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By Gene Turner, MD, FAARFM
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month — a time dedicated to shedding light on one of the most common yet misunderstood gastrointestinal conditions affecting millions of Americans. At Mid-Florida Age Management, we believe that awareness is the first step toward better health and a significantly improved quality of life. This month, we want to make sure our community has the information they need to recognize IBS, understand its impact, and seek the right care.
What Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder that primarily affects the large intestine. Unlike inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, IBS does not cause visible damage to the digestive tract. However, it can cause significant discomfort and seriously disrupt daily living.
The most common symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, excess gas, diarrhea, constipation, or an unpredictable combination of both. Symptoms can range from mild and manageable to severe and debilitating, often fluctuating over time. IBS affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of adults in the United States, with women being diagnosed at higher rates than men.
Why IBS Often Goes Undiagnosed
Many people live with IBS for years without receiving a proper diagnosis. Because symptoms can closely mimic other conditions and vary widely from person to person, IBS is frequently overlooked or dismissed by both patients and providers. Many individuals feel embarrassed discussing digestive issues openly, leading them to suffer in silence rather than seek the care they deserve. This Awareness Month, we want to help break that stigma and encourage honest conversations about gut health.
Common Triggers to Watch For
While the exact cause of IBS remains unclear, several factors are known to trigger or worsen symptoms. Stress and anxiety play a particularly significant role, as the gut and brain are deeply connected through what is known as the gut-brain axis. Certain foods — including dairy products, gluten, high-fat meals, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners — can aggravate symptoms for many people.
Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women during menstrual cycles or perimenopause, are also linked to IBS flare-ups. Additionally, imbalances in the gut microbiome, a history of gastrointestinal infections, and a sedentary lifestyle may all contribute to the condition. Keeping a symptom journal can be a helpful first step in identifying your personal triggers.
How Mid-Florida Age Management Can Help
At Mid-Florida Age Management, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to digestive health. We understand that IBS is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and what works for one person may not work for another. Our team works closely with each patient to identify personal triggers, assess hormonal contributors, and build individualized management plans that address the whole person — not just the symptoms.
Treatment options may include dietary modifications such as the low-FODMAP diet, stress management strategies, gut-supportive supplementation, hormone evaluation, and personalized lifestyle coaching.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Better
If you have been living with recurring abdominal pain, unpredictable bowel habits, or persistent bloating, you do not have to accept that as your normal. IBS is highly manageable with the right guidance and support.
This April, listen to your gut and take action. Contact Mid-Florida Age Management today to schedule a consultation — because your gut health is worth prioritizing.
About the Author
“Gene” Turner, MD is a board-certified physician, advanced fellowship-trained in Regenerative and Functional Medicine and a diplomate of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, with over 25 years of clinical experience. Dr. Turner graduated from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and received residency training at Vanderbilt University. He is the medical director of Mid-Florida Age Management.
Your wellness doctor in Ocala is Board Certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine and is fellowship trained in Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine. He has also received certification as Therapeutic Lifestyle Practitioner through Metagenics FirstLine Lifestyle Medicine Program. The CDC and NIH recommend Lifestyle Treatment Programs for such lifestyle conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, poor glucose control and overweight. Such programs require time and expertise to develop and implement: our programs include addressing diet, exercise, stress management, sleep issues, nutritional supplementation where indicated and correction of metabolic deficits when detected. Evidence-based programs are used to assess, interpret, and recommend proven integrative protocols which dramatically increase patient adherence and engagement level. The effect is a symbiotic relationship between practitioner and patient, resulting in patient centered care and higher levels of wellness.
Dr. Turner uses conventional, nutritional, complementary and alternative modalities. He specializes in hypertension, lipid disorders, prevention of cardiovascular disease, nutritional and weight management, and clinical age management. He has a special interest in anti-aging medicine for which he uses a combination of natural and prescriptive therapies.
352-629-3311
www.mid-florida-medical.com
1630 SE 18t Street, Suite 202, Ocala, FL 34471
