“So I’m told I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but why is my bowel so irritable?!”

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is extremely common, affecting at least 15% of people. For those given a diagnosis of IBS, it’s reasonable to ask “Why is my bowel so irritable?!” and “What exactly is irritating my bowel?!”

Many never really get a good answer to either of these questions, and despite various standard approaches to managing IBS, they rarely properly treat and reverse the condition.

Fortunately, when we know where to look, the answers to these questions are fairly simple, and they can lead down the path of treatment and cure (a term I do not use lightly).

By far, the number one cause of IBS is a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO. At least 60% of IBS is a result of SIBO, and if you suffer with IBS, then you most definitely ought to have yourself tested for SIBO!

IBS may look different in different people with symptoms ranging or including some or all of the following:  bloating, passing gas, burping, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain or discomfort.

The exact symptoms that result depend on the type of SIBO, the duration of SIBO’s presence, and the extent to which it has affected the function of the digestive tract.

The relationship between SIBO and IBS is very well studied, and doctors around the world have developed effective strategies to treat SIBO. The specifics really depend on the results of SIBO testing.

Another primary cause of IBS is food sensitivities, which we won’t go into detail with here, but more information can be found here.

Stress also affects IBS, but interestingly stress doesn’t directly cause IBS, but it will worsen symptoms of IBS.

Long story short, if you have been told you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, get in touch with us right away to begin investigating the causes, including both SIBO and Food Sensitivities. We don’t want you to suffer any longer than necessary.

In health,

– Dr. Colin