Question 1

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It is caused by a combination of gut-brain axis dysfunction, intestinal inflammation, altered gut motility, and food sensitivities that trigger symptoms. The Food Specific IgG test is the most important test for IBS management because it identifies dietary triggers that worsen symptoms.

Question 2

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is caused by disruptions in the gut-brain axis, which affects how your digestive system communicates with your nervous system. Additional contributing factors include chronic low-grade intestinal inflammation, altered gut motility that speeds up or slows down digestion, imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis), and food sensitivities that trigger inflammatory responses. Stress, hormonal changes, and previous gastrointestinal infections can also activate or worsen these underlying mechanisms, leading to the characteristic symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.

Question 3

What is the best test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Food Specific IgG test is the most important test for IBS management because it identifies dietary triggers that may be worsening your symptoms. This test measures your immune system's IgG antibody response to specific foods like beet root, dairy, gluten, and other common triggers. While IBS cannot be diagnosed by a single blood test, food sensitivity testing provides actionable information that helps you eliminate problematic foods from your diet. Many IBS patients experience significant symptom relief after removing foods that show elevated IgG responses, making this test essential for developing a personalized dietary management plan.

Question 4

When should I get tested for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurring abdominal pain or cramping at least once a week for three months, notice changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation, feel bloating or gas that interferes with daily activities, or notice that your symptoms worsen after eating certain foods. Food Specific IgG testing is particularly valuable if you have tried various treatments without success or suspect that specific foods are triggering your symptoms. Getting tested helps you identify hidden dietary triggers and create a targeted elimination plan to reduce your symptoms.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms include recurring abdominal pain or cramping that often improves after bowel movements, bloating and gas that may be worse in the evening, alternating diarrhea and constipation or predominantly one or the other, mucus in the stool, and feeling like you have not completely emptied your bowels. Many people also experience fatigue, nausea, and urgent needs to use the bathroom. Symptoms typically come and go in episodes, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or specific foods, and can significantly impact your quality of life and daily activities.

Question 6

Who is at risk for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for IBS include women, who are twice as likely to develop the condition as men, individuals under age 50, those with a family history of IBS, people who experience high levels of stress or anxiety, and anyone with a history of depression or other mental health conditions. Previous gastrointestinal infections can trigger IBS in some people, and those with food sensitivities or intolerances are more likely to experience symptoms. Hormonal fluctuations also play a role, which is why many women notice their symptoms worsen during menstrual periods.

Question 7

What happens if Irritable Bowel Syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated IBS significantly impacts quality of life through chronic pain, unpredictable bowel habits, and constant digestive discomfort that interferes with work, social activities, and relationships. While IBS does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or lead to serious diseases like cancer, ongoing symptoms can lead to nutritional deficiencies if you start avoiding many foods, contribute to anxiety and depression, disrupt sleep patterns, and cause hemorrhoids or anal fissures from chronic diarrhea or constipation. Identifying and managing dietary triggers through food sensitivity testing helps prevent these complications and improves overall wellbeing.

Question 8

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

IBS cannot be diagnosed with a single blood test because it is a functional disorder diagnosed primarily through symptoms and excluding other conditions. However, blood tests play an important supporting role in IBS management. Food Specific IgG testing identifies dietary triggers that worsen symptoms, while other blood work may be ordered to rule out conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections that can mimic IBS symptoms. Your doctor diagnoses IBS based on symptom patterns (Rome IV criteria) combined with ruling out other causes, but blood testing for food sensitivities provides valuable guidance for dietary modifications that can significantly reduce your symptoms.

Question 9

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

IBS treatment focuses on managing symptoms through dietary modifications, stress management, and sometimes medications. Identifying and eliminating food triggers through IgG testing is one of the most effective approaches, along with following a low-FODMAP diet that reduces fermentable carbohydrates. Probiotics help restore healthy gut bacteria, while fiber supplements can regulate bowel movements. Stress reduction techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, and regular exercise improve gut-brain communication. Medications may include antispasmodics for cramping, laxatives for constipation, or anti-diarrheal agents depending on your symptoms. A personalized approach combining these strategies typically provides the best symptom control.

Question 10

How can I prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent IBS, you can reduce your risk and minimize symptom triggers by maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber and whole foods, staying well hydrated throughout the day, managing stress through regular exercise and relaxation techniques, and getting adequate sleep each night. Avoiding known trigger foods identified through food sensitivity testing helps prevent flare-ups. Regular physical activity improves gut motility and reduces stress, while limiting caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods decreases intestinal irritation. Building a consistent eating schedule and taking time to eat meals slowly without rushing also supports healthy digestive function.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help manage IBS symptoms include peppermint oil capsules that relax intestinal muscles and reduce cramping, ginger tea that soothes digestive inflammation and nausea, and probiotic supplements that restore beneficial gut bacteria. Psyllium husk fiber helps regulate bowel movements for both constipation and diarrhea types. Stress-reducing practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises improve gut-brain communication. Keeping a food diary helps you identify personal triggers, while drinking chamomile or fennel tea can reduce bloating and gas. Heat therapy using a heating pad on your abdomen provides relief during painful episodes. Combining these approaches with food sensitivity testing creates a comprehensive natural management plan.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Blood Work

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

What causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

What is the best test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

When should I get tested for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask AI