IBS & SIBO

A low FODMAP diet can be effective in reducing symptoms for both of these conditions. This approach reduces the fermentable sugars in your diet that operate as fast food for your intestinal bacteria, producing gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

However, starting and sticking to a low FODMAP method can be tricky. This diet should be implemented carefully to ensure that it is safe for you and doesn’t lead to new food anxieties or unnecessary over restriction. Many of our patients will find it very helpful to work with our GI-trained dietitian to help craft a sustainable, diverse, gut-friendly diet that reduces or eliminates your symptoms.

Absolutely. Though stress and anxiety are not thought to cause IBS, they can certainly make it worse. IBS is a disorder of the gut-brain axis, which means our brain and our gut constantly communicate and influence each other. Abdominal cramping, pain, or diarrhea can cause anxiety – and anxiety can cause digestive issues! Our approach prioritizes your mental health and well-being, focusing on stress management, sleep, and any underlying psychiatric conditions that may contribute to digestive distress. By addressing the brain and the body in IBS, we help you break the cycle of stress and symptoms – so you can regain control of your gut and your life.

We think the gut microbiome plays a significant role in IBS and SIBO, but so far, probiotics haven’t shown much promise to address these conditions. Why is that? Our intestinal tracts are home to thousands of good bacteria species, but each of us is different. Though probiotics are live bacteria, often what you find at the health food store is randomly selected. We don’t yet have the tools to tell us whether the product you purchased is right for you.

For many IBS patients, we can find a long-term solution. The key is identifying the ‘why’ behind your symptoms with our whole-body approach: gut motility, nutrition, stress or even nervous system dysregulation are all possible causes. We’ll then work to address the underlying cause so that you can regain control of your life.

Nearly half of SIBO patients have a relapse within a year of treatment. Typically this means the root cause of the excess bacteria has yet to be identified: this could be medication, a prior abdominal surgery, or altered gut motility.

We strongly believe that IBS & SIBO should not be a lifelong struggle. In all cases, our first goal is symptom relief. When these conditions are chronic or recurring, we’ll build toward durable improvements to help you take charge of your digestive and mental health.