Healing IBS and IBD | Functional Nutrition for Gut Repair
The Gut Has the Power to Heal
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to digestive distress and ongoing symptoms. Many gut disorders begin with inflammation in the intestines, which is why identifying and addressing the root cause is essential.
Understanding IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a symptom-based condition that affects 10–15% of people worldwide, primarily women. Common symptoms include cramping, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and alternating diarrhea or constipation.
While the exact cause is unclear, contributing factors may include serotonin imbalance, gut dysbiosis, or bacterial overgrowth. The medical community often labels IBS as incurable, but from a functional perspective, the gut can heal with the right support.
Functional Triggers to Address
Modern diets, environmental toxins, and certain foods can worsen IBS symptoms. Common irritants include:
Gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, fried or spicy foods
Artificial sweeteners and processed foods
Toxins like glyphosate and overuse of acid-blocking medications
Healing often begins with supporting the intestinal mucosal barrier through food, targeted supplementation, and stress management.
Lifestyle and Stress Connection
Chronic stress, poor sleep, and constant stimulation (phones, screens, caffeine) keep the body in a state of “fight or flight,” preventing repair. Supporting nervous system balance through mindfulness, HRV feedback, toxin reduction, and consistent sleep routines is key for gut restoration.
IBD and Peptic Ulcers
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, involves deeper inflammation of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers, often caused by H. pylori or NSAID use, occur when the stomach lining breaks down.
Functional strategies can support mucosal healing through diet, targeted antimicrobials, and natural therapies like cabbage juice or short-term use of histamine blockers when appropriate.
Functional Nutrition and Gut Healing
At Renewed Roots Nutrition, we use advance lab testing like the GI-MAP to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside the gut. This test looks at bacterial balance, parasites and pathogens, yeast, H. pylori, inflammation, digestion, and gut-immune activity. Instead of guessing, we see exactly what’s driving IBS, IBD, or ongoing gut symptoms. With accurate data, we can build a targeted plan that helps the body repair, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy digestion more naturally.
