Take Control of Your IBS: A Personalized Path to Relief
Living with IBS: Finding Hope Beyond the Symptoms
Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can feel like an uphill battle. Whether it’s the sudden rush to find a bathroom, the discomfort of bloating, or the frustration of never knowing what your stomach will do next, IBS can impact every aspect of your life—physically, emotionally, and socially.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to live this way. At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take a different approach to ease IBS naturally, working with you to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and create a personalized plan to help you feel better—fast.
Understanding IBS and Its Symptoms
IBS affects an estimated 25–45 million Americans, with women making up two-thirds of those diagnosed. While it can occur at any age, IBS is believed to result from disruptions in communication between the gut, brain, and nervous system. These disruptions affect how your bowel functions and can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Fatigue
- Stomach burning or bloating
- Chronic stomach ulcers
- Weight loss or malnutrition
- Anemia from intestinal bleeding
- Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
For many people, these symptoms go beyond physical discomfort. IBS often leads to missed workdays, skipped social events, and the constant worry of finding a bathroom nearby. It can feel isolating and unpredictable—but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Mainstream Treatments Aren’t Always Enough
Conventional treatments for IBS often focus on symptom relief rather than root causes. Common prescriptions may include:
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Antispasmodics
- Low-dose antidepressants (used to relieve stomach pain)
While these medications can bring short-term relief, they often come with side effects and rarely address the deeper imbalances driving IBS. At Alt-Fam Med, we take a different path—one that prioritizes long-term healing.
A Functional Medicine Approach to IBS Relief
Our holistic approach focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying factors contributing to your digestive distress. Instead of masking symptoms, we look for the “why” behind your IBS and build a plan that helps your body restore balance naturally.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
We use comprehensive testing—including functional blood chemistry panels—to uncover food sensitivities, allergies, and gut imbalances caused by yeast, parasites, bacteria, or viruses.
Personalized Nutritional Support
Diet plays a major role in gut health. Many IBS patients struggle with hidden sensitivities like gluten intolerance. Through individualized nutritional counseling, we develop a diet plan that nourishes your gut and reduces inflammation.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Simple but powerful changes—like improving sleep, managing stress, and staying active—can dramatically reduce IBS flare-ups. We’ll work with you to create healthy habits that fit your lifestyle.
Therapeutic-Grade Herbal Supplements
Instead of relying on steroids or pharmaceuticals, we use natural, evidence-based supplements that calm inflammation, support gut healing, and promote long-term wellness.
What Makes Our Approach Different?
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Every patient is unique, and so is every care plan we create. Our approach is built on personalized care, early intervention, and a deep understanding of how the gut impacts overall health. By addressing IBS now, we can help prevent more serious gastrointestinal issues such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease later on.
Many patients report noticeable relief within just four weeks of beginning their customized treatment plan. Imagine what your life could look like one month from now—more energy, less discomfort, and freedom to enjoy food and life again.
Real Patient Success Stories
We’ve witnessed incredible transformations in our patients. Here’s one of them:
Shireen Wright’s Story
“I struggled with Candida in my gut for over 20 years, which turned into Candida Overgrowth after taking antibiotics six years ago. My health, energy, and emotional well-being deteriorated. I worked with two different functional doctors with no success.
Then I found Dr. Ann Barter, and everything changed. She correctly diagnosed me, linking my issues to mold exposure and Candida. After just two months of treatment, I’ve gained energy, lost weight, and no longer feel bloated. My headaches, acne, and hair loss have improved dramatically, and my cravings are under control. I’m back to high-energy workouts, and my mind is clearer than ever—all without medications! I’m so grateful for Dr. Barter’s natural, effective approach to health. I highly recommend her to anyone struggling with IBS or gut issues!”
Shireen’s experience is just one of many success stories that demonstrate the power of Functional Medicine to transform digestive health.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You
Living with IBS doesn’t mean settling for discomfort or constant worry. Whether you’re tired of unpredictable symptoms, want to enjoy meals without fear, or are ready to stop mapping bathrooms, we’re here to help.
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, our mission is simple: to empower you to take control of your IBS with personalized, natural care that delivers real results.
Ready to Feel Better? Book Your Appointment Today!
FAQs
- What is IBS? IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a chronic digestive disorder that causes bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
- What causes IBS? The exact cause is unknown, but stress, diet, gut bacteria imbalance, and food sensitivities can trigger symptoms.
- How is IBS diagnosed? Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other digestive conditions.
- Can diet help manage IBS? Yes, avoiding trigger foods like dairy, gluten, and processed sugars can significantly reduce symptoms.
- What are common IBS triggers? Stress, high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and FODMAP carbohydrates.
- How does Functional Medicine treat IBS? By addressing root causes, improving gut health, managing stress, and using targeted supplements.
- Is IBS the same as IBD? No, IBS is a functional disorder, while IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) involves chronic gut inflammation.
- Can stress make IBS worse? Yes, stress can trigger or worsen symptoms by disrupting gut-brain communication.
- Are probiotics helpful for IBS? Probiotics can support balanced gut bacteria and aid digestion in some patients.
- Can IBS be cured? There is no cure, but symptoms can be effectively managed through diet, lifestyle, and personalized treatment.