# 90: Getting to the Root Cause of IBS With Dr. Izabella Wentz

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/thyroid-pharmacist-healing-conversations-with-dr-izabella-wentz-7249643/90-getting-to-the-root-cause-of-ibs-with-dr-izabella-wentz
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/thyroid-pharmacist-healing-conversations-with-dr-izabella-wentz-7249643/90-getting-to-the-root-cause-of-ibs-with-dr-izabella-wentz.md
Podcast: [Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations with Dr. Izabella Wentz](https://stenobird.com/podcast/thyroid-pharmacist-healing-conversations-with-dr-izabella-wentz-7249643)
Published: 2026-03-09T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/LDCBT7593574590.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/LDCBT7593574590.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/thyroid-pharmacist-healing-conversations-with-dr-izabella-wentz-7249643/episodes/90-getting-to-the-root-cause-of-ibs-with-dr-izabella-wentz
Duration seconds: 1203

## Resource

In this solo episode of the Thyroid Pharmacist Healing Conversations podcast, Dr. Izabella Wentz explains why IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is often a “wastebasket diagnosis” – a label based on symptoms, not causes. Drawing from her personal healing journey and years of clinical experience, she breaks down why most IBS cases have identifiable, treatable root causes, and how a functional medicine approach can lead to lasting resolution. Dr. Wentz also introduces her new book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a comprehensive guide to uncovering what’s really driving digestive symptoms and addressing them at the source. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, not a root cause: IBS is diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria based on symptoms alone, without identifying what is driving them. Research suggests that up to 98% of people labeled with IBS have a treatable underlying cause. When you investigate the why behind symptoms, healing becomes possible. The conditions that are commonly mislabeled as IBS: SIBO, bile acid malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, carbohydrate intolerances, infections, and even inflammatory bowel disease can all present as IBS. Each requires a different treatment approach, which is why proper identification matters. Why the low FODMAP diet is not a long-term solution: Although it may temporarily reduce bloating and discomfort, the low FODMAP diet does not address the underlying cause. Long-term restriction may even reduce microbial diversity and worsen gut health if deeper imbalances are not corrected. How medications can contribute to digestive symptoms: Proton pump inhibitors, pain relievers, and certain drospirenone-containing birth control pills can alter st…

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## Transcript

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