World IBS Day: Raising Awareness For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

It is estimated that 5-10% of the worldwide population suffers from IBS, and still much of this condition is misunderstood and often misdiagnosed on a global scale. World IBS Day aims to create an opportunity to educate people about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for IBS, and to help those with the condition feel less alone.‍

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As a refresher, there are three main types of IBS:

• IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant)
• IBS-C (constipation-predominant)
• IBS-M (mixed)

Each type of IBS has its own unique set of symptoms, and treatments differ depending on the type. 

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What causes IBS?

The exact cause of IBS is not particularly understood, but there are a number of factors that may contribute to its development. These include:

• Abnormalities in the gut-brain axis, which can affect how the brain communicates with the digestive system
• Food sensitivities or intolerances
• Imbalances in gut microbiota
• Stress and other psychological factors
• History of food poisoning

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‍Is there a cure for IBS? How do I get help?

While there is no cure for IBS at this time, there are still a number of treatment options that can help significantly impact symptom management.

At Salvo Health, our care is centered around a different approach - Whole Self Science. Created in collaboration with world-renowned experts on our Clinical Advisory Board, Whole Self Science combines diverse strategies from conventional and functional medicine to deliver lasting symptom relief through a holistic, evidence-based approach. 

Whole Self Science focuses on key components of the whole you that are interconnected to your symptoms and overall well-being, including:

Mind - The interconnections between your brain and the enteric (gut) nervous system influences: 

• Digestion
• Mood
• Thought/Behaviors‍

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Body - The rest of your body from your genes to your hormones to factors like: 

• Sleep
• Movement 
• Stress
• Environmental toxins‍

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Gut - Using food as medicine can help better manage and support: 

• Growth of healthy & diverse microbiome 
• Symptom triggers & flare-ups

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To restore balance and improve chronic symptoms, this framework addresses each part of the whole and together, adds up to a more equipped and powerful you. Using Whole Self Science, 75% of members report feeling better than when they started Salvo Health. 

‍For more information on Whole Self Science, check out this video of our very own Dr. Max Pitman as he shares how our Salvo Health gut doctors use Whole Self Science to find and treat the root cause of your symptoms.

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Coping Strategies

Living with IBS can be challenging, but there are a number of coping strategies that can help. 

These include:

1. Symptom tracking: At Salvo Health, we understand the importance of tracking symptoms. Our Gut Check feature is a daily tracking tool to help catalog and report on good and bad days. Keeping track of symptoms and triggers can significantly aid in identifying patterns (for patients and their Care Teams) & make it easier to manage symptoms. 

2. Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and relieve symptoms.
   Check out this Salvo Health exclusive diaphragmatic breathing exercise by gut-psychology experts and members of Salvo Health’s Clinical Advisory Board, Laura Regaida and Megan Oser.

3. Support groups: You don’t have to go it alone! Joining a support group or online community can provide emotional support and helpful tips for managing IBS. In addition, a Salvo Health Care Team walk alongside our patients as they navigate the ebbs and flows of chronic gut conditions to better identify root causes and solve for relief that lasts.

If you or someone you know is living with IBS, remember that there are many treatment options and coping strategies available. With the right care and support, like a Salvo Health Care Team, it is possible to manage symptoms, find relief, and lead a full & healthy life.