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IBS Specialist

Salem Wellness Clinic

Naturopathic Doctors & Primary Care Practices located in Salem, OR

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be painful and embarrassing. At Salem Wellness Clinic in Salem, Oregon, Dr. Laika Rodriguez and Rebecca Kelly, FNP help their patients find solutions for gastrointestinal disorders like IBS. Dr. Rodriguez is a naturopathic physician and Rebecca Kelly is a Family Nurse Practitioner who use noninvasive treatments, like lifestyle and dietary changes, to restore healthy gut function without surgery or pharmaceuticals. They believe that the more you know about your condition then the easier it is to understand treatments. They are committed to educating patients about their illness to help them help themselves along with medications when needed. To learn more about how Salem Wellness Clinic providers can help you treat IBS, call Salem Wellness Clinic today or book an appointment online.

IBS Q & A

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder affecting the large intestine. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, gas, and diarrhea that range from mild to severe. For some people with IBS, symptoms can be debilitating.

The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is not currently known, but the following factors may play a role in IBS symptoms:

  • Muscle contractions in the gut
  • Hormone fluctuations or imbalances
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Intestinal inflammation
  • Nervous system disorders

Many people with IBS are told that their symptoms are mentally induced. However, IBS is a real medical condition and the right treatment can help resolve your symptoms.

What are some symptoms of IBS?

IBS typically causes cramping or burning abdominal pain that is often relieved by a bowel movement. Other IBS symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Mucus in the stool
  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Painful or difficult bowel movements

People with IBS may have difficulty eating a balanced diet, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Over time, these nutritional deficiencies can be harmful to your health.

How is IBS treated?

IBS symptoms are often triggered by certain foods. If you’re struggling to manage your IBS symptoms, Dr. Laika Rodriguez and Rebecca Kelly, FNP provide nutritional counseling to help you determine which foods may be causing problems.


Prescription medications serve as an effective treatment solution for IBS. Malfunctioning serotonin receptors in the gut sometimes cause gastrointestinal problems, like abdominal pain or diarrhea. Certain medications can help correct this issue and provide relief from IBS symptoms.

How can Salem Wellness Clinic Providers help with IBS?

IBS can be challenging to treat, as it requires a whole-body approach, including dietary changes, mental health support, and more. Many doctors treat IBS only with medication, rather than nutritional or lifestyle counseling.

Naturopathic Physicians and Family Nurse Practitioners focus on treating the patient as a whole person. Dr. Rodriguez and Rebecca Kelly, FNP,  work with their patients to discover the root cause of their symptoms. They can help you make changes to your diet, manage your stress, and more.


Conventional medicine often uses a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. But we treat each of patients as an individual. They empower their patients to take an active role in their medical treatment and make choices that will ensure their long-term health.

Need help treating your IBS? Call Salem Wellness Clinic today or book an appointment online.