Understanding and treating irritable bowel syndrome holistically<\/p>\n
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<\/span><\/div>A contribution by Dr. Joris Budweg, ORIGIN HEALTH – Center for Functional Medicine and Longevity, Basel<\/em><\/p>\n Many of our patients come to us because they have been suffering from recurring abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation for years – often accompanied by exhaustion, sleep disorders or concentration problems. The diagnosis with which they appear is usually irritable bowel syndrome. But despite countless examinations and attempts at therapy, the condition remains unchanged. <\/p>\n If you recognize yourself in this description, we would like to encourage you to take the next step. At ORIGIN HEALTH – the practice for Functional Medicine & Longevity<\/a> in Basel – we don’t look at your symptoms in isolation, but as an expression of deeper imbalances in the body. We combine state-of-the-art diagnostics with an individualized treatment approach that goes far beyond the mere treatment of symptoms. Because real progress begins with a different perspective – and an open ear for what your body is trying to tell you. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a widespread gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects the large intestine. Patients often report abdominal pain, cramps and changing bowel habits. In some cases, diarrhea dominates (IBS-D), in others constipation (IBS-C). Accompanying symptoms such as a lack of energy, constant exhaustion and sleep disorders can significantly reduce quality of life. Many sufferers have to deal with painful symptoms on a daily basis, which have a major impact on their social and professional lives. The symptoms described have an intense impact on quality of life and often lead to chronic stress. Frequently observed symptoms include recurring abdominal pain, cramps and an urgency to have a bowel movement. For many sufferers, these symptoms raise questions about the cause and possible solutions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Irritable bowel syndrome is not a single disease, but a complex syndrome. Women are affected more often than men. It is estimated that around 10 to 20 percent of people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome – many of them without an official diagnosis. <\/p>\n Irritable bowel syndrome is a so-called functional bowel disorder – this means that the bowel is structurally intact, but its function is impaired. This disorder manifests itself through <\/p>\n<\/div> Recurrent abdominal pain<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Flatulence<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Stool irregularities (diarrhea, constipation or both alternating)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Urgency when going to the toilet<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> The pathophysiology is complex – and this is precisely the challenge, but also the key to therapy. <\/span>Functional medicine<\/a> aims to decipher this complex interplay. And these are often hidden deep in the metabolism, in the intestinal flora – or in the nervous system. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Research from the USA, for example from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) or the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, shows: Irritable bowel syndrome is usually not a local intestinal problem, but an expression of a disturbed balance.<\/p>\n<\/div>![](\"https:\/\/originhealth.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Darm_Mikrobiom.jpg\" "\\"Darm")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Irritable bowel syndrome<\/h3><\/div>
Why irritable bowel syndrome is not a simple diagnosis<\/h3><\/div>
The gut thinks – and suffers too<\/h3><\/div>
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