Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) used to be referred to as ‘nervous digestion’ or ‘spastic/mucous colitis’. Many digestive disorders can mimic IBS, so it is important to have a complete evaluation by your naturopathic doctor to determine if what you have is IBS. These disorders can include malabsorption disorders, lactose intolerance, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer.

Common symptoms of IBS include the following continuous conditions:
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Nausea and low appetite
• Variable bowel function: constipation and/or diarrhea
• Gas/flatulence and painful bowel movements

The factors that contribute to IBS vary for each individual, though research supports the following aggravating or causative factors. These factors include:

• Multiple food sensitivities and/or intolerances
• Inadequate nutrition, especially the consumption of large amounts of highly refined, sugary, low-fibre foods
• High levels of stress
• Altered microbial organisms in the intestine (i.e. not enough of the ‘good’ bacteria needed for intestinal health)
• Lifestyle habits including lack of exercise
• Heredity

IBS is an extremely uncomfortable chronic condition of the large intestine that afflicts both men and women. It is the most common digestive illness in North American, affecting approximately 15% of the population. IBS significantly impacts the comfort and lifestyle of those who live with its often distressing symptoms.
 
There are many other digestive problems that interfere with proper digestion and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Improper digestion can prevent vital nutrients from being properly absorbed and used by the body. Therefore, should you suffer from gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, skin conditions, heart burn, ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems, a naturopathic doctor can help you resolve these concerns.

With all digestive disorders, including IBS, your naturopathic doctor will take an individualized approach to your health. To help rebalance digestion and repair the gastrointestinal tract, your naturopathic doctor may recommend dietary changes, herbal medicines, homeopathic remedies or acupuncture.

When treating digestive disturbances, your naturopathic doctor will help you understand what agents or goods are aggravating your digestive system and help educate you about removing or replacing those foods in your diet. By eliminating these irritants, followed by treatments that repair the digestive system, significant improvement in symptoms can be achieved.

Other digestive problems that your naturopathic doctor can help treat include:

• Indigestion, bloating,
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Candida
• Crohns Disease
• Colitis
• Gastro-esophageal reflux
• Stomach/intestinal ulcers
• Hemorrhoids
• Mouth canker sores
• Colon Cancer