Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common conditions that clients come to see me for – seeking relief from symptoms such as constipation, pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating and soreness. head. In this IBS case study, my goal is to show you how IBS can present and how functional diagnostic testing and nutritional therapy can help.
IBS Case Study – the challenge
Sofie was 26 years old during her first consultation. She suffered from IBS symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, wind and abdominal discomfort for 8 years.
She thought the symptoms started shortly after she returned from her gap year, but it was difficult to pinpoint exactly when the IBS started. Sofie had consulted a gastroenterologist who did a colonoscopy which showed that everything was “normal”. She ate a healthy, balanced diet and tried eliminating different foods, which gave her temporary relief, but it didn’t last.
The exam
First, I took a thorough history. Sofie and I discussed functional stool testing to provide an accurate picture of the health of her gastrointestinal tract. I explained that food is assimilated in the intestine before being broken down and that nutrients are used for the myriad of metabolic functions throughout the rest of the body. If the intestinal environment is compromised, problems can occur despite a healthy diet.
A comprehensive stool analysis revealed Sofie had low levels of secretory IgA – an immune marker secreted to protect the intestinal lining. Her alpha-1 antitrypsin reading was also lower than expected normal, indicating decreased immune cell activity and increased intestinal permeability. This is commonly called leaky gut.
Leaky gut can allow large food particles to pass through the gastrointestinal barrier and trigger an immune response. This is how food intolerance develops. The full stool analysis also revealed that Sofie had low levels of the good bacteria, Lactobacillus.
Beneficial intestinal flora protects against infections and plays an essential role in the transit time of food through the large intestine (colon). Too weak intestinal flora can lead to constipation.
She also had a significant Candida infection and a parasite called Blastocysts Hominis, known to cause fatigue, bloating and abdominal pain.
IBS case study – the solution:
My approach was based on the 5 R protocol of the Institute of Functional Medicine. Which involved the following elements:
Withdraw:
Allergens and food intolerances. I used a blood test to determine exactly what foods Sofie’s immune system was reacting to.
Infections. I used a combination of herbs and antimicrobial supplements, including Saccharomyces boulardii, berberine, and plant tannins, to eliminate the yeast and Blastocysts hominis infection.
Inflammation. I used an anti-inflammatory diet protocol to relieve Sofie’s systemic inflammation.
Replace:
Complete stool analysis revealed low stomach acid and multiple food intolerances. This indicates low stomach acid. We supplemented them temporarily while naturally increasing stomach acid production through mindful eating.
The anti-inflammatory diet protocol Sofie follows was designed to be easy to digest and rich in enzymes. This significantly relieved his symptoms from day one. As certain foods were removed from Sofie’s diet, they were replaced with nutrient-dense alternatives.
Reinoculate:
Once the parasitic and yeast infections were cleared, I provided fermented foods and a probiotic supplement. This is an important step in helping Sofie’s beneficial bacteria thrive and reduce the risk of future infection. Sofie took a three month supply of Proven Probiotics Adult 25 billion.
Repair:
To help the lining of Sofie’s gastrointestinal tract repair itself, we made sure her diet was rich in essential nutrients that can often be lacking when sick. This included zinc, antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A, C and E), fish oil and the amino acid glutamine.
Rebalance:
We had identified that Sofie had little downtime and felt stressed most of the time. That’s why we paid special attention to lifestyle choices like sleep, exercise and stress. All of this can affect the health of your digestive system.
IBS case study – the results:
Two weeks after following my nutritional therapy program, Sofie’s abdominal pain was gone! Within four weeks, she was able to have daily bowel movements.
Sofie followed her three-month program to the letter. At our last appointment, she said she now has better energy and mental clarity than she could ever remember before.
Additionally, a second complete stool analysis revealed healthy secretory IgA and alpha-1 antitrypsin. This indicates that she no longer had “leaky gut.”
Thanks to the proven probiotics, her lactobacillus had returned to a healthy level and her other beneficial bacteria seemed much healthier as well. The Blastocystis Hominis and yeast infections had completely disappeared.
A happy future!
“I went to see Rosie on the advice of a friend, so I knew she could do amazing things. But I didn’t expect such a rapid and complete transformation.
When I first realized I would have to give up cheese, I could have cried, but Rosie supported me with dairy substitutes and new recipes and even sent me links to exactly what to add to my Ocado order which made it so easy.
I wasn’t surprised to learn I had a parasite, as my problems started after my backpacking trips. It’s not a good idea to think that there is something living inside you that is making you sick! That’s why I was so determined to do what Rosie said and get rid of her.
I am so grateful that my gut bacteria is back to what it should be and that I am no longer harboring parasites.
Best of all, my symptoms are completely gone. I feel like I’m 17 again! The best part is that I was able to reintroduce my beloved cheese in small quantities and without symptoms. Thanks, Rosie!