Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive system disorder, characterized by stomach pain and diarrhea or constipation. The cause differs for every patient, and the best treatment depends on the diagnosed cause.

How many people in the United States have IBS? According to the International Foundation of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, between 25 and 45 million people in the United States have IBS. That is almost a quarter of American adults.

Digestive diseases are nothing to be embarrassed about, but you don’t have to live with such abdominal distress. You may be able to resolve digestive issues by identifying and addressing the underlying cause.

Below, we break down everything you need to know about this condition.

At PrimeHealth, we identify and treat the root cause of your IBS symptoms, instead of masking superficial symptoms. If you live in Colorado, set up your free 15-minute consultation today.

Disclaimer: We may receive a small commission from products you purchase via links in this article.

What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a large intestine disorder that causes recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation over at least 6 months. IBS is associated with excess gas, spastic colon, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and other health conditions — not just in the gut.

How long does IBS last? Individual flare-ups may last for just a couple of days to many months at a time. IBS symptoms must last for at least 6 months to officially be diagnosed, but this condition can last your whole life if you don’t do anything about it.

4 Subtypes of IBS

Below are the 4 types of IBS as categorized by the Rome IV Criteria:

• Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D) describes when diarrhea (wet or loose stool) presents in more than 25% of bowel movements while constipation presents in fewer than 25%.
• Constipation-predominant (IBS-C) describes when constipation (hard or difficult-to-pass stool) presents in more than 25% of bowel movements while diarrhea presents in fewer than 25%.
• Mixed, or mixed pattern (IBS-M) presents both constipation and diarrhea more than 25% of the time each.
• Unspecified (IBS-U) covers any cases of IBS that don’t fit into the other subtypes.

Symptoms of IBS

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Stomach growling
• Cramps
• Urgency to go
• Undesired weight loss or weight gain
• Changing bowel habits
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

How do you feel when you have irritable bowel syndrome? The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are bloating and cramping. You seldom feel comfortable when you’re more than a minute from a bathroom. IBS symptoms make you feel as if you’re sick to your stomach, resulting in frequent bathroom trips.

READ NEXT: Colon Cleansing: Types, Benefits, Dangers & FAQs

Distinguishing IBS vs. Other Conditions

There are several health conditions and symptoms that may be confused with IBS:

• Menstrual cramping may be confused with abdominal cramping for women during a menstrual cycle. Most women can decipher which is which, but younger women who have only recently started menstruating may not have the same experience distinguishing between the two.
• IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) can be tricky to differentiate from irritable bowel syndrome. IBS and IBD are separate classifications. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are examples of IBD, and both are considered more severe disorders than IBS. Extra-gastrointestinal IBD symptoms (outside the gut) include eye inflammation, joint pain, and extreme fatigue. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis of IBD with a colonoscopy and biopsies from the digestive tract.
• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten causes inflammation and IBS-like symptoms. Avoiding gluten and strengthening your immune system should help.
• Lactose intolerance describes the lack of lactase enzyme which digests lactose, AKA milk sugar found in dairy products. This intolerance may contribute to IBS symptoms, but it is easier to prevent lactose intolerance-caused abdominal upset. Simply find dairy alternatives or take lactase supplements.
• Diverticulitis is when pouches or pockets form in weak, sagging parts of your lower colon, leading to inflammation that can cause symptoms similar to IBS.

Diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

To diagnose IBS, doctors refer to the Rome IV Criteria. A proper diagnosis of IBS is when you have experienced:

• Recurring abdominal pain for 6 or more months, or any two of the following three symptoms in the past 3 months
• Pain or relief related to bowel movements
• Change in frequency of bowel movements
• Change in consistency of bowel movements

The upcoming Rome V Criteria is due to come out in 2026, possibly changing the standard diagnostic procedures for IBS.

What to Rule Out

During the diagnostic process, your healthcare provider may wish to rule out any of the following disorders:

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• IBD
• Anemia
• Colon cancer
• Carcinoid syndrome
• Menstrual changes
• Food allergies
• Leaky gut
• Chronic inflammation
• Chronic stress
• Parasites
• Yeast overgrowth
• Antibiotic overuse
• Hormone imbalance

How to Test

IBS is often a “diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning that other known causes for gastrointestinal distress need to be ruled out before you get an official IBS diagnosis from a gastroenterologist or other healthcare professional.

Before any lab tests, your doctor may ask about your personal medical history and family history. They may also perform a rectal exam.

Keeping an up-to-date food diary may help you and your doctor nail down your unique IBS triggers.

A colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, stool test, or CT scan may be required to rule out conditions besides IBS.

At PrimeHealth, my team and I run SIBO tests for all our patients with IBS since SIBO is a common cause of its symptoms. The majority of the time, the test comes back positive.

Glucose and lactulose breath tests are less invasive than blood tests and can effectively identify SIBO.

• A methane-positive test usually indicates a constipation-dominant IBS.
• A hydrogen-positive test usually indicates diarrhea-dominant IBS.

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Causes of IBS

The main causes of IBS are different for every patient. Common causes include SIBO, hormonal changes, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, infections, antibiotic overuse, nervous system dysfunction, and cancer — in rare cases.

Talk to your doctor about identifying your unique underlying cause so that you can treat those root causes instead of simply masking symptoms.

Risk Factors for IBS

The most common risk factors for IBS include:

• Stress
• Younger age
• Female sex
• Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Diabetes
• Mental health problems
• Family history of IBS

Common IBS Triggers

IBS flare-ups may be triggered by:

• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
• Antibiotics
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Hormone imbalance
• Parasites
• Excessive caffeine
• Low vagal tone
• Bacterial infection
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Poor hydration
• Fructose malabsorption
• Food allergens
• Food poisoning
• Eating too frequently
• Histamine intolerance
• Candida or yeast overgrowth, possibly caused by simply carbohydrates
• Excessive alcohol

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IBS Treatments

The most common and effective treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome may surprise you. Rifaximin, lifestyle and dietary changes, fecal transplant, supplements, and limited antibiotic use may get rid of your pesky IBS symptoms.

We have found that IBS can be cured in most cases. Yes, that is a controversial claim to make. But our patients prove it to be true.

Medications

IBS medications can support the recovery and reversal of this condition. Some address underlying causes while others mask symptoms. Not all medications are created equally, and you should always pay attention to side effects.

Below are the most common medications to help with IBS:

• Rifaximin is the generic of Xifaxan, an FDA-approved antibiotic to treat IBS-D.
• Neomycin is a safe antibiotic for methane-dominant IBS.
• Antispasmodics like Bentyl (dicyclomine) may help with cramping.
• Laxatives are meant to treat constipation.
• Antidiarrheals like loperamide (Imodium) are meant to treat diarrhea.
• Tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may improve mental health and ease physical pain. These antidepressants may lead to serious side effects.
• Metronidazole or tinidazole are antiparasitic antibiotics that address parasites as an underlying cause.
• Prokinetics (AKA promotility agents) are benign medications that help your digestive tract’s motility, which is useful in stubborn IBS cases. Some examples are ginger, low-dose naltrexone, and prucalopride.
• Biofilm disruptors may weaken harmful bacteria. Bacteria often form a biofilm to adapt to antibiotics, so a biofilm disruptor may be needed to neutralize bacterial biofilm defenses.

Rifaximin is the only medication we prescribe for hydrogen-dominant IBS. While many insurance companies will not pay its high price tag, we use pharmacies in Canada to obtain the generic form at a reasonable price.

Supplements

Research reveals that specific herbal blends may be as effective as Rifaximin in treating SIBO. For many patients, the all-natural route is the best one. Dietary supplements are a vital part of natural IBS treatment.

The following dietary supplements may help treat irritable bowel syndrome:

• Probiotics may restore the good bacteria in your gut, balancing out the bad bacteria that may be causing IBS symptoms or leaky gut.
• Vitamin D, the only vitamin that is also a hormone, may help treat IBS. Vitamin D deficiency is significantly more prevalent in those with IBS than those without IBS.
• Fiber supplements (psyllium) may reduce diarrhea and constipation though it could increase bloating.
• Digestive enzymes may aid in the digestive process.
• Berberine may address yeast infections.
• Artemisia may treat parasites.
• Chasteberry may balance hormones.
• Iodine may help correct thyroid problems.
• Allicin may treat SIBO.
• Glutathione may fight toxins.
• Oil of oregano may treat SIBO, yeast infections, and leaky gut.
• Peppermint oil may address constipation.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown by study after study to help treat bowel diseases like IBS and chronic bowel inflammation.

Diet

What is a typical IBS diet? The low-FODMAP diet is typically beneficial for IBS patients. My team and I recommend a temporary low-FODMAP elimination diet as part of nearly every IBS management plan for PrimeHealth patients. We will slowly reintroduce foods to see what you can handle and what may be triggering your IBS.

FODMAP stands for “fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols,” and they’re basically fermentable carbs. They can trigger bloating and other IBS symptoms. Low-FODMAP is not meant to be followed for more than a few months.

What foods usually trigger IBS? Avoid these IBS-triggering foods on the low-FODMAP diet:

• Wheat
• Rye
• Dairy
• Beans
• Garlic (contain fructans)
• Onions (contain fructans)
• Fruit (because of fructose)
• Asparagus
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Mushrooms
• Snow peas
• Agave nectar
• Sugar alcohols
• Ripe bananas

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes can reduce your IBS symptoms or prevent IBS flare-ups:

• Stress relief is a great way to lower your risk for irritable bowel syndrome. Talk therapy, hypnotherapy, a full night’s sleep, yoga, and spending time outside can all relieve stress.
• Exercise may help treat IBS. This clinical trial revealed that physically active people are significantly less likely to suffer from IBS than inactive people.
• Intermittent fasting may help relieve IBS. If you’re eating too much too quickly, your digestive tract doesn’t have time to process the food properly. Aim for a 12-hour fasting window, then work your way to 14-16 hours between dinner and breakfast.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps IBS patients train their bowels, small intestine, and rectum to move waste when the patient wants to — not when the body decides to.
• Detox is a great way to make sure your gut is not full of heavy metals, pesticides, and excess estrogen. Detoxification can take many forms, but eating organic and checking for mold in your home are two great ways to avoid toxins.

Complications of Untreated IBS

Several possible complications can arise when you live with untreated irritable bowel syndrome, including:

• Lower quality of life
• Mental health conditions
• Leaky gut syndrome
• Infections
• Hemorrhoids
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hormone dysfunction
• Nutrient malabsorption
• Cognitive decline, due to vitamin B12 malabsorption
• Osteoporosis, due to calcium malabsorption

Actionable Steps to Reverse IBS Naturally

At PrimeHealth, we understand that many patients want to avoid taking medication for IBS and would rather address the root causes of their symptoms. Here are some actionable steps you can take to manage and potentially reverse your IBS naturally:

Step 1: Identify Your Triggers

Keeping a detailed food and symptom diary can be a game-changer in managing IBS. Start by writing down everything you eat and drink throughout the day, as well as any symptoms you experience, like bloating, stomach pain, or irregular bowel movements.

Don’t forget to note your emotions and stress levels, too—stress can often play a big role in IBS flare-ups. By consistently tracking this information, you can start to identify patterns and pinpoint which foods or situations may be triggering your symptoms.

For example, you might notice that dairy or highly processed foods tend to cause issues. Over time, this awareness can help you make informed choices and avoid your personal triggers, leading to fewer flare-ups and better overall gut health.

Step 2: Follow a Low-FODMAP Diet

A low-FODMAP diet is a great way to understand which foods might be causing your digestive troubles. Start by gradually cutting out foods that commonly irritate the gut, like dairy, wheat, garlic, onions, and certain fruits such as apples, cherries or even bananas. This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate them forever—this step is just to give your digestive system a break and reset.

After a few weeks, you can begin reintroducing these foods one at a time, spacing them out enough to gauge your body’s reaction. This step-by-step process helps you pinpoint exactly which foods you tolerate well and which ones might trigger symptoms.

It’s important to take your time with this and listen to your body—it’s not a race, and everyone’s digestive system is different. Plus, keeping a food diary during this phase can be incredibly helpful for tracking how you feel after eating specific foods.

Step 3: Manage Stress

Managing stress is crucial to supporting overall well-being, including digestive health. Stress can take a toll on your body, so taking steps to reduce it can make a big difference. Techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are great tools for helping you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Meditation allows you to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Yoga not only helps relieve tension and build strength, but it also encourages mindfulness and relaxation through its flowing movements and breathing focus.

Deep breathing exercises are another simple practice you can do anywhere—even a few deep, intentional breaths can help calm your nervous system when things get overwhelming. By making stress-reduction techniques part of your everyday life, you can create a sense of balance and help your body function at its best.

Step 4: Hydration & Proper Sleep

Drinking plenty of water and getting proper sleep is essential for keeping your gut healthy and functioning well. Staying hydrated helps your digestive system do its job efficiently, as water aids in breaking down food and moving it through your intestines. Without enough water, you might experience issues like constipation or poor digestion, which can disrupt your overall gut health.

Similarly, sleep plays a significant role in keeping your gut balanced. While you rest, your body takes that time to repair and restore itself, including your digestive system.

Poor or inconsistent sleep can throw off the balance of gut bacteria, which are vital for good digestion and overall wellness. Establishing a regular sleep schedule—where you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day—helps your body develop a natural rhythm that supports both rest and digestion.

Step 5: Consider Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

It may come as a surprise, but your brain and gut are closely connected, communicating through a pathway often called the brain-gut axis. This connection means that stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors can directly influence your digestive system, potentially triggering or worsening IBS symptoms.

That’s where Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can make a big difference. Working with a therapist who specializes in IBS-focused CBT can help you retrain this brain-gut connection.

CBT for IBS often involves identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns that may contribute to stress or anxiety about your symptoms. Through practical techniques like relaxation exercises, mindfulness strategies, and guided thought reframing, a CBT therapist helps you break the cycle of stress and IBS flare-ups. Studies show that patients reported health benefits for at least 1 year after completing CBT treatment.

Additionally, some CBT therapists use gut-directed techniques, where mental focus becomes a tool for easing physical symptoms. Over time, this structured approach can empower you to feel more in control of your mind-body connection.

Clinic Success Rates: Results from PrimeHealth Patients

At PrimeHealth, we’re proud to share the success we’ve had in helping our patients manage and overcome their IBS symptoms. By focusing on root-cause treatment approaches, we’ve achieved a remarkable 75% success rate in reversing or significantly reducing IBS symptoms among our patients.

These results aren’t just short-term victories—they represent meaningful, lasting changes. Through personalized care plans that address each individual’s unique needs, over 80% of our patients report long-term relief from symptoms.

Check Out What Our Customers Have To Say!

Creating a Personalized IBS Management Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Our goal at PrimeHealth is to help you find real, lasting relief from IBS symptoms. To do that, we take a holistic approach that takes into account all aspects of your health and lifestyle.

Initial Consultation & Testing

The first step in your journey to relief starts with setting up an appointment to talk about your symptoms. This isn’t just any appointment—it’s a chance for us to truly listen to your story, understand your experiences, and start piecing together the puzzle of your health.

Our team of functional medical practitioners focuses on identifying the root cause is the key to lasting relief from IBS. That’s why we offer advanced testing options tailored to your needs. These tests can help uncover potential factors contributing to your symptoms, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), hormonal imbalances, or food intolerances.

By digging deeper and gathering critical insights, we’re able to create a clear and detailed picture of what’s going on. Together, we’ll use this information to design a personalized treatment plan that addresses more than just the symptoms.

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Customized Dietary Plan

Once we have your test results in hand, we can help craft a meal plan tailored specifically to your needs. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s all about you.

If your results indicate sensitivities or conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), we might recommend a low-FODMAP diet. This type of plan minimizes certain fermentable carbs that can trigger gut discomfort, helping to reduce bloating, gas, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Alternatively, we may explore other gut-friendly approaches based on what your body needs most. The goal is to create a balanced, nourishing plan that supports your healing, fuels your energy, and helps you feel your best every day.

Stress Management Program

Stress can impact gut health, but incorporating techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or therapy can help you manage it effectively. We’re here to support you in starting small, whether it’s trying a quick mindful breathing exercise or exploring an online yoga class. With consistent, simple practices, you can reduce stress and feel more balanced both mentally and physically.

Monitoring & Adjustments

Regularly checking in with our team is an essential part of your wellness journey. By reviewing your progress periodically, you can better understand what’s working for you and what might need tweaking.

A treatment plan isn’t set in stone, it should evolve alongside your needs and lifestyle. During these check-ins, we can help fine-tune your approach, whether that means adjusting dietary recommendations, introducing new strategies, or identifying areas where extra support might be needed.

These adjustments ensure that your plan stays tailored to you, helping you achieve the best possible results. Remember, this process is all about collaboration and finding what helps you feel your best.

Book Your FREE Consultation Today!

Exercise & IBS: What You Should Know

Light to moderate exercises, such as walking, cycling, and yoga, are particularly helpful because they can ease constipation and reduce gas, two common struggles for those with IBS. However, it’s important to be mindful of the intensity—strenuous workouts might trigger or worsen diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms, so it’s best to steer clear of heavy, high-impact activities if that’s a concern for you.

To help you get started, here’s a simple weekly exercise plan that balances activity and rest:

• Day 1 & 3: Practice gentle yoga with a focus on digestion. Poses like Child’s Pose and Cat-Cow are excellent for soothing your gut and promoting relaxation.
• Day 2 & 4: Go for a 30-minute walk at a steady, comfortable pace. Walking helps stimulate digestion gently without being too taxing.
• Day 5: Dedicate some time to light stretching and breathwork. Focused breathing not only calms your body and mind but also enhances blood flow to your digestive organs.
• Day 6 & 7: Take things easy with rest days or engage in gentle activities like swimming or Pilates if you feel up to it. These options keep you active without overexerting yourself.

The goal here is to listen to your body and find an approach that feels good for you. With consistency and care, this plan can help manage symptoms while supporting your overall well-being.

Reversing IBS: What Does the Timeline Look Like?

The process of reversing IBS is gradual, but with consistent effort, you can achieve lasting relief. Here’s how your timeline might look:

Week 1-2

This is the foundation of your IBS healing process. Start by beginning an elimination diet to identify foods that might be triggering your symptoms. This diet involves removing common irritants like gluten, dairy, or processed foods.

At the same time, focus on reducing stressors in your life since stress plays a big role in IBS. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or even just taking walks can help. Begin incorporating gentle exercises like yoga or stretching to support your digestive health without overexerting your body.

Week 2-6

By this stage, you should start noticing a reduction in your symptoms. Your body begins to adjust to the dietary changes, and any dietary supplement you’re taking to support digestion will start working.

You may experience less bloating, improved bowel movements, and a drop in abdominal discomfort. This is also when you’ll build momentum with your new routines, so keep prioritizing stress management and healthy movement.

Month 2-4

Once you’ve settled into a healthier routine, you can start reintroducing foods one at a time. This part is crucial for identifying which foods you can tolerate and which to avoid for the long term.

Keep tracking your progress and note any reactions to reintroduced foods. Alongside dietary improvements, it’s important to maintain stress management techniques—such consistency helps minimize flare-ups and supports ongoing gut health.

Month 6 and Beyond

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, for many people, IBS symptoms could be fully reversed at this point. You’ll also have a much clearer understanding of your body, your triggers, and the lifestyle choices that work for you.

The key to maintaining this improvement is sticking to your adjusted diet and continuing your stress-reducing practices. While occasional flare-ups may happen, they should be much milder and less frequent if you maintain your new habits.

FAQs: Tackling Common IBS Reversal Questions

Have questions? We’ve got you covered. Here are some commonly asked questions about reversing IBS:

• Can IBS really be reversed?
  Yes! With the right combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements, most IBS patients see significant improvement or reversal of symptoms.
• How long does it take to see improvements?
  Many patients begin noticing relief within 4-6 weeks when they commit to dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
• Do medications help, or can I manage without them?
  Medications can help in severe cases, but many patients manage and reverse IBS through diet, supplements, and natural therapies.

Long-Term Outlook for IBS

You can reverse irritable bowel syndrome by treating the root cause of your IBS! Patients have come through our doors who have had IBS for 10 years. Nothing worked for them until we identified and treated the underlying cause — then we saw huge improvements in weeks.

Live in Colorado and want to regain control over your health? Schedule your no-cost consultation today!

 

 

 

 

 

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