By Dr. Reecha Panchal, ND

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting about 18% of Canadians, though the actual numbers may be slightly higher due to underreporting. IBS is widely misunderstood with tons of misinformation available through the internet. Many individuals will suffer through the symptoms of IBS without seeking care leading to feelings of isolation. While it’s understandable that some may find the symptoms of IBS embarrassing, it's important to recognize how common this condition is, and that those affected are not alone.

There is no single cause of IBS, however it can manifest as a result of the following:

• Alterations in the gut microbiota (gut dysbiosis)

• Post-infectious

• Post-antibiotics, post-surgical

• Bacterial overgrowth

• Visceral hypersensitivity

• GI motility issues

• Food issues

• Genetics

• Mental health & psychosocial dysfunction

IBS involves problems with motility (how food moves through the intestines) and sensitivity (how the brain interprets the intestinal nerve signals). Unlike other gastrointestinal conditions, IBS does not cause visible damage to the digestive tract.

Common IBS symptoms include:

• abdominal pain

• abdominal cramping

• bloating

• diarrhea and/or constipation

These symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, posing a challenge to diagnose the condition. It is important to rule out other diseases, such as Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohns, Colitis) and possible infection (ova, parasites) prior to diagnosing IBS, however treatment should not be delayed while investigating the possible cause of symptoms.

IBS is a multifaceted condition influenced by diet, lifestyle, stress, and the gut microbiome. Because IBS affects each person uniquely, a personalized approach to treatment is often the most effective.

Naturopathic treatment strategies for IBS typically include the following categories:

Nutrition

• Following a low-FODMAP diet: Reducing fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms.

• Boosting fiber intake: Soluble fiber can aid in regulating bowel movements and easing constipation.

• Identifying food triggers: Logging a food diary can help identify specific foods that worsen symptoms.

Herbal Medicine

• Peppermint oil: Its antispasmodic effects can help relieve abdominal pain and reduce bloating.

• Herbal antimicrobials: Useful to reduce bacteria to restore balance in the gut microbiota.

• Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria to restore balance in the gut microbiota.

• Adaptogenic herbs: Can help the body adapt to stress.

Mind-Body Therapies

• Hypnotherapy: Promotes relaxation and reduce response to hypersensitivity of the gut.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Effective in managing stress-related IBS symptoms by changing the way you respond to stress.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Adequate sleep: Poor sleep can worsen IBS symptoms.

• Hydration: Staying well hydrated is important for normal bowel functioning.

• Regular exercise: Movement promotes digestion and reduces stress.

Living with IBS can be challenging, but with a comprehensive treatment plan you can achieve symptom relief, improving your overall sense of wellbeing and reclaiming the quality of your life! The widespread occurrence of IBS highlights that many people share this experience. Although talking about bowel movements or abdominal pain might feel uncomfortable, discussing these issues is essential for raising awareness and finding support. Remember, IBS is a medical condition, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed.

Speak to one of our Naturopathic doctors to learn more about which labs/blood work and investigations can help determine whether you do suffer from IBS and what treatments would be appropriate for you.

References

1. Császár-Nagy N, Bókkon I. Hypnotherapy and IBS: Implicit, long-term stress memory in the ENS? Heliyon. 2022 Dec 30;9(1):e12751. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12751. PMID: 36685398; PMCID: PMC9849985.

2. Jayasinghe M, Karunanayake V, Mohtashim A, Caldera D, Mendis P, Prathiraja O, Rashidi F, Damianos JA. The Role of Diet in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus. 2024 Feb 15;16(2):e54244. doi: 10.7759/cureus.54244. PMID: 38496157; PMCID: PMC10944297.

3. Konstantis G, Efstathiou S, Pourzitaki C, Kitsikidou E, Germanidis G, Chourdakis M. Efficacy and safety of probiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials using ROME IV criteria. Clin Nutr. 2023 May;42(5):800-809. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.03.019. Epub 2023 Mar 31. PMID: 37031468.

4. Varjú P, Farkas N, Hegyi P, Garami A, Szabó I, Illés A, Solymár M, Vincze Á, Balaskó M, Pár G, Bajor J, Szűcs Á, Huszár O, Pécsi D, Czimmer J. Low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet improves symptoms in adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to standard IBS diet: A meta-analysis of clinical studies. PLoS One. 2017 Aug 14;12(8):e0182942. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182942. PMID: 28806407; PMCID: PMC5555627.

5. Zhang T, Zhang C, Zhang J, Sun F, Duan L. Efficacy of Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022 Apr 1;12:859967. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967. PMID: 35433498; PMCID: PMC9010660.

Read on to find out more about how Dr. Reecha can help you with your health concerns as a virtual naturopathic doctor.

Dr. Reecha can offer consultations from a distance to anyone who is based in Ontario. She is available for phone and online consultations. With virtual care, you can receive much of the naturopathic care you need without having to leave your home. Accessing virtual naturopathic services does not change the effectiveness of your care. The only thing that changes from an in-person to online visit is how you speak with your naturopath. The quality of service is the same, and is still individualized to your needs.

Virtual consults are provided through a secure online video platform. This ensures that your medical information remains safe and confidential. All you will need is a secure internet connection and a computer or a smartphone. In addition, treatment plans and lab requisition forms created for you can be securely provided to you for easy access. Eliminating the hassle of papers and reducing our carbon footprint.

Dr. Reecha is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ontario, therefore if your insurance covers naturopathic medicine, it will also cover virtual naturopathic consultations. It is always best to double-check your insurance plan for more information and confirm your coverage.

There are many benefits of virtual naturopathic consultations. The first is convenience. Virtual consults allow for more flexibility within your schedule. Whether you are at work or at home, you can easily book in with Dr. Reecha during a time that best fits your busy schedule. Virtual naturopathic services also eliminate commuting and waiting room times maximizing your time of care. This is particularly helpful if you live in a rural or remote area.

As a part of the team at Natural Route Health in Kingston, Dr. Reecha is able to offer all naturopathic services to patients, including in-person assessments and treatments through her amazing colleagues at the clinic. For example, if Dr. Reecha determines that acupuncture sessions will be beneficial for your case, she can offer this service through one of her fellow naturopaths at the clinic. This unique set up allows for patients to benefit from all naturopathic treatments and come into the office for any necessary physical examinations.

Booking and attending your virtual naturopathic appointment with Dr. Reecha is easy. You can book by either calling (613) 767-6982 or online via Outsmart. On the day of your appointment, check your email for a reminder. This reminder will contain instructions for you to log in on your computer or smartphone shortly before your appointment is scheduled to start. Once logged in, you’ll be directed to Dr. Reecha’s waiting room where she will call you when ready.

If you’re still not sure virtual consultations are right for you, book a FREE 15 minute Meet & Greet. You can meet with Dr. Reecha over the phone to find out if she is the right person to help you reach your health goals and how she can help you get to the root cause of your health concerns.