IBS and SIBO Support in Mooresville, NC
IBS is a common gastroenterology diagnosis and a frustrating one to receive. It tells you what your symptoms are called but not why they are happening or what to do about them beyond managing triggers. Many people with IBS have been dealing with it for years, have tried elimination diets on their own, and still have unpredictable days. If that is where you are, functional medicine looks at what is actually driving the pattern.
The picture we build
IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, a functional diagnosis meaning the bowel is not working right but standard tests have not found a structural cause. The symptoms, bloating, cramping, alternating constipation and diarrhea, or urgency, are real and often disabling, but conventional workups typically stop at ruling out more serious disease.
SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is a common cause of IBS symptoms that often goes undiagnosed. It happens when bacteria that should live in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they ferment food and produce gas before it has been properly absorbed. The result is bloating, distension, and altered bowel habits that mirror IBS exactly. Studies consistently show SIBO in a significant portion of people diagnosed with IBS.
Other things we look at include gut motility problems, low stomach acid, food sensitivities, gut lining breakdown, and the nervous system component: the gut has its own extensive nervous system, and chronic stress directly disrupts how it functions.
The approach
We use breath testing to assess for SIBO where it is indicated. Beyond that, a thorough intake, a stool analysis, and targeted labs give us a picture of what is driving your specific pattern. The plan is built around what we find, not a generic IBS approach. Read more about our functional medicine approach.
For patients who also have significant stress or anxiety driving their gut symptoms, acupuncture is a useful addition. It directly calms the nervous system and supports gut motility. We offer a significant discount when you combine services. Read more about acupuncture.
Common questions
How do I find out if I have SIBO?
A lactulose or glucose breath test measures the gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine. We order this when your history and symptoms point to it.
Can SIBO come back after treatment?
Yes, if the underlying reason it developed in the first place is not addressed. That might be a motility problem, low stomach acid, or a structural issue. We look for the root cause, not just the bacterial overgrowth itself.
Does diet help IBS?
Diet is almost always part of the picture, but the right dietary approach depends on what is driving your IBS. A low-FODMAP diet helps some people significantly and does nothing for others. We tailor the dietary recommendations to what your testing shows.
Do you offer telehealth for IBS consultations?
Yes. Functional medicine consultations are available via telehealth across North Carolina. Read more about telehealth.
My doctor diagnosed me with IBS and said there is not much to do. Why would I come to you?
IBS is a symptom-based diagnosis. It describes what is happening but not why. SIBO, gut lining breakdown, food sensitivities, and low stomach acid all produce IBS-type symptoms and all have specific causes that can be identified and addressed. If you have been told to manage your triggers and live with it, that is because standard care ran out of diagnostic tools, not because nothing can be done.
Is this instead of medication or alongside it?
For IBS and SIBO that have not progressed to the point where medication is the indicated primary intervention, addressing the specific cause is the right first step. That might mean correcting a bacterial overgrowth, supporting the gut lining, or identifying food triggers. These are what fits the stage and what the underlying problem actually calls for. Any medications you are already taking stay between you and your prescribing doctor.
Related conditions: Gut Health and Leaky Gut | Chronic Fatigue
Serving Mooresville and the Lake Norman area, including Davidson and Troutman.
Schedule an appointment or call 704-663-2010.
