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Dr. Shustina is an incredibly knowledgeable doctor who truly takes time to find root cause.
RG
Rochel Gordon
Condition · Gastrointestinal
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Persistent abdominal pain, unpredictable bowel movements, and that constant worry about when symptoms will strike aren’t just "stress"—they’re signs of a complex gut-brain disorder that affects millions. Research shows that up to 70% of people diagnosed with IBS actually have underlying treatable conditions like SIBO, food sensitivities, or gut microbiome imbalances, which is why our team prioritizes uncovering the true root cause of your symptoms.
What Exactly Is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without structural abnormalities. It is one of the most common chronic conditions seen at the gastroenterologist’s office and often the most frustrating for patients. Many people get lumped into this diagnosis and provided few effective treatments. As a disorder of gut-brain interaction, IBS involves complex communication between your digestive system and nervous system. While many patients receive an IBS diagnosis, by default, true healing comes from identifying and treating the underlying conditions that are driving your symptoms—whether that’s unresolved stress, bacterial overgrowth, food reactions, dysbiosis, or other digestive imbalances.
Types of IBS and Their Characteristics
IBS is classified by predominant bowel pattern. Each subtype responds best to a different diagnostic and treatment lens — without the right subtype identification, care is generic and often ineffective.
| Subtype | Primary Pattern | Common Symptoms | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBS-D | Diarrhea-predominant — loose, frequent stools. | Urgency, abdominal cramping, frequent bowel movements. | Often linked to bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), food sensitivities, bile acid malabsorption. |
| IBS-C | Constipation-predominant — infrequent, hard stools. | Bloating, straining, abdominal discomfort, incomplete evacuation. | Frequently involves slow motility, dehydration, or pelvic-floor dysfunction. |
| IBS-M | Mixed — alternating diarrhea and constipation. | Cramping, bloating, mucus in stool, unpredictable patterns. | Often reflects microbiome imbalance, gut-brain dysregulation, dietary triggers. |
| IBS-U | Unclassified — symptoms don’t fit cleanly into D, C, or M. | Variable, individualized presentation. | Requires a detailed individual workup to identify the dominant drivers. |
Why IBS Impacts More Than Digestion
IBS extends far beyond digestive symptoms due to the intricate gut-brain connection and systemic inflammation. The condition can disrupt nutrient absorption, trigger immune responses, and affect neurotransmitter production in the gut—your body’s "second brain." This can lead to fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, sleep disturbances, and even mood changes. Additionally, chronic inflammation from unresolved gut issues can contribute to joint pain, skin problems, and hormonal imbalances, making comprehensive treatment essential for overall wellness.
Common Signs of IBS Include
Chronic abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating and excessive gas
Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
Urgency or feeling of incomplete bowel movements
Mucus in stools
Symptom flare-ups with stress or certain foods
Fatigue and sleep disruption
Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Diagnostic Options at Whole Gut Health
Accurate diagnosis means looking beyond surface symptoms to uncover root causes. At Whole Gut Health, we do a deep dive and a comprehensive root-cause approach to identify the underlying conditions often misdiagnosed as IBS.
Testing options may include:
SIBO Breath Testing using glucose or lactulose substrates to detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Applied Kinesiology (muscle testing) to determine root causes and triggers — a much broader signal than laboratory tests alone.
Osteopathic Visceral Evaluation to assess physical restrictions, symmetry, and subtle motions of the internal organs and their associated meridians.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis to assess gut microbiome balance, inflammation markers, and digestive function.
Organic Acids Testing to evaluate for fungal overgrowth and metabolic imbalances.
Functional Lab Work including nutrient assessments, inflammatory markers, and hormonal evaluations.
We customize testing protocols based on your unique symptom pattern and medical history to ensure we identify all contributing factors.
Our approach
Why Whole Gut Health is different
At Whole Gut Health, we go beyond conventional symptom management and traditional functional medicine protocols. We trust your body's innate ability to heal itself when given the right support.
In Dr. Shustina's many years of practice, she has seen that many digestive diseases have their root cause in emotional traumas and unhealed wounds. When these underlying causes are healed, the body can heal from the inside out in a lasting way.
We focus on the mind-gut connection, incorporating energy healing techniques, personalized nutrition that evolves as you heal, and integrative approaches addressing mind, body, and spirit. If this resonates with you, contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step on your healing journey.
Our IBS Treatment Approach
Our three-phase IBS protocol moves from finding the drivers, to addressing them, to building a durable foundation that prevents recurrence.
Phase 1 — Assessment & Root-Cause Identification
- Detailed symptom and dietary history analysis
- SIBO or other bacterial imbalances
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Motility disorders
- Stress and gut-brain dysfunction
- Hormonal influences
Phase 2 — Targeted Intervention
- Treatment of underlying conditions (SIBO, dysbiosis, etc.)
- Personalized diets and food reintroduction protocols
- Targeted supplementation for nutrient deficiencies
- Stress management and gut-brain support, including energy medicine and breathwork
- Motility treatment with visceral manipulation
Phase 3 — Rebuilding & Prevention
- Comprehensive gut healing and microbiome restoration
- Long-term dietary and lifestyle optimization
- Stress resilience building and nervous-system support
- Ongoing monitoring to prevent symptom recurrence
- Sustainable wellness strategies for lasting results
Expert-Led, Personalized Care
Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist specializing in complex digestive disorders, gut health, and the gut–brain connection. Drawing from both conventional gastroenterology and integrative medicine, she takes a comprehensive approach to uncovering the underlying factors contributing to illness and guides patients toward lasting wellness.
At Whole Gut Health, every patient receives highly personalized care rooted in a deep understanding of digestive health, nutrition, the gut microbiome, and the interconnected systems that influence overall well-being. By combining evidence-based medicine with a thoughtful, individualized approach, we help patients move beyond symptom management and create a clear path toward long-term healing and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered
What is IBS?
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IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits without structural abnormalities. As a disorder of gut-brain interaction, it involves complex communication between your digestive system, stress, nutrition, and old emotional traumas
What are the different types of IBS?
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IBS-D (Diarrhea-Predominant)
- Primary pattern: Loose, frequent stools
- Common symptoms: Urgency, abdominal cramping, frequent bowel movements
- Often linked to bacterial overgrowth, food sensitivities, or bile acid malabsorption
IBS-C (Constipation-Predominant)
- Primary pattern: Infrequent, hard stools
- Common symptoms: Straining, bloating, feeling of incomplete evacuation
- May involve motility issues, methane-producing gut bacteria, or pelvic floor dysfunction
IBS-M (Mixed Pattern)
- Primary pattern: Alternating diarrhea and constipation
- Common symptoms: Variable symptoms, unpredictable patterns
- Requires comprehensive evaluation for multiple underlying triggers
IBS-U (Unclassified)
- Primary pattern: Insufficient criteria for other subtypes
- Common symptoms: Inconsistent bowel patterns
- Often benefits from detailed symptom tracking and functional testing
What are the common signs and symptoms of IBS?
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- Chronic abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating patterns
- Urgency or feeling of incomplete bowel movements
- Mucus in stools
- Symptom flare-ups with stress or certain foods
- Fatigue and sleep disruption
- Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
How is IBS diagnosed?
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Accurate diagnosis of the root causes of IBS means looking beyond surface symptoms.
SIBO Breath Testing
- Uses glucose or lactulose substrates
- Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
Applied Kinesiology also known as muscle testing. It is used to determine root causes and triggers. Applied Kinesiology allows a for a much broader ability to determine root causes than laboratory tests.
Osteopathic Visceral Evaluation assesses physical restrictions, symmetry, and subtle motions of the internal organs. This provides information on the function of the organs as well as their associated meridians.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
- Assesses gut microbiome balance
- Checks inflammation markers and digestive function
Organic Acids Testing
- Evaluates for fungal overgrowth and metabolic imbalances
Functional Lab Work
- Includes nutrient assessments, inflammatory markers, and hormonal evaluations
Testing protocols are customized based on your unique symptom pattern and medical history.
What does IBS treatment involve?
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Phase 1: Assessment and Root-Cause Identification
- Detailed symptom and dietary history analysis
- Identification of triggers including SIBO, food sensitivities, motility disorders, stress factors, and hormonal influences
Phase 2: Targeted Intervention
- Treatment of underlying conditions (SIBO, dysbiosis, etc.)
- Personalized diets and food reintroduction protocols
- Targeted supplementation for nutrient deficiencies
- Stress management and gut-brain support treatments
- Motility treatment
Phase 3: Rebuilding and Prevention
- Comprehensive gut healing and microbiome restoration
- Long-term dietary and lifestyle optimization
- Stress resilience building and nervous system support
- Ongoing monitoring to prevent symptom recurrence
- Sustainable wellness strategies for lasting results
Why is it important to identify the specific type of IBS?
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Each IBS subtype requires a tailored approach to identify underlying causes and develop effective treatment strategies. For example:
- IBS-D may require investigation for bacterial overgrowth or bile acid issues
- IBS-C often involves motility disorders or methane-producing bacteria
- Mixed patterns need comprehensive evaluation for multiple triggers
Can IBS symptoms recur after treatment?
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IBS symptoms can return if underlying root causes aren't fully addressed. This is why our protocol includes a comprehensive rebuilding and prevention phase that focuses on:
- Long-term gut healing and microbiome restoration
- Sustainable dietary and lifestyle strategies
- Stress management techniques
- Ongoing support to maintain digestive wellness
What makes your approach to IBS treatment different?
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At Whole Gut Health, we go beyond symptom management to identify and treat the true root causes of IBS. We combine evidence-based strategies from conventional gastroenterology with a functional and integrative approach, focusing on:
- Comprehensive testing to uncover underlying conditions
- Personalized treatment protocols
- The gut-brain connection
- Long-term healing rather than temporary relief
Who provides IBS care at your practice?
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Dr. Alexandra Shustina is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist who serves as Miami's premier gut health specialist. She has training in both conventional gastroenterology and functional gut health, with expertise in the gut microbiome and its role in health and wellness.
How do I get started with IBS testing and treatment?
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The first step is scheduling a comprehensive consultation where we'll:
- Review your symptoms and medical history in detail
- Determine the most appropriate testing strategy for your case
- Develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and IBS subtype
Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey toward lasting digestive wellness.
Reviews
The body remembers when it's finally heard
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Dr. Shustina goes to the root level of the issue, not only superficial, so there's healing.
LG
Leah Glickman
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She has significantly improved my health. I was suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and now live normally.
ML
Monica LaBadia
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Dr. Shustina has helped me change my lifestyle and heal my gut in a way I thought impossible.
DL
Dalit Lonstein
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She listens to patients and treats conditions, not symptoms.
GS
Gabriela Salazar
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Dr. Shustina is the best doctor I have ever been to. She assesses the root of the problem.
MS
M. S.
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She is an outstanding doctor who understands the body's ability to heal itself and holistic remedies.
SS
Sibel Sebi Sharabi
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Dr. Shustina has a wealth of knowledge and is helping me heal years of gastrointestinal issues.
DC
Daniela Chaparro
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Dr. Shustina is an amazing doctor. She diagnosed my cancer early and saved my life.
MW
Mordechai Weinstein
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After one session with Dr. Shustina, my digestive pain went away.
TP
Taryn Parascand
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Doctor Shustina is the absolute best. She has helped me resolve numerous issues other doctors dismissed.
RS
Rachel S.
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Dr. Shustina is a fantastic doctor who truly cares. Her holistic approach attacks the root cause.
CS
Clay Simonsen
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