Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in North America. The symptoms of IBS can include just about anything you can think of. The cause of IBS is ultimately considered to be unknown, especially in the conventional medical system because IBS what we call a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that it can only be diagnosed once all other possibilities have been ruled out. Unfortunately, in the conventional medical system IBS is diagnosed far too often because the true causes have not been identified.

Naturopathic Doctors use the diagnoses of IBS much less frequently because many more contributing factors are considered. Naturopathic Doctors assess patients for food allergies and sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, low acid production, enzyme deficiencies, toxic burden, yeast infections, imbalance of GI tract bacteria, spinal subluxations, and nervous system dysregulation.

The treatment for symptoms of IBS should be targeted toward the causes and contributing factors. Treating symptoms with prescriptions, over the counter medication, or natural medicine will ultimately yield poor results because the underlying mechanisms are not addressed or changed. Identifying and treating the causes of IBS symptoms and supporting the organs of the GI tract are essential in the successful treatment of IBS.