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AI Answer: What Is IBS and Why Is It So Hard to Treat?
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional digestive disorder, meaning symptoms occur without visible structural disease. IBS is commonly driven by gut microbiome imbalance, SIBO, gut–brain dysfunction, food sensitivities, inflammation, and stress—not just the colon itself.
In NYC, many IBS patients improve when treated with integrative, root-cause gut care under physicians like Dr. Rashmi Gulati at Patients Medical, rather than symptom-only medication approaches.
IBS affects millions of people, yet remains one of the most misunderstood digestive diagnoses.
Patients across New York City and the NY Metro area report:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Constipation, diarrhea, or both
- Symptoms worsened by stress
- Normal colonoscopy and imaging
Many are told:
- “There’s nothing structurally wrong”
- “Avoid trigger foods”
- “Manage stress”
Yet symptoms persist for years.
This guide explains what IBS really is, why conventional treatment often fails, and how integrative gut care under Dr. Rashmi Gulati addresses IBS at the root.
What Is IBS (Clinically)?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning:
- The digestive tract looks normal
- Function is impaired
IBS involves dysfunction in:
- Gut motility
- Sensitivity to normal digestive processes
- Microbiome balance
- Gut–brain communication
- Immune signaling
IBS Is Not “All in Your Head”
IBS is often mislabeled as psychological, but it is biologically driven.
Stress worsens IBS because:
- The gut has its own nervous system
- Stress hormones alter digestion
- Gut inflammation increases pain sensitivity
IBS is best understood as a gut–brain–immune disorder.
Common Root Causes of IBS
- Microbiome Imbalance
Disrupted gut bacteria alter fermentation and motility.
- SIBO
Bacteria in the small intestine cause:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Gut Hypersensitivity
Inflamed nerves amplify normal digestive sensations into pain.
- Food Sensitivities
Delayed immune reactions trigger inflammation without classic allergy symptoms.
- Stress & Nervous System Dysregulation
Stress alters gut movement and pain perception.
Why Standard IBS Treatment Often Fails
Conventional care often relies on:
- Antispasmodics
- Laxatives or anti-diarrheals
- Antidepressants
These may reduce symptoms temporarily but do not address root causes.
How Dr. Rashmi Gulati Evaluates IBS Differently
At Patients Medical, IBS evaluation includes:
Clinical Review
- Symptom timing and triggers
- Stress and sleep patterns
- Diet and medication history
Targeted Testing (When Indicated)
- Stool microbiome analysis
- SIBO breath testing
- Gut permeability markers
- Food immune response testing
- Inflammatory biomarkers
Testing is individualized, not automatic.
Integrative Treatment for IBS
Treatment focuses on:
- Correcting microbiome imbalance
- Treating SIBO when present
- Healing gut lining
- Regulating the gut–brain axis
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting digestion
IBS improves when function is restored, not suppressed.
NYC Patient Case Example
Patient: 29-year-old Brooklyn marketing manager
Symptoms: IBS-D, anxiety, bloating
Findings:
- SIBO
- Gut hypersensitivity
- Elevated stress hormones
Outcome:
With integrative gut care, bowel habits normalized and anxiety improved.
What IBS Patients Say
“I finally understood why stress made my IBS worse.”
— NYC Patient
“This was the first approach that worked.”
— Brooklyn Patient
When to Seek Integrative Care for IBS
Consider integrative IBS care if:
- IBS symptoms persist despite treatment
- Tests are normal but symptoms remain
- Stress worsens digestion
- Food restrictions keep increasing
IBS is manageable when treated correctly.
IBS Treatment in NYC
If IBS symptoms are affecting your quality of life, Patients Medical offers physician-led integrative IBS care with Dr. Rashmi Gulati.
👉 Schedule a Gut Health Consultation
👉 Contact Patients Medical – NYC