IBS-M: Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Mixed

If your digestion swings between constipation and diarrhea, you’re not alone. IBS-M—short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Mixed Type—affects how the gut and brain communicate, causing unpredictable shifts in bowel habits, bloating, and discomfort. At Clarity Health, we look beyond quick fixes to uncover the root causes and help restore lasting gut balance.

What Is IBS-M?

IBS-M, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Mixed Type, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea, often accompanied by chronic abdominal pain and bloating. Unlike transient digestive irregularity, IBS-M reflects deeper imbalances in how the gut, brain, and microbiome communicate. The body’s motility patterns fluctuate—sometimes slowing, sometimes speeding up—creating a frustrating and unpredictable cycle that affects daily comfort and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of IBS-M

Main Symptoms

  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea, often switching every few days or weeks
  • Abdominal cramping or discomfort relieved after a bowel movement
  • Bloating or gas that worsens throughout the day
  • Irregular stool consistency—ranging from hard and pellet-like to loose and watery

Other Common Symptoms

  • A sensation of incomplete evacuation or urgency
  • Mucus in stool, indicating mild intestinal inflammation
  • Food-related symptom flare-ups, especially after large meals or high-stress periods

Less Common but Related Symptoms

  • IBS-M often coincides with systemic symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and sleep disturbance. Because the gut is deeply connected to hormonal and neurological function, fluctuations in bowel rhythm can influence mood, focus, and overall resilience—further reinforcing the gut–brain feedback loop.

What Causes IBS-M?

IBS-M arises from a complex interplay of factors that disrupt the gut’s motility and microbial balance. Common root contributors include:

  • Chronic stress or trauma dysregulating gut–brain communication
  • Microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Food sensitivities and poor digestion of fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs)
  • Sub-optimal gallbladder function
  • Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women
  • Prior infections or antibiotic exposure altering gut flora
  • Genetic predisposition or family history of functional GI disorders

Traditional medicine often labels IBS-M as “stress-related” or “idiopathic,” yet our experience shows clear, measurable causes beneath the surface. True recovery begins when those causes are identified and addressed through personalized testing and precision care.

How Clarity Health Approaches IBS-M

At Clarity Health, we view IBS-M as a signal—not a sentence. Our mission is to uncover what’s driving your alternating symptoms and rebalance your digestive ecosystem from the inside out. 

Our Approach Includes

  • Precision Gut Testing – Comprehensive stool and microbiome analysis to identify inflammation, infection, or dysbiosis.
  • Robust Biomarker Panels – Blood, saliva, and urine testing to detect nutrient, hormonal, and metabolic imbalances.
  • Expert Clinicians & Dietitians – A dual-disciplinary model that merges clinical expertise with real-world nutrition and behavior support.
  • Root-Cause AI Agents – Innovative tools that map your unique biomarker patterns and identify evidence-based therapeutic strategies.

Clarity Health Treatment Tools for IBS-M

Personalized Treatment Protocols may include:

  • Microbiome balancing through probiotics or targeted antimicrobials
  • Therapeutic diet protocols
  • Liver and gallbladder support via diet and supplements
  • Vagus nerve and nervous-system regulation
  • Nutrient repletion and mitochondrial support
  • Mind–gut retraining exercises and relaxation therapies
  • Pharmaceutical support (when clinically appropriate)

Next Steps

If your digestion feels unpredictable and you’re ready for a comprehensive, personalized plan—not another quick fix—Clarity Health can help. Our team will guide you through precision testing, targeted treatment, and ongoing support designed to restore lasting gut balance.

  • Join our waitlist to begin your personalized program. 
  • Not sure?  Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.
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