Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction: Why IBS Needs a Functional Medicine Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects millions—yet many are told, “It’s just stress” or “You’ll have to live with it.” At Patients Medical in NYC, we know that IBS—especially bloating—is more than an inconvenience. It’s a sign that something deeper is out of balance in your gut, nervous system, or hormones.

That’s why our integrative team goes beyond symptom relief to uncover root causes—like gut dysbiosis, food intolerances, and gut-brain axis imbalances—and help you reclaim comfort, digestion, and confidence.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that causes symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both). Although the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, factors such as gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, stress, and inflammation play a key role in the development of the condition.

Types of IBS:

  • IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant): Frequent loose stools or diarrhea.
  • IBS-C (Constipation-predominant): Difficulty with bowel movements, constipation.
  • IBS-M (Mixed): Alternating diarrhea and constipation.

Common Symptoms of IBS

What Causes IBS and Bloating? (Root Cause Approach)

In functional medicine, we ask: Why is your gut reacting this way?
Some of the most common hidden drivers we investigate include:

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
  • Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, FODMAPs, histamines)
  • Gut-brain axis dysregulation (anxiety, trauma, vagus nerve dysfunction)
  • Candida or parasite overgrowth
  • Low stomach acid or poor enzyme output
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction or toxin overload

Advanced Testing We Use for IBS Bloating

To understand the why behind your symptoms, our team uses targeted diagnostics, including:

Comprehensive stool testing (microbiome, parasites, inflammation markers)

SIBO breath test (hydrogen/methane gas)

Food sensitivity panels (IgG, IgA, histamines)

Organic acids test (candida, oxalates, dysbiosis)

Cortisol and adrenal testing (gut-brain axis health)

Intestinal permeability (zonulin, DAO)

Natural, Integrative Treatments for IBS Bloating Relief

Anti-Bloat Nutrition Plans

Every patient receives a customized food protocol, often starting with:

  • Low-FODMAP or low-histamine diet
  • Elimination of gluten, dairy, soy, and refined carbs
  • Gradual reintroduction and gut rebuilding
  • Digestive-friendly meals that support microbiome healing

Gut Repair & Microbiome Rebalancing

We use physician-guided protocols to:

  • Eliminate pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites
  • Support healing with L-glutamine, collagen, zinc carnosine
  • Restore healthy flora with targeted probiotics
  • Improve stomach acid, enzyme, and bile flow

Herbal Antimicrobials

Instead of antibiotics, we may use:

  • Oregano oil, berberine, allicin, or neem for SIBO
  • Saccharomyces boulardii for candida balance
  • Marshmallow root, slippery elm, and licorice for gut lining repair

Nervous System Reset

Since stress worsens IBS, we offer:

  • Acupuncture
  • Breathwork & meditation coaching
  • Vagal tone stimulation techniques
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola

IV Nutrient Therapy

For fast replenishment and gut healing support:

  • B-complex for energy and stress resilience
  • Magnesium for motility and cramping
  • Glutathione for inflammation and detox
  • Amino acids and anti-inflammatory vitamins

Real Case Study: How Jason Healed IBS Bloating After 8 Years

Jason, 40, came to us with years of bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and food fear. Standard tests were “normal.” Our functional labs revealed:

  • SIBO
  • Candida
  • Low stomach acid
  • Cortisol imbalance

We built a 90-day personalized plan:

  • Low-FODMAP, low-sugar anti-candida diet
  • Herbal antimicrobials and probiotics
  • Digestive enzymes and HCL
  • IV nutrient therapy + adaptogens

Within 6 weeks, Jason’s bloating was 90% gone, and he was sleeping better, thinking clearer, and eating with joy again.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! By addressing the underlying cause—bacterial imbalance, food triggers, stress—we can significantly reduce or eliminate bloating.

 SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a top cause of IBS bloating. We test and treat it naturally with diet and herbs.

 No. It’s a short-term tool. We help reintroduce foods safely once healing begins.

 Absolutely. Your gut has its own nervous system. Healing requires addressing stress and vagus nerve health.

 Yes! We provide personalized plans, recipes, and coaching based on your labs and symptoms.

 Yes. Toxin buildup, poor nutrient absorption, and inflammation can affect your whole system.

 We often help “tough case” patients who’ve been dismissed or misdiagnosed. Functional medicine goes deeper.

Yes. Everything we recommend is tailored to your body, monitored by physicians, and focused on sustainable health.

Yes, we serve patients across the U.S. via secure video appointments.

 We are out-of-network but provide superbills. Many labs are partially reimbursed.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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