THE BEST FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINIC FOR GUT HEALTH

Edina, Minnesota

(Comprehensive Functional Medicine Gut Protocols)

The Complete Guide to Functional Testing that finally uncovers The Why behind IBS

The Problem with Traditional IBS Treatment

Why Your IBS Medications Aren't Working: A Functional Medicine Approach to Finding Real Answers

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Dr. Paul's Functional Medicine Testing Approach in IBS: 5 key steps

A message from Dr. Paul

Why Your IBS Medications Aren't Working: A Functional Medicine Approach to Finding Real Answers

Why Traditional IBS Treatments Often Fall Short

Despite advances in gastroenterology, millions of people continue to struggle with IBS symptoms even after trying multiple medications. In this educational video, Dr. Paul Deglmann explains a critical gap in conventional IBS treatment: while antispasmodics, laxatives, and other medications manage symptoms, they rarely address root causes like bacterial imbalances, enzyme deficiencies, or undiagnosed food sensitivities.

Dr. Deglmann demonstrates how functional medicine's comprehensive testing approach differs from standard diagnostics. Learn why colonoscopies and CT scans often appear "normal" in IBS patients, yet specific functional tests can reveal hidden imbalances in stomach acid production, pancreatic enzyme output, microbiome composition, and stress hormone patterns.

Discover the step-by-step testing protocol that identifies the actual mechanisms behind IBS symptoms – and why "Test, don't guess" has become the cornerstone of successful gut healing.

The Complete Guide to Functional Testing That Finally Uncovers Why You Have IBS

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Why Your IBS Medications Aren't Working:
A Functional Medicine Approach to Finding Real Answers

Introduction from Dr. Paul Deglmann:

If you've tried every medication your doctor has prescribed, but still struggling with IBS symptoms, you're not alone! As a functional medicine doctor specializing in gut health here in Minnesota, I see patients every day who feel frustrated because traditional treatments – antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, laxatives – provide temporary relief, at best.

The Reason?

These medications manage symptoms without addressing the underlying cause of why your bowels are irritated in the first place.

What You'll Learn:

Why Traditional IBS Treatments Fail – The real reason antispasmodics and laxatives only mask symptoms instead of solving them
How Standard Tests Can Miss Hidden Root Causes – Bacterial overgrowth, enzyme deficiencies, food sensitivities, and other factors your doctor isn't checking
The Complete Functional Testing Protocol – Exactly which tests reveal YOUR specific IBS triggers (stool, organic acids, food sensitivity, micronutrients)
How Digestive Organs Actually Work Together – The cascade from stomach acid to enzymes to bile, and where yours could be breaking down
The Gut-Brain Connection – How stress and cortisol directly trigger your digestive symptoms
Why Your Tests Come Back "Normal" – What colonoscopies and CT scans can't see that functional testing can
The "Test, Don't Guess" Approach – How to stop wasting time on trial-and-error protocols
Your Personal Healing Timeline – What to realistically expect based on your root causes

The Problem with Traditional IBS Treatment

Traditional medicine often approaches IBS with a symptom-management mindset.

You might receive medications to:

Control spasms and cramping
Manage diarrhea or constipation
Promote better gut motility
Provide temporary comfort

But here's the challenge: when your colonoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, CT scans, and x-rays all come back normal, you're left with a diagnosis that essentially means "irritated bowels of unknown cause." Whether you have IBS-C (constipation), IBS-D (diarrhea), or IBS-M (mixed/alternating), these labels describe your symptoms, but don't explain

The Why!

Questions to Consider:

How many different IBS medications have you tried over the years?
Do your symptoms return as soon as you stop taking your medications?
Has any doctor explained WHY your bowels are irritated, beyond merely naming your symptoms?
Are you tired of being told "everything looks normal" when you clearly don't feel normal?

Think about it – If you have yeast overgrowth, bacterial imbalances, low digestive enzymes, or insufficient stomach acid, will an antidiarrheal medication fix these root issues? Probably not. That's why so many patients continue experiencing bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and unpredictable bowel patterns despite following their treatment plan "to a T."

Dr. Paul's Functional Medicine Testing Approach:
Following Your Digestive Tract

When I evaluate my new IBS patients, I visualize the gut as one long connected tube from mouth to the end of the digestive tract. This anatomical perspective guides my comprehensive testing strategy below...

1. Food Testing – What Goes Down the Tube

The first thing we should always test is food, since it's what travels through your digestive system most frequently. My approach includes:

Genetic testing for gluten sensitivity predisposition
Food Allergy profiles to identify immediate reactions
Food Sensitivity testing to uncover delayed responses

Questions to Consider:

Do you notice symptoms worsen after certain meals but can't pinpoint specific triggers?
Have you tried eliminating foods randomly without clear guidance or results?
Do you experience symptoms hours or days after eating, making it hard to connect cause and effect?
Has anyone in your family been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

IBS food allergy and sensitivity testing guide showing IgE reactions, IgG food sensitivities, and leaky gut syndrome markers for functional medicine diagnosis

2. Digestive Function Testing – How Your Organs Perform

Next, we evaluate how well your digestive organs are functioning through comprehensive stool testing that reveals:

Stomach acid levels – Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is far more common than high acid
Pancreatic enzyme production – Measured through elastase 1 levels
Gallbladder function – Assessed via steatocrit (fat in stool) levels to evaluate bile production and fat digestion

Questions to Consider:

Do you feel uncomfortably full after eating normal-sized meals?
Have you noticed undigested food particles in your stool?
Do fatty meals trigger immediate digestive distress?
Are you taking acid-blocking medications that might be suppressing necessary stomach acid?
Do you experience bloating within 30-60 minutes after eating?

Digestive function testing for IBS showing stomach acid production, pancreatic enzyme levels, and gallbladder bile release evaluation

3. Absorption Assessment – Nutrient Status

Chronic digestive issues often lead to nutritional deficiencies. A micronutrient panel helps identify what nutrients aren't being properly absorbed in your small intestine, even when your diet seems adequate.

Questions to Consider:

Despite eating well, do you experience fatigue, brain fog, or mood issues?
Have you developed new food reactions or sensitivities over time?
Do you bruise easily, have brittle nails, or experience hair loss?
Are you taking multiple supplements, but still don't feel better?
Have you been told you are anemic, or have other nutrient deficiencies?

Comprehensive nutrient testing panel for IBS patients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to identify digestive health deficiencies

4. Microbiome Analysis – Your Gut Ecosystem

Your colon houses roughly 100 trillion bacteria that can significantly impact your health! Through stool testing and organic acid testing, we can determine:

Balance of beneficial versus harmful bacteria
Presence of H. pylori infection
Yeast, fungus, or candida overgrowth
Parasite presence
Gut inflammation levels

Questions to Consider:

Have you taken multiple rounds of antibiotics in your lifetime?
Do you experience sugar cravings, especially after meals?
Have you traveled internationally and had digestive issues since?
Do you notice symptoms worsen after eating fermented foods or sugary foods?
Have you been told you have SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) but treatment didn't help?

Gut microbiome testing for IBS showing bacterial balance analysis, pathogen detection, inflammation markers, and digestive function evaluation with stool and organic acid tests

5. Beyond the Gut: Other Factors Affecting IBS

Sometimes IBS symptoms stem from issues outside the digestive tract itself:

Stress and Adrenal Function: We've all experienced stress-related digestive symptoms – loss of appetite, nausea, or sudden diarrhea during anxious moments. That's why I test cortisol patterns and adrenal function, as chronic stress can perpetuate IBS symptoms.

Questions to Consider:

Do your symptoms worsen during stressful periods?
Have you noticed a correlation between anxiety and digestive symptoms?
Do you feel "wired but tired" or exhausted despite adequate sleep?
Did your IBS begin after a particularly stressful life event?
Do relaxation techniques temporarily improve your symptoms?

Environmental Factors: Mold exposure, heavy metals, and environmental chemicals can significantly affect digestive function. When appropriate, we investigate these potential contributors through specialized testing.

Questions to Consider:

Have you lived or worked in a water-damaged building?
Do you have multiple chemical sensitivities, react to perfumes/fragrances, or cleaning products?
Have you had significant dental work, including amalgam fillings?
Do you eat primarily non-organic foods or use plastic containers frequently?
Did your symptoms begin after moving to a new home or starting a new job?

Systemic factors affecting IBS including stress and adrenal testing, cortisol pattern analysis, and environmental toxin screening for comprehensive gut health assessment

Why This Approach is so Successful in IBS Patients

My success with IBS patients comes down to some key factors:

Comprehensive Testing – The more we test, the less we guess! Thorough evaluation reveals the specific mechanisms affecting your gut function.
Customized Plan - I develop a customized plan for each patient based on their specific test results, lifestyle and symptoms. No two patients are on the same plan; "One Size, Fits One"
Clear Communication – I maintain regular contact between appointments and provide detailed education about your test results and your protocol.
Structured Follow-ups – Each visit, we review where you are in your protocol, assess your progress, and adjust as needed.
Patient Compliance – Understanding the "why" behind your symptoms motivates consistent protocol adherence.

Complete IBS testing protocol infographic showing 6 essential categories including food testing, digestive function, nutrients, microbiome, systemic factors for personalized treatment plans

Key Takeaways & Message from Dr. Paul

"I know why you're here. You've been dealing with IBS symptoms that have disrupted your life – for months, or even years. You've likely seen multiple doctors, tried countless medications, and followed every piece of advice, yet you're still struggling. I want you to know that your frustration is completely valid. But don't lose hope as my approach is proven and tailored to your unique situation, body chemistry, set of symptoms and lifestyle.

When I first started practicing functional medicine here in Minnesota, I was amazed at how many patients came to me with "normal" test results despite experiencing daily digestive distress. They'd been told nothing was wrong, that "it's just IBS..." or worse – that it was all in their head and nothing is actually wrong. But here's what I've learned in over a decade of helping hundreds (if not thousands) of patients: your symptoms are REAL, they're associate with a root cause, and with the right approach, they can be resolved!

Traditional medicine is focused on managing IBS symptoms, but functional medicine taught me to ask "why?"

- Why are your bowels irritated?

- Why do certain foods trigger reactions?

- Why do stress and digestion seem so connected in your case?

Every patient who walks through my door has a unique story, a unique set of circumstances that led to their IBS, and therefore needs a unique solution.

I've seen patients who discovered their IBS was actually caused by a parasite picked up during travel years ago. Others had undiagnosed food sensitivities creating constant inflammation. Some had bacterial overgrowth or yeast overgrowth that multiple rounds of antibiotics eventually made worse. And many had a combination of factors – low stomach acid, poor enzyme production, chronic stress, and dysbiosis all working together to create their symptoms.

The most rewarding part of my practice isn't just seeing symptoms resolve in my patients – though that's certainly gratifying! It's helping patients better understand their unique body, helping them feeling empowered rather than victimized by their digestive system. It's helping my patients enjoy a meal out with friends without fear, travel without packing an emergency kit, or simply wake up knowing their gut won't dictate their day. You deserve the quality of life you once had, and more!

I won't promise you an overnight solution, because gut healing takes time. Your digestive system didn't become imbalanced overnight, and it won't heal overnight either. What I will promise is that if you're willing to do the testing, follow through with the protocols and give your body time to heal, we can get to the bottom of your IBS. We can identify your specific root causes and address them systematically.

The "test, don't guess" approach I use isn't just about running labs – it's about respecting your experience enough to dig deep for real answers. It's about not settling for "managing" your symptoms when we could be resolving them. It's about finally giving you your life back!

If you're ready to stop guessing and start healing, if you're ready to understand the "why" behind your symptoms, and if you're ready to partner with someone who will keep searching until we find your answers – then I'm ready to help you along your journey to once again restoring your health.

There are answers, there are solutions, and there is hope.

To your health and healing,

Dr. Paul Deglmann

P.S. Remember, nearly every patient I see thought their case was "too complicated" or "hopeless" until we found the specific root cause(s) to blame for your symptoms. Your healing journey is just one comprehensive test away from beginning!

Functional medicine approach to IBS treatment by Dr. Paul showing comprehensive testing process from identifying triggers to customized protocols for symptom resolution

Book a Free Phone Consultation with Dr. Paul

For those experiencing unexplained IBS symptoms, ready to invest in their health, Dr. Paul Deglmann offers a complimentary 15-minute educational consultation to learn about your gut health concerns, explain your testing options and determine if we are a good fit in working together:

REQUEST FREE CONSULTATION

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Knowing? Book A Free 15-minute Phone Consultation with Dr. Paul now to see if he can help you!

Request Free Consultation with Restorative Health Solutions

Before you submit your information, please know, Dr. Paul does not accept Medical Insurance. However, his care services should be covered under your HSA plan. Care Credit may also be offered.

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FAQs:

Do you offer virtual consultations?

At Restorative Health Solutions we offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Feel free to share your preference with our front desk when you reach out.

*We do not work with patients that live outside of the United States.

How much is the 15-minute phone consultation?

Your first phone call is complementary and on us.

Typically how long are the appointments?

The initial appointment after the first phone call is around 90 minutes on average. Follow-up visits are usually 30 minutes.

How many visits will I need?

This, of course, depends on your unique situation and plan for recovery! Typically, our follow-up visits are every 3-6 weeks in the initial phase of the protocol and every 3-6 months for maintenance or wellness visits. Telehealth options are also available.

Do I need a doctor referral to come see you?

No, you do not! We see people referred by doctors, friends and family, and those that are taking charge of their own health.

I am already taking supplements and have changed my diet with no improvement. Do you feel like you can still help me?

Yes, absolutely. Please note: taking supplements and following a specific diet on your own can be challenging without individualzied support. Taking the right supplements, in the right form, at the right dose, for the right amount of time along with a diet that fits you best, can make a huge difference and can be crucial for long-term improvement. On our intake form, our patients list any supplements they're already taking to give Dr. Paul a heads-up. Supplements taken with proper guidance, can be more effective and help patients to avoid long-term use.