Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The Functional Medicine Approach

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex functional gastrointestinal disorder with limited success in pharmacological therapy. The functional medicine approach aims to identify the root causes and personalize diagnosis and treatment. IBS is a chronic disorder characterized by abdominal pain, altered bowel movements, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Diagnosing the condition remains challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers or tests, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis.

The pathogenesis of IBS involves factors such as altered gastrointestinal motility, visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal barrier disorder, stress, dietary factors, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), changes in intestinal flora, low-grade mucosal inflammation, and genetic predisposition. The biopsychosocial model highlights the interaction between physiological and psychological factors.

The management of IBS involves a multidimensional approach tailored to each patient. Pharmacological therapy aims to alleviate symptoms but does not cure the condition. Non-pharmacological therapies, including dietary interventions, probiotic therapy, mind therapies, exercise, and complementary therapies, play a crucial role in IBS management.