Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional digestive disorder and affects between 20%-30% of the population with women more likely to seek treatment despite the thought that men and women are affected equally. IBS affects gastrointestinal motility with contractions becoming irregular and erratic can have a significant impact on an individual’s daily life.

The Rome IV criteria requires that an individual has had recurrent abdominal pain, on average at least one day per week during the last three months that is associated with two or more of the following:

• Related to defecation
• Associated with a change in stool frequency
• Associated with a change in stool form (appearance)

The criteria should be fulfilled at least for the last three months, with symptom onset at least six months before diagnosis.

Addressing the underlying causes of IBS forms the basis for treatment in conjunction with both functional nutrition and herbal medicine to reduce symptoms and restore function of the gastrointestinal tract.

• Considerations in treatment include:
• Dietary and lifestyle factors
• Gastrointestinal infections (bacteria and parasites) or overgrowths
• Dysbiosis (imbalance/deficiency of beneficial bacteria)
• Nervous system conditions (stress management/anxiety/depression)

Evidence based functional nutrition, probiotics, prebiotics and herbal medicine can assist in symptom reduction and help to restore gastrointestinal function and barrier integrity whilst implementing a balanced diet to maintain optimal gut health.

There are a variety of testing options available to help identify and assess potential causes for IBS including: