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IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Dr. Kolotinsky’s Naturopathic Medicine approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can help you identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. With Dr. Kolotinsky’s expertise and compassionate approach, improving your quality of life by taking control of your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms is possible.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms that affect the stomach and intestines. It is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and changes in bowel movement frequency or consistency. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is very common, affecting an estimated 10-15% of adults, and is more common in females than males. The symptoms can range from mild to severe in intensity and usually do not cause permanent damage to the colon but can significantly impact the quality of life.

Natural Medicine for Woman with IBS holding abdomen

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Gas & Bloating
  • Changes in bowel movement frequency or consistency
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement
  • Mucus in the stool
  • The urgency to have a bowel movement

There are additional symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that may seem unrelated to the gut, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Backache
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep irregularities

What are the different types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be divided into three distinct types depending on the predominant symptom:

  • IBS with constipation (IBS-C) – constipation is the main symptom
  • IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) – diarrhea is the main symptom
  • Mixed IBS (IBS-M or IBS-A) – alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea

What are other names for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as spastic colon, functional bowel disorder, and mucus colitis. It shouldn’t be confused with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis.

What are the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

The exact cause of IBS is not known, but there are numerous contributing factors, including:

  • Food sensitivities or allergies
  • Stress & anxiety
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Infections
  • Changes in gut bacteria (dysbiosis)
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Dysmotility, or an abnormal movement of the muscles in the digestive system
  • Brain-gut dysfunction (when the communication between the brain and gut becomes altered)
Rhodiola Rosea

An Integrative Approach to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Dr. Kolotinsky can effectively help patients manage acute episodes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ongoing issues by utilizing naturopathic medicine, and acupuncture, often leading to more lasting results than simply managing symptoms with medication alone.

By utilizing holistic therapies, naturopathic medicine, and acupuncture, Dr. Kolotinsky can effectively help patients manage acute episodes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and ongoing issues, often leading to more lasting results than simply managing symptoms with medication alone.

For those who suffer from IBS, an integrative approach helps to reduce symptoms while supporting overall health by looking at the root cause and contributing factors. Dr. Kolotinsky works with patients to create individualized treatment plans based on their unique constitution and lifestyle. He may include dietary modifications, herbal remedies, supplements, or traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, to help regulate the gut by reducing inflammation and improving digestive function while reducing stress.

By taking an integrative approach to treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), patients are empowered with the knowledge they need to take control of their health and improve their quality of life while living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Supplementation
Dr. Kolotinsky specializes in utilizing Naturopathic Medicine to support his patients and can assess your individual needs and provide guidance on appropriate supplementation.
Supplementing with prebiotics and probiotics alongside other naturopathic modalities may help reduce symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and support digestion.
Cramp-reducing and motility-supporting herbs may be used depending on the type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Common supplements include herbs such as ginger and peppermint, used for their calming effects on the gut. Other supportive herbal remedies include slippery elm bark, marshmallow root, and aloe vera juice, which contain compounds known to reduce cramps and increase motility in the intestines.
Additional herbal supplements recommended for IBS may include:
  • Artichoke leaf
  • Butternut bark
  • Turmeric
  • Psyllium husk
  • Slippery elm

Diet

Regarding diet recommendations for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the key is to focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes foods from all food groups. Dr. Kolotinsky will advise you on tailored dietary strategies to help manage your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), but some general guidelines to keep in mind include the following:

  • Eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
  • Drink adequate amounts of fluids each day
  • Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages (as these can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms)
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals

A food diary can help identify potential triggers and understand which foods trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. If a particular food or group of foods seems to contribute to digestive discomfort, eliminate them from your diet or reduce their frequency.

Ultimately, the best diet for managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) depends on each individual’s symptoms and triggers. By following recommended dietary guidelines and working with Dr. Kolotinsky, you can take steps toward reducing the severity of your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and living a healthier lifestyle overall.

Calm happy senior man sitting in lotus pose

Stress Reduction

Stress is a common trigger for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) flare-ups making it vital to develop effective stress management techniques to reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Various strategies may help reduce stress and manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, muscle relaxation techniques, regular exercise, yoga, and other forms of physical activity.

It’s important to note that everyone experiences stress differently, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Dr. Kolotinsky works with each patient to develop an achievable at-home program that includes diet, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques. The goal is to reduce Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, understand what triggers Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) flare-ups, adjust accordingly to improve quality of life and give patients the tools they need to manage their symptoms better and lead healthier lives.

What to Expect
Dr. Kolotinsky offers individual treatment plans tailored to the needs and goals of each individual. During your first appointment with Dr. Kolotinsky, you will fill out paperwork, upload recent labs, and discuss your current state of health. He will thoroughly review your medical history, discuss symptoms, and perform a physical exam to help identify any underlying imbalances and potential health concerns.

Dr. Kolotinsky believes education is key to your healing journey. While working together, you’ll learn how to heal, better listen to your body, understand the signals it sends you, and manage your health through simple and achievable lifestyle changes.

Your Custom Care Plan

Depending on what is uncovered, Dr. Kolotinsky might recommend more comprehensive testing and help devise a treatment plan that includes a custom treatment schedule, supplements, herbal recommendations, dietary modifications, and lifestyle support such as stress management techniques.

Healing from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a process, and Dr. Kolotinsky’s customized care plan helps you make that journey. Through a holistic approach to patient care, each patient receives a personalized treatment strategy with their individual needs in mind. Dr. Kolotinsky knows from working with hundreds of patients and his experience with digestive imbalances that a customized and comprehensive approach is essential for long-term success.

Every patient has unique needs, and your customized Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) management plan will create a plan of action that works best for you, your goals, and your overall lifestyle.

References:

  1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ​​https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389-overview
  2. IBS – Beyond the Bowel: The Meaning of Co-existing Medical Problems
    https://www.med.unc.edu/ibs/wp-content/uploads/sites/450/2017/10/IBS-Beyond-the-Bowel.pdf
  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Get started treating your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) naturally today!

Book a free 15 minute discovery call with Dr. Kolotinsky to discuss your options of care.
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