GI Disorders

Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Root Cause Approach to Lasting Relief

Chronic digestive issues are among the most common yet poorly understood health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s estimated that:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects 10-15% of the global population
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, impacts approximately 3 million people in the U.S.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is present in up to 80% of IBS cases
• Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) is an underrecognized but significant contributor to chronic gut dysfunction
• Chronic constipation affects roughly 16% of adults and 33% of those over 60

Despite these staggering numbers, many people with chronic gastrointestinal disorders struggle for years without real answers, often cycling through restrictive diets, medications, and symptom management approaches that don’t address the underlying causes of their digestive dysfunction.

At the Restorative Medicine Center, we take a Root Cause Triad approach, focusing on why the gut is imbalanced in the first place. By treating the deeper immune dysfunction, infections, and environmental triggers contributing to chronic GI issues, we help patients find real, lasting relief—not just temporary symptom suppression.

What Are Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders?

The term "chronic GI disorder" encompasses a range of conditions that cause persistent digestive distress, inflammation, and impaired nutrient absorption. These include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A functional gut disorder characterized by:

• Abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping
• Constipation, diarrhea, or both (IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M)
• Food intolerances and post-meal discomfort

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

An autoimmune-driven gut disorder that includes:

• Crohn’s disease – Can affect any part of the GI tract, leading to chronic inflammation and malabsorption
• Ulcerative colitis – Affects the colon, leading to diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, causing:

• Bloating, belching, and gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or both
• Nutrient deficiencies due to poor absorption

Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)

An overgrowth of Candida or other fungi in the small intestine, often mistaken for SIBO, leading to:

• Similar symptoms to SIBO but resistant to antibiotic treatment
• Increased sugar cravings and bloating
• Worsening of gut issues after antibiotics

Chronic Constipation

A slow gut motility issue often linked to:

• Dysbiosis, microbial imbalances, or hidden infections
• Low stomach acid and poor bile flow
• Nervous system dysregulation affecting gut-brain communication

Why Traditional Medicine Falls Short

Conventional medicine often treats chronic GI disorders as separate conditions, prescribing:
❌ Antispasmodics or fiber supplements for IBS
❌ Anti-inflammatory drugs and biologics for IBD
❌ Antibiotics for SIBO
❌ Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation

While these treatments may offer short-term relief, they fail to address what is causing the gut to become imbalanced in the first place.

At the Restorative Medicine Center, we go deeper—asking why the gut is inflamed, dysfunctional, or overrun with bacteria or fungi in the first place.

Our Root Cause Approach to Chronic GI Disorders

Using advanced testing, we evaluate:
✅ Chronic infections & gut microbiome imbalances – Bacterial overgrowth, fungal overgrowth, parasites, and viral infections
✅ Immune system imbalances – Autoimmune activity, chronic inflammation, and gut permeability (leaky gut)
✅ Toxin and environmental exposures – Mold, heavy metals, and other gut irritants

While we work on treating the root cause, we also provide supportive natural treatments to reduce symptoms in the short term, allowing patients to feel better while deeper healing takes place.

A Smarter Approach to Digestive Health

If you’ve been told your gut symptoms are "just IBS" or "something you have to live with," there’s a deeper reason why your gut isn’t functioning properly.

By treating the root cause of chronic GI disorders, we help patients finally break free from digestive distress and regain their health.

If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and find lasting relief, we’re here to help.