If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you’ve probably tried many common treatments and medications. You’ve probably come across elimination diets, over-the-counter medications, probiotics from the grocery store, or even prescription drugs. But the bloating, discomfort, and unpredictability haven’t left.
That’s because IBS is rarely caused by one simple issue. It’s a complex, multi-factor condition that requires more than symptom management.
At Dr. Branham’s St. Louis functional medicine clinic, patients finally find a root-cause approach that looks at the full picture of digestive health. Let’s work together and find you relief that lasts.
IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. It’s also one of the most frustrating. For some, symptoms come and go unpredictably. For others, the discomfort is constant. Typical symptoms include bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea. Beyond the physical distress, IBS often causes fatigue, anxiety, and social stress. You may find yourself planning your day around your symptoms, avoiding certain foods, or feeling like your gut has taken control of your life.
That emotional toll is real. When your digestion is unpredictable, it affects everything. Discomfort and gut-related anxiety can impact work, relationships, confidence, and overall quality of life. Many people feel dismissed after years of being told to “just manage the stress” or “take fiber.” But IBS is not simply a stress disorder or a minor inconvenience. It’s a signal that something deeper is off in the digestive system and needs to be understood.
The term “syndrome” means a collection of symptoms that may have several underlying triggers. IBS isn’t a single disease with one clear cause. Instead, it’s a sign that multiple systems in your body aren’t functioning properly. This can include your gut, nervous system, hormones, and even immune responses. That’s why standard medical approaches often fall short. Treating IBS requires understanding the whole person, not just suppressing symptoms.
Functional medicine excels in this area because it seeks to identify and correct the root imbalances that create IBS in the first place.
While everyone’s story is unique, several recurring patterns contribute to IBS.
A healthy gut depends on a balanced ecosystem of bacteria. Antibiotics, processed foods, or chronic stress can disrupt this microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria or yeast to overgrow. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can lead to bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements.
Unlike true food allergies, sensitivities may not cause immediate reactions. Instead, they create low-grade inflammation that disrupts digestion and motility. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, and certain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs). Identifying and addressing sensitivities can be transformative for people with IBS.
When the intestinal lining becomes too permeable, bacteria and toxins can escape into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses and inflammation. This “leaky gut” phenomenon contributes to systemic symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, memory issues, brain fog, and skin issues in addition to digestive distress.
The gut and brain communicate constantly through the vagus nerve and hormones. Chronic stress disrupts this communication, altering gut motility, enzyme production, and bacterial balance. This is why emotional health is inseparable from digestive health.
SIBO occurs when bacteria migrate from the large intestine into the small intestine, where they ferment food before it’s fully digested. This leads to bloating, pain, and nutrient malabsorption. SIBO is one of the most underdiagnosed contributors to IBS.
Women often notice that IBS symptoms fluctuate with their menstrual cycles. Estrogen and progesterone influence gut motility and inflammation. Addressing hormonal imbalances can help stabilize digestion.
Exposure to toxins, mold, or a history of gut infections such as parasites or food poisoning can trigger long-term changes in digestion. Functional testing helps identify these hidden triggers that conventional approaches often overlook.
Dr. Branham is known in St. Louis for his expertise in functional medicine and digestive health. His approach combines clinical testing with a compassionate understanding of how gut issues impact daily life. Patients appreciate his commitment to listening deeply and creating individualized strategies rather than generic recommendations.
Where traditional medicine often stops at symptom management, Dr. Branham continues to dig deeper until he understands the “why.” His care philosophy is built on three principles: identify the cause, restore balance, and empower patients to take control of their health.
At Dr. Branham’s St. Louis practice, the goal isn’t to offer a temporary fix. No, instead, he wants to help your body restore normal function. The functional approach begins with an in-depth assessment that goes far beyond standard lab work. Dr. Branham takes time to understand your personal history, environment, nutrition, and stress patterns. Advanced testing may include microbiome analysis, stool testing, hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, and inflammatory markers.
Once the root causes are identified, a personalized plan is created. This may include the following:
Functional medicine goes far beyond IBS symptoms. After working with Dr. Branham, you’re probably going to feel great all around. As digestion improves, many patients report clearer skin, fewer headaches, better mood, improved focus, and stronger immunity. That’s because the gut affects nearly every system in the body.
Monday – Thursday
8am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday
Closed
Questions? Need to request a consultation?
If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and truly understand what’s driving your IBS, functional medicine can help. At Dr. Branham’s clinic in St. Louis, you’ll receive advanced testing, thoughtful guidance, and a clear plan to restore gut health from the inside out.
IBS doesn’t have to control your life. You can feel better, think clearly, and enjoy food again without fear of how your body will respond.
Schedule a consultation today and begin your journey toward lasting digestive wellness. Dr. Branham is ready to help you find relief and rediscover balance through a functional, root-cause approach to IBS treatment.
