NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN ONTARIO
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Natural Treatment Of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common digestive concerns we see at Sequence Wellness. It’s also one of the most frustrating. Symptoms can come and go, shift over time, and often show up “normal” on standard tests — which can leave people feeling dismissed or confused.
If you’ve been told “everything looks fine” but you still struggle with digestive issues, you’re not alone. IBS affects an estimated 10–15% of people worldwide and is now considered a disorder of gut–brain interaction, meaning the nervous system and digestive tract are both involved. (NCBI)
In this post, we’ll walk through what IBS is, how it’s diagnosed, and how a naturopathic approach can help.
What Is IBS?
IBS is a chronic functional digestive condition, which means there’s a real change in how the gut functions, even if colonoscopies and scans look normal. It’s defined by:
Recurrent abdominal pain, and
Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or both)
Using the Rome IV criteria, IBS is diagnosed when someone has abdominal pain at least 1 day per week over the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following: (NCBI)
Related to having a bowel movement
A change in stool frequency
A change in stool form (appearance)
IBS is typically categorized into subtypes:
IBS-C – constipation-predominant
IBS-D – diarrhea-predominant
IBS-M – mixed (both constipation and diarrhea)
IBS-U – unclassified
Common IBS Symptoms
Everyone’s version of IBS looks a little different, but common symptoms include:
Bloating and abdominal distention
Gas (belching, flatulence)
Cramping or abdominal pain
Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two
Urgency to have a bowel movement
Mucus in the stool
A feeling of incomplete evacuation
IBS can also affect energy, mood, and quality of life. Many people with IBS struggle with anxiety about leaving home, going to social events, or eating out because they don’t know when symptoms will hit.
How Is IBS Diagnosed?
IBS is now diagnosed using a positive, symptom-based approach, rather than being purely a “diagnosis of exclusion.”
That usually includes:
A detailed history and symptom review
Basic lab work (for anemia, inflammation, celiac disease, thyroid, etc.)
Screening for “red flag” symptoms, such as:
Unintentional weight loss
Blood in stool
Significant anemia
Fever
Family history of IBD or colon cancer
If red flags are present, referral to a gastroenterologist is important to rule out conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, or structural issues.
When those are ruled out and Rome IV criteria are met, IBS is a valid diagnosis — it’s not “all in your head.”
How Naturopathic Doctors View IBS
At Sequence Wellness, we look at IBS as a multifactorial condition:
Gut motility (how things move)
The gut microbiome (bacteria, archaea, yeast)
Digestive capacity (stomach acid, enzymes, bile)
Gut–brain interaction (stress, nervous system, trauma history)
Food triggers and sensitivities
Hormonal influences (especially in women)
Our role is to help identify your specific drivers and build a step-by-step plan, rather than just managing symptoms.
Testing That May Be Helpful
Not everyone with IBS needs extensive testing, but in naturopathic practice we may consider:
SIBO breath testing (lactulose or glucose) where small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is suspected
Comprehensive stool analysis (e.g., microbiome, parasites, inflammation, digestive markers)
Food intolerance assessment (clinical elimination, breath tests, or IgG in selected cases)
Blood work for iron, B12, vitamin D, thyroid function, celiac screening, and inflammation markers
Testing isn’t about labelling you with more conditions — it’s about understanding why your IBS is happening.
Naturopathic Treatment Options for IBS
IBS management is most effective when it’s multimodal — combining diet, lifestyle, microbiome support, and nervous system work. This aligns with mainstream guidelines, which recommend dietary changes, gut-directed therapies, and psychological strategies alongside or instead of medications.
Here are some of the core tools we use.
1. Nutrition & Low FODMAP Approaches
One of the best-studied dietary strategies for IBS is the low FODMAP diet, which temporarily reduces fermentable carbohydrates that can trigger gas, bloating, and pain. Research shows it can significantly improve symptoms for many patients when done properly and reintroduced systematically.
We may also explore:
Identifying individual food triggers (e.g., lactose, caffeine, alcohol, high-fat foods)
Adjusting fiber type (soluble vs insoluble) depending on IBS subtype
Supporting regular meals and blood sugar balance
Incorporating gut-friendly herbs and spices (like ginger or peppermint) as tolerated
2. Microbiome Support: Probiotics & Herbs
Certain probiotic strains have been shown to help with IBS symptoms, although results can be strain-specific. Meta-analyses suggest probiotics and prebiotics can improve abdominal pain and overall symptom scores in some patients.
Depending on your case, we may consider:
Targeted probiotics (single-strain or blends)
Short-term herbal antimicrobials when bacterial overgrowth is suspected
Digestive bitters or enzyme support for poor digestion
3. Herbal Medicine & Natural Symptom Relief
A growing body of evidence supports some herbal therapies for IBS:
Enteric-coated peppermint oil has demonstrated efficacy for abdominal pain and global IBS symptoms in multiple trials.
Multi-herb formulas such as Iberogast® and combinations like curcumin + fennel oil have also shown benefits, although more research is needed.
We always consider medication interactions and your individual health history before recommending herbs.
4. Nervous System & Gut–Brain Work
Because IBS is a disorder of gut–brain interaction, addressing the nervous system is crucial.
Evidence supports:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Gut-directed hypnotherapy (with success rates similar to low FODMAP in some studies)
Mind–body practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga, which can reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.
Naturopathically, we also look at sleep, circadian rhythm, and overall stress load — all of which can amplify or calm IBS symptoms.
5. Movement, Pelvic Floor, and Lifestyle
Gentle movement can support motility and reduce constipation. In some cases, pelvic floor dysfunction plays a role in IBS-type symptoms, and working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can be very helpful.
Lifestyle support may include:
Building a regular bowel routine
Hydration strategies
Post-meal walking
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, or smoking where relevant
6. Medication Collaboration
Many people with IBS are already working with a family doctor or gastroenterologist. Medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, antidiarrheals, or certain antidepressants can be appropriate in selected cases.
As naturopathic doctors, we don’t replace your medical team. Instead, we:
Help you understand your options
Support symptom management with natural tools
Address underlying drivers (diet, microbiome, stress, nutrient status)
Communicate with your other providers when needed
When to Seek Help
It might be time to get support if:
Your digestive symptoms are affecting your daily life
You’re avoiding social events or travel due to your gut
You’ve tried making changes on your own and still feel stuck
You’re confused about what you can and can’t eat
You want to understand whether IBS, SIBO, or something else is going on
How Sequence Wellness Can Help
At Sequence Wellness, our naturopathic doctors offer virtual care across Ontario for people living with IBS and IBS-like symptoms. Depending on your needs, we can:
Review your history and previous testing
Order additional labs, SIBO breath tests, or stool analysis when appropriate
Build a realistic, phased nutrition plan (which might include a guided low FODMAP approach)
Use herbs, probiotics, and lifestyle strategies tailored to you
Support your nervous system and stress response, not just your digestion
IBS is real, complex, and highly individual — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Ready to get some clarity around your IBS?
Book a virtual consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors to explore your symptoms, your options, and a plan that actually fits your life.
Dr. Sarah Goulding, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Sarah Goulding is a licensed naturopathic doctor in Ottawa Ontario and has a BSc in neuroscience and biology from Dalhousie University (2004), and did her 4-year naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (2010). She’s since accumulated over a decade of clinical experience, and refined her practice to focus on women’s health and digestion. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
Dr. Sarah Goulding blends science and compassion, and acts as a personal health researcher to help you navigate your health. Tools that she uses include nutrition, supplements and botanicals, bioidentical hormones, and lifestyle modifications. The closer you get to the root cause, the gentler the therapies needed to resolve the issue.
Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Miller completed her doctor or naturopathic medicine degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, and holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s of science in Human Health and Nutrition from the University of Guelph. Her extensive knowledge of nutrition and her strong foundation in scientific research allows for a very thorough approach to your care. She is licensed and registered as a Naturopathic Doctor in Ontario by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND).
She is passionate about teaching holistic health to help women understand their bodies and get to the root cause of their health issues. Her areas of special interest include women’s health, hormonal health, gastrointestinal health, and pediatrics.
Dr. Janna Fung, Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Janna Fung is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health. She has a passion for evidence based preventative medicine and strives to empower patients with the knowledge to achieve their optimal health. She understands collaborations is the only way to develop realistic sustainable health/wellness results and strives to develop individualized health goals with patients.
