Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-20% of the general population. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians. It has also been referred to as "spastic colon", "mucous colitis", "irritable colon", "spastic colitis", and "nervous stomach".

IBS is considered a functional disorder where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable structural or biochemical cause. Symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the gut or intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function) or sensory function.

Typical symptoms are cramping abdominal pain and constipation often with brief episodes of diarrhea. Cramps are often relieved with defecation. Stool may have mucous, but no blood unless it is from hemorrhoids.

In addition to these symptoms, altered or irregular bowel function can impact a person’s ability to effectively absorb nutrients (with diarrhea) and eliminate toxins (with constipation). As a result, it is not uncommon for yeast and other undesirable bacteria to colonize the gut and further complicate matters.

At Family Tree Medical Center, you receive individualized care including comprehensive assessment, testing, and treatments tailored to your special needs. The objective is to restore your natural state of health and well-being by addressing the underlying cause(s) and by providing physical, mental, and emotional support. Treatment often consists of identifying any food intolerances, testing for intestinal infections such as Candida, parasites, and pathogenic bacteria, applying therapies that calm the nervous system's overstimulation of the gut, and offering stress management solutions.

If you are suffering from cramping abdominal pain and irregular bowel function (diarrhea, constipation, or both) or have IBS and want to use natural therapies to address it, please contact Dr. Miller at (415) 785-3347 to schedule an appointment. Restore your health with effective, safe, and natural therapies.

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