Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that has symptoms of altered bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation and abdominal pain in the absence of any detectable structural abnormalities. There is often an association of IBS with Fibromyalgia and other conditions. There are no conventional tests that presently exist that clearly help the physician make the diagnosis. However a more functional and holistic approach often can be helpful in addressing the often disabling symptoms and normalizing this condition.

The Rome Criteria for the diagnosis of IBS is summarized here:

It is always important that a thorough medical evaluation occurs to rule out other potential causes for the symptoms. However, once a diagnosis of IBS is established there are many options beyond over the counter drugs and prescription medications that may be able to significantly alleviated A combination of an individualized assessment and evaluation along with an interdisciplinary approach that combines proper nutritional counseling, acupuncture, homeopathy, an individualized program of natural supplementation and the recognition of the importance that the mental and emotional component may have on this condition is critical.