IBS
IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a condition that causes belly pain, gas, bloating and diarrhea or constipation. Whereas SIBO affects the small intestine, IBS affects the large intestine. IBS has sometimes been referred to as a “nervous stomach” because often stress can cause symptoms such as sudden diarrhea. There are no definitive tests to diagnose IBS, diagnosis is based upon symptoms and elimination of other possible causes such as celiac disease and IBD(crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis). Long term IBS can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
IBS can be caused by imbalances in your gastrointestinal tract, but it can also have contributing factors such as stress. You may be wondering how chronic unresolved stress can possibly be affecting your gut. Keep in mind, stress comes in different forms, you can experience mental/emotional stress, physical stress, and even biochemical stress(food sensitivities/intolerances, parasites, toxicity, and/or bacterial or fungal overgrowths). Chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal gland, the gland that releases cortisol(the stress hormone), believes that due to one or more of the stressors above, you are in a constant state of fight or flight. This constant need for cortisol eventually causes the adrenal glands to not function as well as they should. Adrenal fatigue and IBS actually contribute to each others advancement because IBS caused by underlying biochemical stress such as parasites, toxicities, food sensitivities, or bacterial or fungal overgrowths can cause cortisol levels to rise and increased cortisol can cause immune system suppression, digestion inhibition, and can even reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut leading to IBS.
Functional Medicine Practitioners will perform multiple tests to determine if you have a balanced microbiome, proper nutrient levels, and adequate adrenal function. They will also rule out parasitic infections and/or bacterial or fungal overgrowths, and inflammatory issues that may be contributing to your IBS symptoms.