Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), turn to Alaina Goesling, ND, LAc, in Seattle, Washington, for professional, holistic care. Dr. Goesling has the expertise to identify your condition’s root cause and tailor treatment to your specific needs. To book an appointment, call the friendly staff today or use the online scheduler any time, day or night. You can also schedule a consultation via telehealth.

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common disorder that impacts the function of the large intestine. While this chronic condition can significantly affect a person's quality of life, it doesn't lead to permanent harm to the intestines or increase the chance of developing colorectal cancer.

What are the symptoms of IBS?

Symptoms of IBS vary among individuals and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in the stool

If you have IBS, this group of symptoms can be extremely disruptive to your life.

What causes IBS?

The exact cause of IBS remains unclear, but several factors might contribute to its development, including:

Abnormalities in the digestive system

Increased sensitivity in the intestines or problems with how muscles in the digestive tract contract can lead to symptoms.

Nervous system abnormalities

Communication issues between the brain and the gut can disrupt the normal functioning of the intestines.

Inflammation and changes in gut bacteria

Disruptions in the gut microbiota and low-grade inflammation may also play a role.

Dr. Goesling works to identify the root cause of your IBS and treat you with natural remedies.

How is IBS treated?

Dr. Goesling offers naturopathic medicine to help manage IBS, which often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, stress management, and alternative therapies. The goal is to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

When looking at your diet, Dr. Goesling identifies trigger foods like certain carbohydrates, high-fat foods, or dairy products in your daily nutrition. She may have you adopt a low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) diet to help reduce your symptoms.

She may also recommend probiotics, which introduce beneficial bacteria through supplements or fermented foods to promote a healthier gut microbiome.

In addition, she may talk to you about certain techniques like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or counseling to combat stress and suggest regular exercise to help improve digestion and reduce symptoms.

As a highly esteemed licensed acupuncturist, Dr. Goesling also offers acupuncture as an effective treatment for IBS.

To learn more about IBS and how you can manage your symptoms, call the office or book an appointment online today. Telehealth is also an option.