IBS - how we can help at GRC

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions worldwide.

Characterized by various distressing symptoms, IBS can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, emerging research has shed light on the role of the gut microbiome in this complex condition.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, often abbreviated as IBS, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder primarily affecting the large intestine (colon). It is a functional disorder, meaning that it doesn't cause structural damage to the intestines but rather results in abnormal bowel function. IBS is diagnosed based on specific criteria and is classified into different subtypes, including IBS-D (predominantly diarrhea), IBS-C (predominantly constipation), and IBS-M (mixed bowel habits).

Symptoms of IBS

The hallmark of IBS is the presence of recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, which is often associated with changes in bowel habits. Some common symptoms of IBS include:

Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort that is usually relieved by bowel movements.

Altered Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bouts of both.

Bloating: Many individuals with IBS report feeling bloated and gassy.

Mucus in Stool: Passage of mucus in stool is another common symptom of IBS.

Urgency: Some people with IBS may suddenly be urged to have a bowel movement.

Incomplete Evacuation: The sensation of incomplete bowel movements is prevalent among IBS sufferers.

The Microbiome and IBS

The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem is crucial to digestion, immune function, and overall health. Recent research has suggested a strong connection between IBS and an imbalanced gut microbiome.

Dysbiosis: Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, with an overgrowth of harmful or opportunistic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial ones. Studies have shown that individuals with IBS often exhibit dysbiosis, which can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Immune Activation: An imbalanced microbiome can trigger an immune response in the gut, leading to inflammation and heightened sensitivity in the intestines. This immune activation may contribute to the pain and discomfort experienced by IBS sufferers.

Altered Gut Motility: Dysbiosis can disrupt normal gut motility, leading to erratic contractions of the intestines. This can result in diarrhea or constipation, both common symptoms of IBS.

Fermentation and Gas Production: Abnormal fermentation of undigested food in the colon due to dysbiosis can lead to excess gas production and bloating, exacerbating IBS symptoms.

Managing IBS Through the Microbiome

While the exact relationship between the gut microbiome and IBS is still being explored, there are some promising avenues for managing IBS through microbiome-targeted interventions:

Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance to the gut microbiome. Certain strains of probiotics have shown promise in alleviating IBS symptoms, although their efficacy can vary among individuals.

Diet Modifications: Adopting a low-FODMAP diet or other dietary changes may help alleviate IBS symptoms by reducing the fermentation of certain carbohydrates that can exacerbate gut issues.

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Incorporating prebiotic-rich foods into your diet may support a healthier microbiome.

Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms and affect the composition of the gut microbiome. Practising stress-reduction techniques like meditation and yoga may be beneficial.

How can we help you with your IBS at GRC?

Gut Recovery Centre sees clients with diagnosed and undiagnosed IBS daily. We see how debilitating it can be and how desperate clients are to regain their lives and not be controlled by their bowel movements.

Often, clients are diagnosed with IBS by their doctor and told they must live with it forever.

At Gut Recover Centre, we believe IBS is a name for symptoms. Just like a warning light on the dashboard of a car, symptoms are the body’s way of telling us something is wrong and needs to be changed. Investigating and addressing what is causing your IBS can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being.

Some of the ways we can help at Gut Recovery Centre are:

Colon Hydrotherapy - Helps to clear waste and gas blockages, hydrates gut muscles and stimulates the natural movement of the gut to restore function. It also aids in detoxing the body toxins that have built up over time from previous poor gut function.

Naturopathy - The main principle of naturopathy is to find and treat the underlying cause of disease in the body. Our naturopaths can help you investigate possible causes of IBS through functional testing. They can also help improve your gut's environment through diet, lifestyle and herbal medicine, which will help reduce your IBS symptoms.

Clinical Nutrition - Our clinical nutritionist can help you understand what foods will work best to help reduce your IBS symptoms and improve your overall gut health. They can also send you for functional gut testing and prescribe nutrients to support your gut healing.

Microbiome Gut Testing - Our natural health care practitioners can recommend the best testing options for you. We also offer gut testing packages to help get you started on your gut healing journey or to help you identify weaknesses in your microbiome so you can address them for optimal health and well-being.

Other services - All health begins in the gut. Sometimes, we have to think outside the box and peel back some layers to allow healing to take place. Stress, anxiety and past traumas can all impact our gut health. We offer an infrared sauna to help the body relax and destress. We also offer hypnotherapy to help you overcome limiting beliefs and address past Traumas.

How can colonics help with IBS?

At Gut Recovery Centre, we offer the Woods Gravity Method of Colon Hydrotherapy. This gentle method uses gravity, water and the natural movement of your gut to restore function to your colon.

The water helps to hydrate the colon, remove trapped gas and break down compacted waste so it can be removed from the body.

This not only helps constipation symptoms of IBS, it can also help with diarrhea as often loose bowels are caused by blockages higher up - only loose, watery stools can make it through.

During a colonic, the therapist will use pulsing and massage techniques to help stimulate the natural rhythmic movement of the colon. This helps to strengthen the colon muscles so they can move better on their own - like a mini workout for your gut.

Many other benefits are linked to colon hydrotherapy; you can read more about them here.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing the underlying cause of your IBS and the imbalances in the gut microbiome may offer new avenues of relief for those living with IBS. If you suspect you have IBS or are experiencing symptoms, get in touch. We can point you in the direction of where to start and explain the options available to you.

IBS does not have to be a life sentence!