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In the functional medicine world, we view IBS as a "communication breakdown" between your brain and your gut. It's not just in your head, it's a multifactorial disorder involving motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and the gut microbiome. Whether it's the "fight or flight" response triggering the HPA axis or post-infectious dysbiosis, your gut is sending out an SOS.
Key Takeaways:
- The Science: IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction. Triggers range from severe infections to a "garden" of gut bacteria overgrown with the wrong weeds (dysbiosis).
- The Food Lab: While a Low-FODMAP diet is the "gold standard" for temporary relief, the goal is long-term healing. Focus on soluble fibers (oats, carrots) and nature's remedies like kiwifruit for motility and peppermint oil for cramping.
- Lifestyle Matters: Stress management, sleep hygiene and exercise are non-negotiable for gut health.
Your gut is resilient! By tracking your food and mood, you can start restoring the "Wi-Fi" between your brain and belly.
References:
- American Gastroenterological Association. IBS in America: Despite advances, IBS remains a burden for many millions - American Gastroenterological Association
- National Institute of Health (NIH) NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States - NIDDK
- Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
- StatPearls [Internet]. (2024). Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 2. MDPI Nutrients (2026). Nutritional Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
- IBS Center. IBS Info - ibscenter.org
- Frontiers in Nutrition (2025). An umbrella review of meta-analyses on the low-FODMAP diet in IBS.
- Michigan Medicine (2025). Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Thank you for listening to Healthy California.
If you have tried all my suggestions and are still having trouble with your health, and would like an appointment with me, please email me, text, or call me via the contact information below.
My contact:
Linda Brown, MPT, Doctoral Candidate Functional Nutrition
916-426-2543
linda@heal-throughfood.com
www.heal-throughfood.com
