Chronic Digestive Complaints (IBS): Finding the Root Cause of Persistent Digestive Problems
Many people occasionally experience abdominal pain, bloating, or irregular bowel movements. However, when these symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years, they can have a significant impact on daily life. Work, dining out, traveling, or social activities may even be avoided because of ongoing digestive discomfort.
At NutriSwitch, we don’t just focus on relieving digestive symptoms—we look for the underlying causes. Digestive complaints are often not the problem itself but rather a signal that the body is out of balance.
When Do We Speak of Chronic Digestive Complaints or IBS?
Chronic digestive complaints can present themselves in many different ways. You may recognize one or more of the following symptoms:
- Bloating
- Obdominal pain
- Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Excessive gas or flatulence
- Feeling overly full after meals
- Digestive discomfort after eating certain foods
- Nausea
- Fatigue after eating certainn foods
- Brain fog or concentration problems
People diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) often experience several of these symptoms, even though routine medical examinations may not reveal any obvious physical abnormalities. This does not mean the symptoms are “all in your head.” Multiple underlying factors may contribute to the development and persistence of IBS symptoms.
Possible Causes of Chronic Digestive Complaints
Chronic digestive complaints rarely have a single cause. Potential contributing factors include:
- Imbalanced gut microbiome
- Food intolerances or food sensitivities
- Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
- Chronic stress
- Disruption of the gut-brain axis
- LGI chronic low grade inflammation
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Parasites or other microbial imbalances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Hormonale disbalans
- Blood sugar fluctuations
- Recovery after a gastrointestinal infection or antibiotic treatment
Every person is unique. That’s why we always take your individual health history into account.
How Can NutriSwitch Support You?
During your initial consultation, we take the time to discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, nutrition, and medical history. Based on this information, we determine which assessments are most appropriate for your situation.
EMB Blood test
The EMB Blood Test provides insights into areas such as::
- Vitamins and minerals
- Fatty acidss
- Hormones
- Neurotransmitters
- Gut microbiome function
- Immmune system
- Energetic blockages
Vitalfeld Bodyscan
The Vitalfeld Body Scan evaluates your body’s energetic regulation and may help identify functional imbalances. It can also be used throughout your treatment to monitor your progress.
DNA Health Test
The DNA Health Test provides insight into your genetic predisposition regarding:
- Intestinal health
- Inflammatory processes
- Detoxification
- Methylation
- Nutrient metabolism
These insights allow us to tailor nutrition and lifestyle recommendations even more precisely to your individual needs.
Your Personal Treatment Plan
Following your assessments, you will receive a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for your health goals. This may include:
- Individual nutrinional guidelines
- Lifestyle support and guidelines
- Support for a healthy gut microbiome
- Imroving digestive function
- Correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Recommendations for appropriate nutritional supplements
- Stress management strategies
- Supporting the gut-brain axis
- Regular follow-up consultations to monitor your progress
Our goal is to address the underlying imbalances step by step and support long-term digestive health.
Veelgestelde vragen
Is IBS the same as a food allergy?
No. IBS is usually influenced by multiple factors, including nutrition, stress, the gut microbiome, and communication between the gut and the brain. Certain foods may trigger symptoms without causing a true food allerg
Can stress cause digestive problems?
Yes. Your gut and brain are constantly connected through the gut-brain axis. Long-term stress can affect your gut microbiome, bowel function, and the sensitivity of your intestinal lining.
Does nutrition affect IBS?
Yes. Certain foods may worsen IBS symptoms, but trigger foods vary from person to person. That’s why personalized nutritional guidance is essential.
How long does treatment take?
Every individual is different. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, while others require a longer treatment period. This depends on the underlying causes, the duration of your symptoms, and your personal health situation.
Are the assessments covered by health insurance?
Orthomolecular consultations and additional functional assessments are generally not covered under standard health insurance policies. We recommend contacting your health insurance provider to determine whether reimbursement is available through supplementary coverage.
Make an appointment
Book an Appointment
Don’t continue living with chronic digestive problems or IBS without exploring the possible underlying causes.
Together, we’ll identify where your body needs support and create a personalized treatment plan designed to help restore your digestive health and overall well-being.
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us using the contact form or schedule an introductory consultation. Together, we can discuss your situation and determine whether NutriSwitch is the right place for you. We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
In some cases, depending on your symptoms, we may first recommend that you consult your general practitioner (GP) if there is a suspicion of an acute medical condition. However, in most cases, chronic health concerns can be addressed through our complementary orthomolecular healthcare approach at our practice in The Hague.