According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), IBS affects anywhere between 25-45 million people in the US. IBS typically affects more women than men. It’s also estimated that 5-10% of the world population suffers from IBS. The exact causes of IBS are not known, and the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual. At Champion Naturopathic Health located in Minnetonka, we’ve seen great success treating IBS using various methods, a few of which we’ll describe in more detail in this blog.
Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
There are a variety of symptoms that occur with IBS, most of which feature abdominal pain or discomfort in some way. Some common symptoms include:
• Cramping
• Sharp pain
• Bloating
• Fullness
• Burning
• Urgency to use the restroom
• Mucus in stool
Individuals who suffer from IBS can also experience symptoms not related to stomach discomfort, such as:
• Sleep trouble
• Migraine headaches
• Pelvic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety or depression
How SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Relates to IBS
You may have never heard of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), but it is closely related to IBS. SIBO is the presence of excess bacteria in the small intestine, which can result in stomach discomfort and ultimately cause IBS. Studies indicate up to 80% of individuals with IBS have SIBO, making it the leading cause of irritable bowel syndrome.
If you’re dealing with IBS, you are likely frustrated and not sure where to turn. At Champion Naturopathic Health, our own Dr. Nate Champion has helped countless individuals combat the symptoms of IBS. When you work with Dr. Champion, he’ll strive to take a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating your IBS. This will include a variety of functional medicine testing to get to the root cause of your condition instead of just masking the symptoms, which is often done in traditional medicine. Some of the IBS testing our medical team may complete could include:
• Lactulose Breath Testing
• Comprehensive Stool Testing
• Food Sensitivity Testing
• Bloodwork
• Customized nutritional supplementation
• Dietary/Nutritional Counseling & Modification
• Lifestyle Strategies
• Stress Management
Schedule a Comprehensive Evaluation In Minnetonka
If you’re struggling with IBS, now is the time to reach out to the team at Champion Naturopathic Health. Our doctors will provide a comprehensive examination where we get to the root cause of your IBS to develop a holistic treatment plan. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Champion today, call our office at (952) 417-1912.
Testimonial from Champion Naturopathic Health Patient Katy Briel
I am a 70 year old woman and have suffered from gastrointestinal issues for many years without relief. Chronic heartburn, acid reflux, indigestion, bloating, bad breath, nausea, burping disorders, constipation, the list goes on. I have seen many gastroenterologists, had countless procedures and spent many hundreds and thousands of dollars on needless drugs and diets without any success. Finally I was diagnosed with sibo but my gastroenterologist had no idea how to treat me and sent me on to someone else who just prescribed more expensive drugs. Out of pure frustration I searched on my own for someone who specialized primarily in sibo and I discovered Dr Nate Champion at Champion Naturopathic Health. At our first visit Dr Champion spent 90 minutes listening to my history, frustrations with my disease and endless, useless treatments. He had me do several tests and then put me on a special diet designed to eradicate the causes of sibo, plus supplements to bolster my weakened gut and overall health. I have been seeing him for four months and my condition has improved 100%! I would not have believed it if I hadn’t experienced it myself. After so many years of suffering I am finally feeling well! Just about all of my symptoms have disappeared and I feel like a normal person now rather than someone who is always sick, popping antacids and not living the life of a healthy person. I’m sure there are many people in situations similar to mine, who are frustrated and just don’t know where to turn for help. I highly recommend Dr Nate Champion. Dr Champion is professional, patient, an excellent listener, highly knowledgeable in his field and a very good man. His approach to my illness is natural, noninvasive, logical and just plain healthy. I am eternally grateful to him and and the help he has given me.
