Millions of Americans struggle daily with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—a chronic digestive disorder that disrupts life at its core. From constant bloating and unpredictable abdominal pain to meal-related anxiety and bathroom urgency, IBS can make simple pleasures like dining out or traveling feel overwhelming. For many, it’s not just a digestive condition—it’s an emotional and social burden.
Unfortunately, most conventional treatments focus on symptom management through medications that suppress gut motility or reduce pain, offering only temporary relief. These approaches often overlook the deeper issue: why the digestive system is reacting abnormally in the first place.
That’s where integrative medicine offers a better path forward. By uncovering and addressing the root causes of IBS—whether microbial imbalance, food sensitivities, stress, or inflammation—patients can finally find lasting relief. The goal isn’t just to calm symptoms, but to restore true digestive harmony by healing the gut and rebalancing the body from the inside out.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, serving Del Mar and the surrounding North County San Diego communities, Dr. Mark Stengler provides a proven, natural approach to IBS care. Nationally recognized for his expertise in Integrative and Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Stengler has helped thousands of patients overcome chronic digestive distress through personalized, evidence-based therapies that support both the gut and the nervous system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning that while there’s no visible structural damage to the intestines, the way the gut functions—how it moves, digests, and communicates with the brain—is disrupted. This leads to recurring abdominal discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel habits that can vary in intensity and frequency.
IBS is not caused by a single factor. It is a multi-dimensional condition, often the result of an interplay between the gut microbiome, immune system, stress hormones, and dietary triggers. Dr. Stengler’s integrative approach focuses on identifying and resolving these foundational issues to promote genuine healing.
A healthy gut contains trillions of beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune regulation. When harmful bacteria or yeast overgrow—or when beneficial microbes are depleted—the result is dysbiosis, leading to bloating, pain, and irregular bowel habits.
The intestinal lining acts as a barrier that allows nutrients to pass through while keeping toxins and pathogens out. Stress, poor diet, and infections can weaken this barrier, allowing unwanted particles into the bloodstream. This process—commonly called “leaky gut”—triggers inflammation and immune reactions that aggravate IBS symptoms.
Foods such as dairy, gluten, processed carbohydrates, and FODMAPs (fermentable short-chain carbs) are frequent IBS triggers. Unlike true food allergies, sensitivities cause subtle inflammatory reactions that disrupt digestion and gut motility. Identifying and eliminating these trigger foods often leads to dramatic improvements.
The gut and brain are constantly communicating through the vagus nerve and neurotransmitters. Chronic stress or anxiety can disrupt this communication, reducing digestive enzyme production and altering intestinal movement. Many patients with IBS notice flare-ups during emotionally demanding times—evidence of the gut-brain connection.
A bout of food poisoning, viral gastroenteritis, or bacterial infection can permanently alter gut motility and microbiota composition. This condition, known as post-infectious IBS, often lingers for months or years if the gut ecosystem isn’t restored.
Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones play a role in digestive function. Fluctuations—especially in women—can lead to IBS-like symptoms, particularly around menstrual cycles or during menopause.
Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins are both a cause and a consequence of IBS. These nutrients support muscle relaxation, enzyme activity, and gut barrier function. Correcting these deficiencies helps reduce inflammation and restore digestive comfort.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler’s approach to IBS goes far beyond symptom control. Instead of prescribing medications that simply suppress discomfort, he focuses on identifying and correcting the root causes of digestive dysfunction. By addressing each layer of imbalance—from the microbiome to hormonal and nervous system health—Dr. Stengler helps patients achieve true and lasting relief.
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of healing. Dr. Stengler uses advanced functional testing to uncover what’s actually driving IBS symptoms in each individual.
Testing may include:
No two IBS cases are identical, which is why Dr. Stengler develops individualized treatment protocols tailored to each patient’s biochemistry, lifestyle, and goals.
To heal and strengthen the intestinal lining, Dr. Stengler employs restorative nutrients and herbal therapies such as L-glutamine, aloe vera, and zinc carnosine. These compounds help reduce inflammation, promote mucosal repair, and rebuild the gut’s protective barrier.
IBS is closely linked to imbalances in gut flora. Using targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and when necessary, natural antimicrobials, Dr. Stengler restores microbial diversity and supports optimal digestion and immune function.
Food can either heal or harm the gut. Customized dietary plans—such as low-FODMAP, anti-inflammatory, or elimination diets—are designed to reduce irritation, stabilize bowel movements, and improve comfort after meals.
Because the gut and brain are deeply interconnected, managing stress is vital to recovery. Dr. Stengler uses adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha and rhodiola), as well as prayer, rest, and other calming strategies, to rebalance the gut-brain axis and reduce flare-ups triggered by emotional tension.
For patients with long-term nutrient depletion, IV therapy provides rapid replenishment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants essential for digestive repair and immune strength. This therapy can significantly accelerate recovery, especially in chronic or post-infectious IBS.
Dr. Stengler combines time-tested natural remedies with scientific precision to help the gut heal from within. These integrative therapies form the cornerstone of his successful IBS treatment programs.
Specific botanicals are used to soothe irritation, enhance motility, and reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract. Evidence-based herbs include:
Many IBS patients struggle with incomplete digestion, leading to fermentation and gas. Supplemental digestive enzymes improve nutrient breakdown, reducing post-meal discomfort and supporting optimal absorption.
Chronic IBS often leads to deficiencies in key nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and zinc. Replenishing these supports gut repair, nervous system balance, and immune health—helping the digestive system regain stability.
Lasting IBS relief requires more than supplements. Dr. Stengler provides lifestyle and spiritual guidance to reinforce healing through:
Through this integrative, whole-person approach, patients learn how to care for their digestive health long-term—building resilience and freedom from recurring IBS flares.
You don’t have to live with IBS or settle for short-term fixes. Lasting relief is possible when the body’s imbalances are identified and corrected through a comprehensive, natural approach.
At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Mark Stengler’s root-cause programs are designed to do more than soothe symptoms—they restore the gut, rebalance digestion, and help patients reclaim daily comfort, confidence, and vitality.
If you’ve been struggling with persistent bloating, cramping, or unpredictable digestion, now is the time to take the next step toward true healing. Schedule a personalized IBS consultation today and discover how integrative care can help you live fully again.
📍 Address: 324 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
📞 Phone: 760-274-2377
📞 Toll-Free: 855.DOC.MARK
📧 Email: clinic@markstengler.com
🌐 Website: www.markstengler.com/contact
