What is the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome?

Introduction: Why IBS Needs a New Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects nearly 15% of the U.S. population—yet many are left without answers or long-term relief. At Patients Medical in NYC, we take a different path. Our integrative care model looks deeper than symptom suppression. We aim to discover and address the root causes of your gut dysfunction—helping you reclaim your health, naturally.

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.

Sub-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

Main Cause of IBS: It’s Not "Just in Your Head"

While stress plays a role, IBS is often rooted in physical, biological imbalances that conventional medicine frequently overlooks.

Most Common Root Causes:
  • Gut Dysbiosis – Imbalance of healthy vs. harmful gut bacteria
  • SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) – Excess bacteria where it shouldn’t be
  • Leaky Gut (Increased Intestinal Permeability) – Allows toxins and undigested food into bloodstream
  • Food Sensitivities – Especially to gluten, dairy, FODMAPs, or artificial sweeteners
  • Chronic Stress – Triggers gut-brain axis disruption and inflammation
  • Post-Infectious IBS – Develops after food poisoning or a gut infection
  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Reduces energy available for gut motility
  • Toxin Overload – From heavy metals, mold exposure, or pesticides

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we go beyond routine labs to discover the true cause of your IBS.

Comprehensive stool analysis (gut microbiome and pathogens)

Food sensitivity testing (identify trigger foods)

Leaky gut testing (intestinal permeability markers)

Gut inflammation markers (calprotectin, lactoferrin)

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) testing

Thyroid and hormone panels (to check for imbalances)

Integrative Treatments for IBS

Nutritional Therapy

  • Low FODMAP diet (eliminates foods that trigger IBS symptoms)
  • Gluten-free or dairy-free options
  • Gut-healing foods like bone broth, collagen, and healthy fats
  • Fiber-rich foods to regulate bowel movements and promote gut health

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • B vitamins (support digestion and energy)
  • Magnesium (relaxes muscles and helps with constipation)
  • Vitamin C (antioxidant, reduces inflammation)
  • Glutamine (supports gut lining repair)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Probiotics (restore healthy gut bacteria)
  • Digestive enzymes (help with nutrient absorption)
  • Curcumin (reduces gut inflammation)
  • Peppermint oil (relieves abdominal pain and bloating)
  • Slippery elm and marshmallow root (soothe the digestive tract)

Stress Management

  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Acupuncture (to balance the gut-brain axis)
  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to support the nervous system

Gut Repair Protocol

  • Phase 1: Detoxification to reduce inflammation and remove toxins
  • Phase 2: Restoration of gut microbiome balance through probiotics and diet
  • Phase 3: Repair and strengthen the gut lining using amino acids and anti-inflammatory foods

Real Case Study: Sarah’s IBS Relief Journey

Sarah, age 40, had been suffering from IBS-D for over five years. She experienced frequent diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. Traditional treatments provided temporary relief but never solved the issue. After testing, we discovered an imbalance in her gut microbiome and food sensitivities.

Her personalized plan included:

  • Low FODMAP diet
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes
  • IV nutrient therapy for gut healing
  • Stress-reducing therapies like acupuncture and meditation

After three months, Sarah’s symptoms were significantly reduced, and she reported fewer flare-ups and improved digestion.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! With the right diet, stress management, and targeted supplementation, many IBS symptoms can be significantly reduced or eliminated.

The main causes of IBS include gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, stress, leaky gut, infections, and poor diet.

Yes, stress is a common trigger for IBS flare-ups. Managing stress through lifestyle changes and therapies like acupuncture or mindfulness is essential for long-term relief.

Yes, the Low FODMAP diet is highly effective for managing IBS symptoms. It involves eliminating certain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the gut and cause bloating and discomfort.

Yes, IBS is linked to other health problems, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and autoimmune conditions. Healing the gut can help improve overall health.

Healing from IBS can take time, typically 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity and your adherence to the treatment plan.

Some patients may benefit from medications for symptom relief, but many people can manage IBS effectively through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.

A gluten-free diet can be helpful for people with IBS, especially if gluten is a trigger. It’s best to test for food sensitivities to tailor your diet.

Yes, IBS can significantly impact daily life by causing discomfort, anxiety, and social embarrassment. But with the right treatment, relief is possible.

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

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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