Whether you’re struggling with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or food sensitivities, IBS can have many different contributing factors. With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Matt Gowan, ND helps patients identify and address the factors contributing to their digestive symptoms through personalized treatment plans and, when appropriate, specialized testing.

Why Patients Choose Us for IBS Care

• 20+ years digestive-focused clinical experience
• 4.9-star rating with 200+ reviews
• Special interest in gastrointestinal conditions
• Published research in digestive health
• Evidence-informed, root-cause approach
• Collaborative clinic with 3 naturopathic doctors

Why Do I Have IBS?

IBS is not a single disease. Instead, it is a collection of symptoms that can develop for many different reasons. While stress can certainly make symptoms worse, it is rarely the only factor involved.

Many patients are surprised to learn that there may be several contributors to their IBS, which is why the same treatment doesn’t work for everyone.

Potential contributing factors include:

• Food sensitivities
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Changes in the gut microbiome
• Previous food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections
• Stress and nervous system dysfunction
• Poor digestion
• FODMAP intolerance
• Hormonal influences
• Certain medications
• Low fibre intake or dietary factors

Our goal is to identify which factors may be contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Our Approach to IBS Treatment

Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan.

Treatment may include:

• Dietary modification – Helping identify foods that aggravate symptoms while maintaining a balanced, enjoyable diet.
• Improving gut bacteria – Using probiotics, prebiotics, diet and lifestyle strategies to support a healthier microbiome.
• Herbal medicine – Evidence-informed botanical medicine may help reduce symptoms while addressing underlying digestive dysfunction.
• Stress management – Stress rarely causes IBS by itself, but it frequently worsens symptoms. Improving sleep, reducing stress, and supporting the gut-brain connection often improves symptom control.
• Supporting digestion – Digestive enzymes, fibre, motility support, and other targeted therapies may improve digestive function depending on your symptoms.

Is Testing Necessary?

Not always. Many patients improve with a detailed history, dietary modifications, and an individualized treatment plan alone. However, in some cases, additional testing can help identify contributing factors and make treatment more targeted. Testing is always optional and recommendations are based on your symptoms, previous investigations, and treatment goals.

Testing Options for IBS

Testing isn’t necessary for everyone with IBS. Many patients improve with dietary changes, natural therapies, and lifestyle modifications alone. However, in some cases, specialized testing can help identify factors contributing to your symptoms and guide a more personalized treatment plan. Whether testing is appropriate depends on your symptoms, medical history, previous investigations, and treatment goals.

Food Sensitivity (IgG) Testing

Some people notice that certain foods consistently worsen their IBS symptoms but have difficulty identifying exactly which ones. IgG food sensitivity testing may help identify foods that are contributing to digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or reflux.

Although this test remains controversial and is not routinely recommended by conventional medical organizations, several clinical studies have shown improvement in IBS symptoms when foods identified by IgG testing were removed from the diet. We discuss both the potential benefits and limitations before recommending this test.

SIBO Breath Testing

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to IBS symptoms. A simple breath test measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by intestinal bacteria.

SIBO may contribute to:

• Bloating
• Excessive gas
• Abdominal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

Not everyone with IBS has SIBO, but testing may be appropriate when symptoms suggest bacterial overgrowth.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

When appropriate, comprehensive stool testing can provide additional information about digestive health by evaluating:

• Gut bacteria and microbiome diversity
• Yeast and parasites
• Markers of inflammation
• Digestive function
• Short-chain fatty acids

Unlike standard stool cultures, these tests evaluate a much broader range of digestive markers and may provide useful information for patients with persistent or complex digestive symptoms.

Standard Stool Testing

If an intestinal infection is suspected, your medical doctor can order stool testing that is covered by OHIP. These tests are designed to identify common infectious causes of diarrhea, including organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile).

Are These Tests Covered by OHIP?

Most specialized testing—including IgG food sensitivity testing, SIBO breath testing, and comprehensive stool analysis—is not covered by OHIP. However, these tests can be ordered through our clinic if you choose to pursue them, and some extended health insurance plans may reimburse part or all of the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is stress the cause of IBS?

Stress can significantly worsen IBS symptoms, but it is rarely the only cause. Many patients have additional contributing factors such as food sensitivities, bacterial overgrowth, changes in gut bacteria, digestive dysfunction, or previous gastrointestinal infections.

Can IBS be cured?

There is no single cure for IBS because different people develop IBS for different reasons.

However, many patients experience substantial improvement once the underlying contributors are identified and treated.

Do I need testing?

Not necessarily.

Many patients improve without specialized testing.

Testing is recommended only when it is likely to change treatment decisions or provide useful additional information.

Are these tests covered by OHIP?

Most specialized testing—including IgG food sensitivity testing, SIBO breath testing, and comprehensive stool analysis—is not covered by OHIP.

Standard stool cultures ordered by a medical doctor are generally covered when medically appropriate.

Naturopathic doctors can order these specialized tests if patients choose to pursue them. Some extended health insurance plans may reimburse part or all of the cost.