vancouver irritable bowel syndrome - receptionist at deskAumakua is a Naturopathic Clinic that is focused on getting to the root cause of disease, especially when it comes to digestive health. Dealing with the painful symptoms of IBS is particularly disruptive and despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of patients are suffering from it, we see how it is commonly misunderstood and improperly diagnosed.

Research shows that up to 84% of patients who are diagnosed with IBS actually have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Most people have not heard of SIBO, but the symptoms are almost identical. They both cause changes in bowel movements and promote gas which leads to painful bloating and more. We have found that identifying bacterial overgrowth as the cause has been the key to unraveling the mystery of IBS and it has brought relief to patients who have been putting up with unnecessary pain for years.

Aumakua Integrated Wellness Clinic
Downtown Vancouver IBS Treatment
604-684-6565
815 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
Click for Contact Form

When new patients come in with what they think may be IBS or general digestive concerns, we use the SIBO test and DNA stool analysis as foundational tools to assess the precise condition of their intestinal integrity before prescribing the full treatment plan. We follow a precise nutritional protocol combined with professional grade supplements that are perfectly timed to eradicate bacteria and restore balance to the intestinal flora.

Because so many of our patients are struggling with digestive disorders, especially IBS, we are hyper-focused on bringing innovation and effective solutions for digestive health.

If you have not had the chance to read about SIBO testing on our website, we encourage you to learn more here.

What is IBS?

Let’s start with the definition of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is defined as a digestive disorder that has a specific group of symptoms that impact bowel movements and cause abdominal discomfort. It is a serious condition that is now affecting more than 10% of the world’s population.

Below is a list of common factors that trigger IBS:

  • Stress (either chronic or emotional and/or physical stress)
  • Food sensitivities and allergies (especially dairy, peanuts, gluten, etc, and even certain grains/legumes)
  • Hormone imbalances

As stated above, those factors only trigger IBS but they are not the cause of the issue. We always start with SIBO and stool analysis because the bacteria in your gut impact your entire body, including your brain. Avoiding situations and foods that trigger your IBS symptoms only provides temporary symptom relief.

We have confidence that our method will help just about anybody currently experiencing IBS. We do educate our patients not to ignore the symptoms for too long as it can progress in severity over time.

Our Approach

We offer a completely different approach that is much more than monitoring recurring symptoms and removing food triggers. We are after long lasting results and we can only get there when we create an environment that decreases pathogenic bacteria and enhances beneficial bacteria to restore balance.

All new patients can expect to be booked for an Initial Intake to understand their health history, understand their current condition, and to explain testing. You can expect to stay on a treatment plan for about six to twelve months, and then gradually move towards a maintenance plan.

Aumakua Integrated Wellness Clinic
Downtown Vancouver IBS Treatment
604-684-6565
815 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
Click for Contact Form

patient with irritable bowel syndrome - vancouver ibsWhat are the symptoms of IBS?

  • Stomach bloating
  • Gas and burping
  • Feel as though you have a full stomach
  • Constipation (less frequent stools, hard to pass)
  • Diarrhea (loose stools, multiples times per day)
  • Inconsistent appearance of stools (loose/liquidy, change of colour, mucous)
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn and acid reflux
  • Abdominal pains, aches and cramps (similar to those caused by a woman’s menstrual cycle)

You would be surprised how much your intestinal health impacts your brain and mood. These are some mental symptoms that come up as a result of IBS.

  • Headaches
  • Increased stress
  • Fatigue and lack of energy
  • Muscle tension and aching
  • Anxiety

Can you be tested for IBS?

There is no specific test that diagnoses IBS because it is a diagnosis of exclusion (all other conditions have been ruled out). This is one reason that it is so commonly misunderstood. We use the lactulose breath test that measures the amount of hydrogen and methane gases produced by bacteria overgrowing in the small intestine. Along with this, we utilize DNA stool testing to analyze the microbes in the large intestine.

naturopath office - vancouver ibs testing

What foods should be avoided for IBS?

Foods to be avoided are dependant on whether you are hydrogen or methane dominant. You will be guided through these dietary modifications throughout the duration of your treatment.

What is the treatment for IBS?

Your treatment plan will include a healing dietary protocol, professional grade supplementation, and tinctures that work synergistically to restore proper gut flora. Everything is timed for full eradication and rebalancing.

Summary

Do you have a nagging suspicion that you may have IBS or SIBO? Chances are high that your symptoms of IBS are caused by SIBO or an imbalance of intestinal flora and that is why we focus on it as a root cause.. Fortunately, there is an effective treatment plan waiting for you that restores proper digestive health. Our team of Naturopathic Doctors are experts at providing proven solutions for anyone currently suffering from IBS.

Aumakua Integrated Wellness Clinic
Downtown Vancouver IBS Treatment
604-684-6565
815 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
Click for Contact Form