Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs when muscles in your intestines contract faster or slower than normal. This causes pain, cramping, gassiness, sudden bouts of diarrhoea, and constipation.

TWO TYPES OF IBS EXIST

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

WHAT CAUSES IT?

The underlying cause remains unknown. But the syndrome has no relation to actual disease, and it does not lead to other diseases. From my clinical experience, dysbiosis, stress, food sensitivities and lifestyle definitely play a role in worsening the symptoms and sometimes are actually the cause.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR PROVIDER'S OFFICE

Conventionally accepted medical approaches of assessment for this condition may include abdominal examination to check for signs of pain. If you are female, you may also have a pelvic examination. Your healthcare provider may want to conduct an ultrasound, take X rays or samples of your blood and urine, and/or utilize a sigmoidoscope - a flexible instrument inserted into the rectum - to examine your lower colon.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR NATUROPATHIC CLINIC?

The naturopathic approach includes identifying what the root cause of the problem is using various testing methods such as comprehensive stool testing and blood testing, and also doing an extensive intake of your symptoms.

At our clinic, during your initial 1.5 hour one - on - one consult with our Naturopathic Doctor, Sushma Shah, you will be undergo a comprehensive symptom intake in detail, and at the end of the visit, you will be required to do some blood and urine testing. Her assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally. She will determine which assessment tools are most helpful in establishing a treatment strategy specific to your health needs.

Dr. Shah may order some specialized testing, if need be in order to get all the necessary physiological information and to get a more complete picture of your symptoms - to get to the root cause of your symptoms. Following this visit, you will be coming in for your second visit, in which she will be doing a full physical check up, including a breast exam, a traditional Chinese medicine tongue and pulse diagnosis, body fat analysis and blood glucose testing. After having gone through your case, she will be giving you an INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT PLAN that is specific to the symptoms you have.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Try to avoid stressful situations or foods that have triggered IBS in the past. Monthly hormonal changes and some drugs can affect your condition. Establishing regular bowel habits can be helpful. IBS has many underlying causes that can often be successfully treated with alternative therapies. Stress reduction techniques through biofeedback, hypnosis, or counselling can help you deal with stress.

Please ask your doctor or naturopath before starting on any supplements. Its is better to first identify the cause and then treat it with the right remedies, even though those mentioned above have minimal side effects.

The information on this handout is the property of Toronto Naturopath SUSHMA SHAH N.D., and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any disease. For any questions, or concerns, please contact me at 416 913 4325 (HEAL) or email me at info@naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com