Revitalizing Digestive Health with Integrative Medicine in Florida: Unveiling the Insights into Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Indialantic, Melbourne, and Brevard County

Are you someone who seems to have a mental map of every clean restroom in town, even without potty-training a toddler? Is your daily life disrupted by unpredictable bowel movements? Have you ever been mistaken for being pregnant due to persistent bloating? Believe it or not, we have had patients come to our office with these exact concerns. Did you know that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is merely a symptom, much like a fever is a sign of an infection? Many individuals with severe IBS have already seen a gastroenterologist and undergone routine testing, such as a colonoscopy. When no evidence of colitis or other medical conditions is found, they are simply labeled with IBS. This is akin to visiting your doctor when you're sick and being diagnosed with a fever! Unfortunately, the traditional medical approach often falls short in adequately addressing the complexities of IBS.

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While there isn't a single universal cause for IBS, recent studies

indicate that over 50% of patients diagnosed with IBS actually

have a condition called Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

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During a colonoscopy, only the final 6-8 feet of the bowel undergoes

visual examination for any observable problems. If you were fortunate

enough to undergo an EGD (esophagus and stomach scope) as well,

they would have looked into the first 2 inches of the small intestine.

This leaves a staggering 22 feet of small bowel that remains unexplored!

It goes without saying that bacteria cannot be seen during these procedures.

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At Radiantly Healthy MD, our approach is to address the underlying cause of your IBS. With our board-certified physician in Brevard County Florida leading the way,  Dr. Rebecca Hunton, we utilize comprehensive stool testing to evaluate the bacteria present in your gut. Taking the results into account, our team will create a customized plan aimed at restoring balance to your microbiome and alleviating your IBS. If you are suffering from IBS, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a consultation.

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Signs that SIBO may be the cause of your IBS:

 

• Constipation worsens despite typical dietary interventions like increasing fiber

• Symptoms improve with antibiotic treatment

• Probiotics, especially those containing prebiotics and/or multiple strains, increase gas and bloating

• Certain medications (e.g., painkillers, reflux medications) significantly worsen your symptoms

• Symptoms worsen after consuming certain foods

 

Symptoms of SIBO may include:

 

• Abdominal gas, bloating, and distension

• Constipation and/or diarrhea, or a combination of both

• Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, particularly in the left upper quadrant

• Acid reflux or heartburn

• Excessive belching and passing gas (aka "airborne toxic events")

• Does SIBO contribute to leaky gut?

 

While SIBO can be a contributing factor to a leaky gut, it typically manifests with localized gastrointestinal symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can progress to cause systemic complaints that affect the neuro/immune system. Leaky gut is a more complex condition often involving multiple factors. It's worth noting that only about half of the patients with SIBO also have leaky gut.

 

Symptoms of leaky gut may include:

 

• Asthma, especially if it develops in adulthood

• Worsening allergies, including seasonal and food sensitivities

• Fatigue

• Skin changes such as rashes, eczema, rosacea, and acne

• Cognitive symptoms, especially following meals

• Any autoimmune disease

• Musculoskeletal issues like arthritis and fibromyalgia

• Chronic headaches or migraines

 

Causes of SIBO may include:

 

• Low stomach acid, often due to medication side effects

• Insufficient digestive enzymes

• Impaired bowel motility

• Previous surgical bowel resection or bariatric surgery

• Food poisoning (Post-infectious IBS)

• Any condition that slows down bowel motility (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)

• Dietary choices that promote bacterial overgrowth

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