Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Functional Relief for Chronic Bloating, Cramping & Digestive Disruption – Dr. Brenda Marshall, MD

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can disrupt every aspect of life—from how you eat and travel to how you focus and relax. It’s more than just an uncomfortable stomach—it’s a complex, whole-body condition with real physical and emotional roots.

Dr. Brenda Marshall offers a different path—one that digs beneath the surface to uncover and treat the hidden causes of IBS, restoring both gut and nervous system balance so you can finally feel like yourself again.

What is IBS?

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder marked by chronic or recurrent symptoms without visible structural abnormalities. While it’s often diagnosed when other diseases are ruled out, that doesn’t mean it’s “just in your head.”

IBS symptoms include:

• Bloating or abdominal distention
• Gas and frequent belching
• Cramping or intestinal discomfort
• Diarrhea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C), or both (IBS-M)
• Urgency or incomplete bowel movements
• Mucus in stool
• Food sensitivities or eating anxiety
• Fatigue, anxiety, or poor sleep

These symptoms often overlap with leaky gut, food sensitivities, anxiety, and hormonal imbalance, which Dr. Marshall investigates as part of her root-cause approach.

What Causes IBS?

While the exact cause varies, common contributors include:

• Imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis or SIBO)
• Food sensitivities or intolerances (e.g., FODMAPs, gluten, dairy)
• Gut-brain axis dysregulation (linked to chronic stress or trauma)
• Post-infectious changes (following food poisoning or viral illness)
• Hormonal shifts (especially around menstruation or perimenopause)
• Impaired motility or vagus nerve tone
• Low-grade inflammation or intestinal permeability

Dr. Marshall’s Root-Cause IBS Treatment Plan

1. Advanced Testing

• Comprehensive stool analysis
• SIBO breath testing (lactulose or glucose)
• Food sensitivity and leaky gut panels
• Micronutrient testing for digestive absorption
• Hormone and cortisol rhythm assessment

2. 5-R Gut Healing Strategy

• Remove: pathogens, triggers, inflammatory foods
• Replace: enzymes, bile, acid if deficient
• Repair: intestinal lining with gut-specific nutrients
• Reinoculate: microbiome with probiotics and fiber
• Rebalance: nervous system, hormones, and lifestyle

3. Nervous System Integration

• Vagal nerve activation and trauma-informed stress support
• Techniques to reduce gut hypersensitivity and eating-related anxiety
• Sleep and circadian rhythm optimization

“IBS isn’t all in your head—but your head and gut are connected. When we calm both, real relief begins.” – Dr. Brenda Marshall

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How is Dr. Marshall’s approach to IBS different from a GI doctor’s?
A: Traditional GI care often stops at symptom management or medication. Dr. Marshall looks for why your gut is reactive—investigating inflammation, infections, food sensitivities, and gut-brain dynamics.

Q: Can IBS be cured?
A: While IBS is considered a chronic condition, many patients experience lasting relief by addressing root causes. Symptoms can significantly improve or resolve with the right functional care.

Q: What kind of diet do I need to follow?
A: That depends on your testing and triggers. Some patients benefit from a low-FODMAP diet short-term, while others need support for SIBO, histamine sensitivity, or leaky gut. Dr. Marshall customizes your plan.

Q: Can anxiety or trauma affect my digestion?
A: Absolutely. The gut-brain connection plays a key role in IBS. Dr. Marshall incorporates gentle nervous system support alongside nutritional and microbial therapies.

Q: Is this approach safe for children or teens with IBS symptoms?
A: Yes. Dr. Marshall sees both adults and adolescents with functional GI issues and modifies her approach based on age, lifestyle, and tolerance.

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