Frequently Asked Questions.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by a variety of symptoms, including cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you’ll need to manage long term. The cause is not well understood.

There is no definitive test to diagnose IBS. IBS is diagnosed after your doctor has reviewed your symptoms and occasionally ordered tests to rule out other conditions.

Visits at the Tummy Clinic are not covered by OHIP or your provincial health care system, however, most extended healthcare plans cover many aspects of the care you will receive here, such as visits to Naturopathic Doctors, Dietitians, Social Workers or Psychotherapists. Check your benefits package or contact your insurance company for more information.

Prior to your first visit, you will be asked to fill out intake forms providing basic information about your current health concerns, past health history, family history and other basic information.

Your first visit will be with one of our Naturopathic Doctors and will last approximately 60 minutes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will do a full assessment and devise a personalized treatment protocol incorporating our unique team of Dietitians, Nurse Practitioners and Psychotherapists.

We hear you. We create personalized plans designed to take your unique symptoms and concerns seriously. Our protocols are designed by a team of Gastroenterologists and reflect an evidence-based approach. We work together to make sure we are all in sync.

If your family doctor feels assessment with a Gastroenterologist is required and you haven’t already been assessed by one-our clinic will happily redirect referrals from family doctors to our Gastroenterologists.

Otherwise, our program is focused on the aspects of your treatment plan that our Gastroenterologists feel would best be provided by our specialized team members

No, but we encourage you to discuss your symptoms with your family doctor to ensure that no medical work-up is needed.

Every individual is different, however, treatment Protocols are expected to last 3-6 months.

Yes! You can skip the waiting room and connect from your phone, tablet or computer without ever having to leave home. Our team utilizes a PHIPA compliant platform called Jane. A confirmation email will be sent to your inbox 30 minutes prior to your appointment with a link to access your video consultation.

Feel free to send any other questions about our process and treatment using the contact form below.

Managing IBS with diarrhea can be challenging, but making the right food choices can help. Here’s what works for many people with IBS:

• Low FODMAP diet: This dietary approach helps reduce symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. It involves removing certain foods and gradually reintroducing them to see which ones trigger your symptoms.
• Easy-to-digest foods: Stick with foods like plain rice, cooked carrots, zucchini, and lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish) to ease digestion.
• Avoiding triggers: Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or fried foods, as well as dairy and caffeine. These can worsen symptoms for many people with IBS.

If you’re unsure which foods work for you, consulting with a healthcare provider can help you create a personalized meal plan.

Bloating, gas, and stomach pain are common in IBS. These symptoms often result from:

• Gas buildup: Undigested food or fermentation in the intestines can cause gas and bloating.
• Gut motility issues: In IBS, food may move too quickly or slowly through the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
• Food sensitivities: Certain foods like high FODMAP foods can cause bloating or pain.

Managing these symptoms typically involves diet modifications, stress management, and finding the foods that work best for your body.

IBS constipation can be tough, but there are ways to improve bowel movements:

• Increase soluble fiber: Foods like oats, bananas, and carrots can help soften stool.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep things moving.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate digestion.

If these strategies don’t work, gentle laxatives or stool softeners might be considered, but always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Certain foods can make IBS symptoms worse, including:

• High FODMAP foods: These include foods like onions, garlic, certain fruits (e.g., apples, watermelon), and dairy.
• Fatty foods: Rich, greasy foods often cause discomfort for those with IBS.
• Caffeine and alcohol: These can irritate the digestive system and increase symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.

By tracking your food intake and symptoms, you can start to identify which foods are causing flare-ups and work toward a personalized plan.

Constant constipation in IBS can be caused by:

• Low fiber intake
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make stool hard and difficult to pass.
• Stress: Emotional stress often affects digestion and can contribute to constipation.

If constipation persists despite lifestyle changes, consider speaking with a healthcare provider for further assessment and potential treatment options.

Severe bloating can occur when:

• Gas is trapped in the intestines due to difficulty digesting certain foods or fermentation.
• Slow motility: In IBS, the digestive system may move food too slowly, leading to bloating.

To manage bloating, consider reducing high FODMAP foods and incorporating more digestive-friendly meals. Stress management techniques like yoga or mindfulness can also help reduce bloating by calming the nervous system.

See a doctor if:

• Your bloating is persistent or severe.
• You notice unexplained weight loss, blood in your stool, or changes in stool appearance.

These could indicate a more serious condition that needs medical attention. Your doctor can help guide you toward the right treatment plan for managing bloating and IBS.

If you’re dealing with severe constipation:

• Increase fiber intake with soluble fiber (e.g., oats, bananas).
• Stay hydrated and move your body regularly to encourage bowel movement.
• If these measures don’t work, laxatives or stool softeners may help—but they should be used carefully and only when needed.

Getting relief from IBS symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain often involves:

• Following a low FODMAP diet and finding out which foods trigger symptoms.
• Reducing stress through mindfulness or gut-directed hypnotherapy.
• Staying hydrated and active to support your digestive health.

If you’re struggling with IBS, consider reaching out to our team at The Tummy Clinic for personalized guidance on managing your symptoms.