Dr. Whitney’s Approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS Naturopath in Victoria, BC | Dr. Whitney Baxter, Naturopathic Doctor

Struggling with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or unpredictable digestion?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to live this way.

I help people understand the driver of their symptoms and restore calm and reliable digestion.

IBS is a chronic digestive condition with no single known cause or trigger. Instead, there are a number of things that can contribute and each person is different!

IBS can cause:

  • bloating (or swelling)

  • discomfort OR pain

  • cramping

  • gas

  • looser stool or diarrhea

  • harder or infrequent stools or constipation

  • urgent need to use the washroom

  • food fear or restricted eating due to symptoms

Have you spoken to any medical doctors about these symptoms? Have you been told everything is normal?

There are some lab tests (blood work and stool testing done through Life Labs) to rule out other conditions.

The frustrating part about IBS is that everything looks normal, yet you still have the pain or discomfort, bloating and change in stools. I can explain what’s going on and HOW we approach supporting you.

I primarily support people who:

  • Are frustrated with ongoing IBS symptoms

  • Feel restricted around food

  • Are tired of searching for answers and want an individualized solution

  • Are ready to feel confident in their digestion again

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IBS Treatment & Long Term Support

IBS now categorized as a disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI).

This involves (and therefore we need to support):

  • Gut movement or motility— poor regulation of the muscle contractions of the digestive tract causing abnormal movement.

  • Visceral hypersensitivity — greater sensitivity of the nerves attached to the GI tract. Pain, discomfort and uncomfortable bloating arise due to otherwise normal digestive processes (gas and stool moving through the gut).

  • Gut-brain dysfunction — problems in the connection between the nerves of the brain and gut.

IBS Requires a Strategy, Not Just A Supplement Or Diet

Your treatment plan may include:

  • Discovering fibre or other food triggers (reviewing the evidence and strategy for a low FODMAP food trial and re-introduction)

  • Re-wiring the gut-brain connection (using apps or deep belly breathing techniques)

  • Microbiome support (if indicated) - including presence of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) or history of post-infectious IBS

  • Targeted nutrition strategies to soothe symptoms

  • Evidence-based supplements (such as peppermint oil and other carminative herbs)

  • Sleep, eating behaviours and stress support

  • Prescription medications (if indicated)

Every plan is tailored—because no two IBS cases are the same.

 

In-person and remote options

Dr. Baxter offers in-person consultations at Glow Integrative Clinic in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

If you are a BC resident you can work with her virtually.

What It’s Like To Work Together

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    Discovery Call

    15 MIN | Free

    This virtual call with Dr. Baxter allows you to ask questions about her approach to your specific health goals. It allows you to get to know her before booking an initial appointment.

  • A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black top and a floral skirt, sitting and writing on a form or clipboard, with another person partially visible next to her.

    Initial Appointment

    1 HOUR | $260

    Meet in-person or virtually. Dr. Baxter takes the time to understand your symptoms, history, triggers, and goals. You’ll receive a clear, structured plan tailored to your body and lifestyle.

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    Ongoing Support

    30 MIN - 1 HOUR FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

    Dr. Baxter will set timelines for follow-up appointments to adjust your plan as your gut heals—so you continue progressing, not plateauing.

    Treatment options discussed at each step of the way

You deserve to feel comfortable in your body again—to eat without fear, travel without stress, and trust your digestion.