Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Treatment Dublin — Functional Medicine Approach at Drummartin Clinic
IBS Treatment Dublin: A Different Approach to Lasting Relief
IBS is one of the most common reasons people come to see us at Drummartin Clinic. You may be dealing with
bloating, abdominal pain, unpredictable bowel habits, or the familiar combination of constipation and
diarrhoea that never fully settles. Many people arrive after years of trying different IBS treatments
without meaningful improvement.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
What Causes IBS? Understanding IBS in a Broader Health Context
Over decades of practice, we’ve noticed that IBS rarely shows up on its own. Many patients report additional
symptoms such as chronic fatigue, recurring infections, fibromyalgia, asthma, or persistent thrush. When
several unexplained symptoms appear together, it often suggests a deeper underlying issue.
That’s why we never treat IBS as a standalone bowel disorder. We look at it as part of your wider
health picture—because that’s usually where the real answers lie.
Functional Medicine IBS Treatment: Identifying Root Causes
Functional medicine goes beyond symptom management. Whatever diagnosis you’ve been given—hyperkinetic
gallbladder, acid reflux, or IBS—we focus on identifying why your digestive system is under stress.
These are the key areas we assess:
1. The Role of Stomach Acid, Digestive Enzymes & Bile
Proper digestion relies on adequate stomach acid, enzyme activity, and bile flow. When any of these are
low, bloating, poor digestion, abdominal discomfort, and irregular bowel habits can follow.
2. Food Sensitivities, IBS Trigger Foods & the Low FODMAP Connection
Food intolerances often play a larger role than expected. Identifying trigger foods—including high-FODMAP
foods—can lead to significant improvements. For many patients, this step alone is transformative.
3. The Gut–Brain Axis: How Stress Affects IBS
Most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Your gut and brain communicate constantly via the
vagus nerve. Stress, anxiety, and emotional shifts can directly worsen IBS symptoms through this pathway.
4. IBS and Stress: Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance
Chronic stress or past trauma can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, disrupting digestion
and driving IBS pain, bloating, and unpredictable bowel habits. This is a core area of focus in our clinic.
5. The Gut Immune System and IBS
Around 70% of the immune system resides in the gut. When overactive, it can trigger inflammation, food
intolerance patterns, and symptoms that closely resemble IBS. Restoring balance can offer substantial relief.
6. IBS and Hormones: Why Symptoms Fluctuate During the Menstrual Cycle
Many women experience IBS flare-ups at specific points in their menstrual cycle. These hormonal patterns
provide important diagnostic clues and influence how we personalise treatment.
Before You Visit: Medical Check-Up for New IBS Symptoms
If you’re experiencing new or sudden IBS-type symptoms, please see your GP first—especially if you’re over 40.
Changes in bowel habits require proper medical evaluation to rule out anything serious. Once that’s done,
we can help you understand what’s driving your symptoms and develop a treatment plan.
What to Expect: A Proven Functional Medicine Approach to IBS Relief
Our approach to IBS has been refined over several decades. While functional medicine does not always fit the
structure of traditional double-blind trials, our patient outcomes—and the fact that major centres like the
Cleveland Clinic use similar models—show that this method works.
Why Our IBS Approach Is Different: The Autonomic Nervous System
One of the most distinctive aspects of our work is the attention we give to the autonomic nervous system.
It plays a central role in chronic digestive dysfunction, yet it is often overlooked. Addressing this system
can unlock significant improvements for many patients.
Additional Benefits of Treating IBS Holistically
Because the gut is closely connected to the immune system and the brain, patients often report wider
improvements they did not expect:
- Clearer thinking
- Improved energy
- Better mood
- Reduced infections
These broader changes highlight how interconnected the body truly is.
Your Outcome: Realistic Expectations
Most patients experience meaningful improvements, and many achieve complete resolution of symptoms. Every
case is different, however, and success depends on several factors:
- Duration of illness
- Complexity of symptoms
- Commitment to lifestyle and treatment recommendations
How Long Does IBS Treatment Take? Your Timeline
Your first consultation lasts 70 to 80 minutes. During this time, we explore your medical history in depth,
examine your digestive function, and identify the factors most likely contributing to your IBS. We may
recommend specific investigations, and we will write to your GP with a summary unless you prefer otherwise.
The second visit typically takes place between one and six weeks after the first, depending on what has
emerged. In many cases, we already have enough information from the initial appointment to create a
treatment plan, which we discuss during a 50-minute follow-up.
By the third visit—usually four to eight weeks after the second—many patients are already noticing
substantial improvements. By this stage, laboratory results are available and the treatment plan can be
refined with greater precision.
Occasionally, we need to wait the full four to eight weeks before the second visit if further information
is required to build a clear plan. Treatment naturally evolves from visit to visit.
Many patients begin to feel better within one to four weeks of starting treatment. IBS often involves
several “layers” of imbalance, and as each layer is addressed, temporary symptoms can occur as the body
detoxifies—quite different from the typical “one and done” approach in conventional models.
The aim is to resolve symptoms fully by treating the root cause, not simply covering them with medication.
Follow-up visits are typically every two months until digestive function has stabilised and symptoms have
resolved.
Other Treatments That May Support IBS Recovery
Additional therapies available at Drummartin Clinic include ozone autohemotherapy, rectal ozone, intravenous
infusions, and IASIS microcurrent neurofeedback. These can be used when clinically appropriate to support
the healing process.
IBS Testing: What We Assess at Drummartin Clinic
Our investigations may include:
- Urinary testing for bacterial and fungal metabolites (to detect low-grade infections and dysbiosis)
- Environmental chemical and heavy metal testing
- Testing for parasitic infections when indicated
- Stool analysis (used less frequently nowadays)
- SIBO testing where appropriate
Are You Seeking a Different Approach to IBS?
If standard IBS treatments have not helped, a functional medicine assessment can uncover underlying issues
such as:
- Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
- Digestive deficiencies
- Food sensitivities
- Immune overactivation
- Chronic infections
Contact Drummartin Clinic to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About IBS Treatment
What are the most common symptoms of IBS?
Typical symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, mucus in the stool, and
alternating bowel habits.
What causes IBS?
IBS can arise from stress, food intolerances, digestive enzyme deficiencies, undiagnosed low-grade infections,
gut-brain dysregulation, hormonal shifts, or past infections.
How is IBS diagnosed?
IBS is usually a clinical diagnosis. We also assess digestion, autonomic nervous system function, immune
activity, infections, and food sensitivities to identify root causes.
Can stress make IBS worse?
Yes. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, disrupting digestion and worsening symptoms.
What foods trigger IBS symptoms?
Common triggers include wheat, dairy, onions, garlic, beans, artificial sweeteners, and many high-FODMAP
foods.
What is the best treatment for IBS?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Functional medicine focuses on improving digestion, reducing
inflammation, balancing autonomic function, and identifying trigger foods.
Does IBS ever go away?
Many people experience long-term improvement when the underlying drivers are identified and treated.
Do you treat IBS in Dublin?
Yes. Drummartin Clinic provides IBS assessment and functional medicine treatment in Dublin, supporting
patients across Ireland and international visitors who travel to see us.