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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you're struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you're not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition, which can cause discomfort, bloating, cramps, and changes in bowel habits. Fortunately, Dr. Mark Stengler has extensive experience in treating IBS naturally, using an integrative medicine approach that addresses the root causes of the problem.

Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort: This may be cramping, sharp, or dull pain that comes and goes. It may be relieved by a bowel movement.
  • Bloating: You may feel bloated or full, even if you haven't eaten much.
  • Gas: Excess gas can cause bloating, discomfort, and even embarrassment.
  • Diarrhea: Some people with IBS have frequent loose stools, while others may experience constipation.
  • Constipation: Other people with IBS may have hard, dry stools and difficulty passing stool.
  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation: Some people may have alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation.

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and they may come and go over time. They can also be triggered by certain foods, stress, or hormonal changes. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare professional to determine if you have IBS or another digestive condition. Dr. Mark Stengler can help diagnose IBS and create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific symptoms and needs.

Treatment

At our Encinitas Holistic Medicine Clinic, we offer personalized IBS treatment plans that take into account your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather in tailoring our recommendations to your specific needs. Some of the approaches we may use include:

  • Dietary changes: Certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, so we'll work with you to identify any problematic foods and create a personalized nutrition plan that supports healthy digestion.
  • Nutritional supplements: We may recommend specific supplements that can help relieve inflammation, support gut health, and improve overall wellbeing.
  • Herbal remedies: Dr. Stengler has extensive knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and can recommend natural remedies that have been shown to improve IBS symptoms, such as peppermint oil, chamomile, and ginger.
  • Stress reduction techniques: Stress can aggravate IBS symptoms, so we may recommend relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help you manage stress levels.

Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine: A Holistic Approach To Digestive Health

At the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine, we take a holistic, integrative approach to digestive health. We are focused on the overall health and well-being of our patients — not just the specific symptoms being experienced.  

We believe that the key to good digestive health is a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and stress reduction. In addition to these lifestyle changes, we also offer a variety of methods and therapies that can help improve digestion and relieve complications using a top-down approach to medicine.

Our goal is to help you find relief from IBS and improve your digestive health naturally. If you're interested in learning more about our integrative medicine approach to IBS treatment, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Stengler.