While commonly recommended, in our experience these remedies rarely offer meaningful or lasting results. Our treatment plans focus more on correcting gut dysfunction (like SIBO or enzyme deficiency) rather than trying to suppress symptoms with herbal band-aids.
Q: How is IBS diagnosed and treated naturopathically?
IBS is often diagnosed clinically, but at NDcare, we go further with specialized testing to uncover root causes. This may include:
- SIBO breath testing
- Stool microbiome analysis
- Pancreatic enzyme testing
- Food sensitivity evaluation
Treatment is tailored to your unique digestive picture and may include gut repair protocols, digestive support, and functional nutrition.
Q: How soon can I expect improvement?
While each case is different, many patients begin to notice improvement within 3–6 weeks of starting treatment. Long-standing IBS cases may require a longer treatment timeline depending on the underlying issues.