Why Your IBS Symptoms Fluctuate and How Functional Medicine Finds the Root Cause
Do you find yourself battling unpredictable bowel symptoms, sometimes constipated and other times dealing with diarrhea? Understanding the difference between IBS with constipation (IBS C) and IBS with diarrhea (IBS D) is key in designing an effective treatment plan. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, we go deeper than symptom control. We focus on uncovering why your gut is out of balance so that we can restore health at the root level.
What Is IBS and How Is It Classified?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits without a clear structural cause.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritable_bowel_syndrome
IBS is divided into subtypes based on stool consistency and frequency:
IBS C (constipation predominant): Most bowel movements are hard or lumpy with less than 25 percent loose stools.
Source: https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/types-of-ibs-understanding-your-symptoms
IBS D (diarrhea predominant): Most stools are loose or watery with less than 25 percent hard or lumpy.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
IBS M (mixed): You alternate between constipation and diarrhea.
Source: https://aboutibs.org/signs-and-symptoms/subtypes-of-ibs/
These distinctions matter because the strategies for managing IBS C and IBS D often differ. What helps one subtype may worsen the other.
Source: https://www.rikernutritionconsulting.com/post/ibs-c-vs-ibs-d-what-s-the-difference
Why Functional Medicine Goes Beyond Symptom Control
Conventional approaches often rely on medications such as laxatives for IBS C or anti diarrheal drugs for IBS D. These can provide short term relief, but they rarely resolve the underlying problem. Over time, symptoms may return or shift from one form of IBS to another. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4849379/
Functional medicine asks deeper questions such as:
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What is happening with the gut microbiome
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Are there hidden infections, parasites, or yeast overgrowth
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Is the intestinal lining inflamed or permeable
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Are digestive enzymes and bile acids working properly
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Is immune activity driving inflammation in the GI tract
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How are diet, stress, and lifestyle influencing gut function
By investigating these factors, functional medicine aims not only to relieve symptoms but to restore balance so your gut can truly heal.
The Value of Comprehensive Stool Analysis
One of the most powerful tools in functional medicine is a comprehensive digestive stool analysis. Unlike a basic stool test, a comprehensive panel gives a full picture of digestive health, the microbiome, and markers of inflammation and immunity.
For example:
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You can see if beneficial bacteria are too low or if problematic bacteria are overgrown.
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You can measure intestinal inflammation markers such as calprotectin or lactoferrin.
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You can check immune activity through secretory IgA levels.
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You can detect parasites, yeast, or harmful bacteria using advanced methods.
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You can assess digestion and absorption through enzyme and bile acid markers.
Sources:
Rupa Health overview: https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-importance-of-comprehensive-stool-testing-in-functional-medicine
Mosaic Diagnostics Comprehensive Stool Analysis: https://mosaicdx.com/test/comprehensive-stool-analysis/
Genova GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile: https://www.gdx.net/products/gi-effects
NIH article on stool testing and gut health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6776453/
Internal Healing and Wellness overview: https://internalhealingandwellnessmd.com/the-importance-of-comprehensive-stool-testing-for-gut-health/
Because the test is noninvasive and detailed, it guides personalized treatments such as probiotics, antimicrobials, digestive support, mucosal healing, and nutrition planning.
Why Functional Medicine Is the Best Approach for IBS
Personalized to your IBS type
Functional medicine tailors strategies for IBS C versus IBS D based on your unique imbalances.
Root cause focus
Instead of covering symptoms, the focus is on healing digestion, rebalancing microbes, reducing inflammation, repairing the gut lining, and calming the immune system.
Holistic perspective
Fatigue, hormones, food sensitivities, stress, and toxin exposure often influence gut health. We address the whole person, not just the digestive system.
Guided by data
Comprehensive stool testing and advanced lab work provide objective data to track progress and fine tune care.
Sustainable relief
You gain the tools to support your gut long term with nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation, reducing dependency on medications.
Meet Dr. Shannon O’Keefe
Dr. Shannon O’Keefe is a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a graduate of an Internal Medicine program. She specializes in functional medicine with a focus on identifying and treating the underlying drivers of chronic conditions such as IBS, fatigue, and autoimmune disorders. Her expertise in nutrition, metabolic health, and advanced diagnostic testing allows her to create personalized treatment plans that address the whole person, not just symptoms. Patients appreciate her thorough and compassionate approach, as she helps guide them toward long term healing and renewed energy.
If you are struggling with constipation, diarrhea, or a mix of both, you do not have to accept IBS as your normal. A functional medicine approach can help uncover what is driving your symptoms and create a personalized plan for lasting relief.
Contact Us
O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
651 292 8072
www.improveurhealth.com
