Find Lasting Relief with Expert IBS Specialists in Vancouver
Find relief from bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort with an integrated approach to IBS management.
Common IBS Symptoms & Triggers
IBS can present differently for everyone, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Common IBS Symptoms
Abdominal pain and cramping
Bloating and gas
Diarrhea, constipation, or both (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M)
Urgent or incomplete bowel movements
Common IBS Triggers
Dietary Sensitivities: Processed foods, dairy, gluten, high-FODMAP foods
Stress & Anxiety: Increased gut sensitivity due to nervous system overactivity
Gut Microbiome Imbalance: Overgrowth of bacteria or yeast affecting digestion
Hormonal Fluctuations: IBS symptoms can worsen during menstrual cycles
Integrated Approaches From IBS Specialists
Managing your IBS requires an integrated approach to address gut health, inflammation, and nervous system regulation.
Nutritional Strategies for IBS Management
Holistic Nutritionists support IBS by addressing digestive imbalances through personalized dietary strategies and lifestyle interventions. They focus on optimizing gut function by identifying food triggers, supporting microbiome diversity, and improving digestion through mindful eating practices. Rather than just eliminating problem foods, they help clients strengthen their digestive system, improve fibre tolerance, and rebuild gut resilience for long-term health.
Nutritional approaches may include elimination or Low FODMAP diets to pinpoint intolerances, fibre training to improve digestive motility, and gut-healing protocols incorporating probiotic-rich foods and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Your Holistic Nutritionist can also help you navigate food reintroductions, meal planning for nutrient balance, and strategies to support stress-related digestive issues, ensuring sustainable, symptom-free eating.
Support Your Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome plays a vital role not only in maintaining digestive health but also in supporting overall well-being by influencing immune function, metabolism, and mood regulation. Imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), chronic inflammation, and disrupted gut-brain communication. These imbalances also affect gut motility, causing either slower or quicker transit times, which can manifest as a spectrum of symptoms such as urgency, loose stools, or constipation. Treatment focuses on improving the diversity and balance of healthy microbes in the gut, which is essential for addressing these motility issues and reducing chronic IBS symptoms, fostering better gut health and overall wellness. (pubmed)
Naturopathic Support for IBS
Naturopathic Doctors focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of IBS, using advanced testing and clinical assessment to uncover food sensitivities, microbiome imbalances, and functional digestive issues. Rather than managing symptoms alone, they work to rebalance the gut environment and support long-term digestive resilience.
Treatment plans may include herbal remedies, targeted gut-healing protocols, and individualized supplement regimens. Your ND can also guide you through stool or food sensitivity testing to personalize your care based on what’s truly triggering your symptoms.
Addressing the Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis refers to the complex communication network between the gut and the brain, which plays a central role in the development and management of IBS. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA are key regulators of intestinal motility and sensitivity, both of which are frequently disrupted in IBS. Stress and psychological disorders can exacerbate IBS symptoms, while IBS itself can contribute to psychological distress, creating a bidirectional feedback loop. Addressing the gut-brain axis through therapeutic approaches such as somatic therapy and stress management strategies is an integral part of comprehensive IBS treatment, helping to restore balance and reduce both physical and emotional symptoms. (pubmed)
Acupuncture for IBS
Acupuncture offers a gentle and effective way to support the digestive system and manage IBS symptoms. By combining auricular (ear) and body acupuncture points, treatments can help reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Acupuncture also supports the nervous system, helping to calm the stress response that often worsens IBS symptoms.
Sessions may include directions for simple at-home techniques such as acupressure or tuina massage to extend the benefits between visits. Nutritional guidance and stress-reduction strategies, including gentle qigong exercises, are often recommended to enhance treatment outcomes.
Meet Your IBS Specialist Team
Our team of integrative health practitioners specialize in digestive wellness and personalized IBS treatment plans.
Find Relief from IBS – Book a Consultation Today
Take control of your gut health and start feeling better with a personalized, evidence-based IBS treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About IBS
-
IBS symptoms vary but often include bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both.
-
Common triggers include certain foods (such as high-FODMAP foods), stress, hormonal changes, and gut microbiome imbalances.
-
Yes, many people find relief by following a low-FODMAP diet, identifying food sensitivities, and incorporating gut-friendly foods.
-
Stress can trigger and worsen IBS symptoms by affecting gut motility and increasing inflammation. Managing stress through mindfulness, breathwork, and relaxation techniques can help.
-
Yes, naturopathic approaches, including herbal medicine, probiotics, acupuncture, and dietary strategies, can help manage IBS symptoms.
-
This varies depending on the individual and treatment approach, but many people notice improvements within a few weeks of starting an integrated care plan.