What is the best treatment for irritable bowel syndrome?

Why IBS Needs a New Approach?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects up to 15% of Americans, often causing daily discomfort, unpredictable symptoms, and emotional distress. Many patients feel dismissed or frustrated with conventional solutions that only manage the surface-level symptoms.

At Patients Medical in New York City, we go deeper. Our integrative care model combines conventional gastroenterology with holistic, naturopathic, and functional medicine to uncover and treat the root causes of IBS—offering real, lasting relief without unnecessary medications.

We treat the whole gut—and the whole person.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal condition that affects how the intestines function. It causes a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel movements such as diarrhea, constipation, or both.

Unlike diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, IBS doesn’t cause physical damage to the bowel, but its symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

  • IBS-D: Diarrhea-dominant
  • IBS-C: Constipation-dominant
  • IBS-M: Mixed (alternating diarrhea and constipation)
  • IBS-U: Unclassified

 

Common Symptoms of IBD

Many people live for years with IBS without a clear diagnosis. These are hallmark signs:

If these symptoms affect your daily life, it’s time to investigate why.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop IBD?

Functional medicine aims to uncover the “why” behind chronic illness. For IBD, several underlying causes contribute to the inflammation and dysfunction of the digestive tract:

  • Gut dysbiosis: An imbalance of gut bacteria can trigger inflammation in the intestines.
  • Leaky gut: Increased intestinal permeability can cause toxins and food particles to leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and inflammation.
  • Chronic stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms by affecting gut motility and triggering inflammation.
  • Food sensitivities or intolerances: Gluten, dairy, and other foods may trigger flare-ups in some individuals.
  • Autoimmune responses: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the digestive tract.
  • Environmental toxins: Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or infections can contribute to the development of IBD.

Genetic predisposition: Family history and genetic factors can increase the risk of developing IBD.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced testing to identify the underlying causes of your IBD and tailor a treatment plan that addresses these root causes:

Comprehensive stool analysis (gut microbiome, pathogens, and inflammation markers)

Food sensitivity testing (identifying foods that may trigger inflammation)

Celiac testing (to rule out celiac disease, which can mimic IBD symptoms)

Leaky gut testing (intestinal permeability markers)

Fecal calprotectin (to assess intestinal inflammation)

Infectious disease testing (to rule out infections that could trigger or exacerbate symptoms)

Blood tests for inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and autoimmune markers

Genetic testing (to evaluate genetic predisposition)

Integrative Treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory diets (rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and low in processed foods)
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free options (for those with sensitivities)
  • Low FODMAP diet (to reduce bloating and gas)
  • Gut-healing foods such as bone broth, collagen, and fermented foods
  • Elimination diets to identify and avoid food sensitivities

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Magnesium (to reduce muscle cramping and stress)
  • Vitamin C (supports immune function and reduces inflammation)
  • B vitamins (boost energy and support digestion)
  • Glutamine (supports gut lining repair)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Probiotics (to restore gut microbiota balance)
  • Curcumin (anti-inflammatory properties)
  • Slippery elm and marshmallow root (soothe and heal the gut lining)
  • Berberine (supports gut integrity and immune function)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (reduce inflammation and promote gut healing)

Stress Management

  • Acupuncture (regulates gut motility and reduces inflammation)
  • Mindfulness meditation (to reduce stress hormones)
  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to help manage cortisol levels

Gut Repair Protocol

  • hase 1: Detoxification to clear toxins and reduce inflammation
  • Phase 2: Balancing the microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics
  • Phase 3: Repairing the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine and collagen

Real Case Study: Jack’s Journey to Relief

Jack, 40, had struggled with Crohn’s disease for 8 years. Despite medication, he experienced frequent flare-ups and debilitating symptoms. After advanced testing, we found significant gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, and chronic stress contributing to his condition.

Jack’s personalized treatment plan included:

  • Anti-inflammatory diet (gluten-free, dairy-free)
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut balance
  • IV vitamin therapy to address nutrient deficiencies
  • Stress-reducing therapies like acupuncture and meditation

After 3 months, Jack reported significant improvement, with fewer flare-ups and better digestion. His quality of life improved, and he was able to reduce his medication under his doctor’s supervision.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Through diet modifications, stress management, gut healing, and natural supplements, many patients can achieve significant relief from IBD symptoms.

IBD flare-ups can be triggered by stress, food sensitivities, infections, or imbalances in the gut microbiome. A holistic treatment plan aims to reduce these triggers.

Yes, the Low FODMAP diet is often recommended for IBD patients to help reduce bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It eliminates certain foods that can irritate the gut.

Many patients see improvement within 3-6 months of starting a tailored treatment plan, although this varies based on the severity of the condition.

Some patients can reduce or eliminate medications with integrative care, while others may need to continue conventional treatments alongside natural therapies.

Yes, stress is a known trigger for IBD flare-ups. Managing stress through techniques like meditation and acupuncture can significantly improve symptoms.

Yes, supplements like probiotics, curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and digestive enzymes can support gut health and reduce inflammation.

Yes, food sensitivities (like gluten or dairy) can trigger IBD flare-ups. An elimination diet can help identify these triggers.

We are an out-of-network provider but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some lab tests may be partially covered by insurance.

Yes, untreated IBD can lead to complications like malnutrition, anemia, and increased risk of colorectal cancer. Managing the condition early can prevent these issues.

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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