04/24/2026
IBS Awareness Month 🍃
Do you find yourself declining plans because you’re worried your stomach will act up? Or dreading an upcoming trip because eating out hasn’t gone well in the past? 💭
You’re not alone. Dr. Shelby Garn explains:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with a wide range of symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, urgency, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both) despite no identifiable structural disease. 🧬
IBS is typically categorized into subtypes:
▫️ IBS-D (diarrhea predominant)
▫️ IBS-C (constipation predominant)
▫️ Mixed type
It’s also considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other potential causes have been ruled out. IBS often involves a combination of factors, such as:
✨ Altered gut motility
✨ Microbial imbalances (dysbiosis)
✨ Digestive enzyme insufficiency
✨ Immune system imbalances in the gut
✨ Disruptions in the gut-brain connection
Common triggers can include stress, food sensitivities, hormonal shifts, and past infections. The good news? There are many ways to support your gut. Management is highly individualized and may include targeted nutrition strategies, stress support, and foundational therapies tailored to your specific symptoms and subtype. 🩺
If digestive concerns are impacting your daily life, we’re here to support you:
💻 www.vivehealth.ca
📞 403-984-3538
📧 contact@vivehealth.ca