IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a condition that affects the digestive system. IBS can be a difficult condition to diagnose and manage and that is why people can be very frustrated with this condition.

IBS symptoms are unique to each individual and can range from mild to severe. To some it can be a slight nuisance, and to others it can be quite debilitating and affect activities of daily living. Symptoms include, but not limited to, abdominal pain, cramping, mucus in feces, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and gas.

The symptoms of IBS can be vague and non specific; many times the symptoms caused by IBS can be attributed to other conditions or simply brushed over as having "a sensitive stomach". Another difficulty with treating IBS is that there is no single test to definitively diagnose IBS; rather a combination of symptoms, medical history and exclusion of other conditions.

Naturopathic Medicine is personally tailored to you, so there is no "one size fits all" approach to diagnosing and treating IBS. Each person's case is unique and each person's treatment needs to be unique; so what works for one person may not work for another. Naturopathic medicine has the tools to evaluate for red flags that can indicate more serious conditions such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

Dr. Jewel's strongest tool in diagnosing and treating your IBS is the capacity to investigate thoroughly and link symptoms in a way to reveal the root cause of your issues.

Once we are able to find the root cause, we use multiple approaches to effectively treat your symptoms. These include:

• a computerized analysis of your diet to establish a link between consumed foods to your symptoms and effectively establish a diet best suited for you

• acupuncture and massage therapy to relieving abdominal pain and reduce inflammation in your gut

• herbs, supplements and probiotics to restore your intestinal biome and restore the balance of the microbes in your gut

If you're suffering from IBS, naturopathic medicine may help you and offer relief of your symptoms. Dr. Jewel's focus on natural therapies such as diet changes, herbs, supplements, probiotics, acupuncture and massage therapy can be used to support your gut health and live a healthier life!