IBS & Fecal Transplant
GASTROENTEROLOGY NERD ALERT: IBS & Fecal Transplant
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the frustrating and challenging condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea and/or constipation is about 15% of the population. There appears to be multiple potential causes of IBS – food triggers some people and stress/anxiety contribute to symptoms in others. There is growing evidence that disturbances in the gut microbiome (the trillion microorganisms that reside in every individual’s gut) may also play a role in causing IBS. This is supported by the fact that “benefits have been attributed to therapies that affect the gut microbiome, including diet, antibiotics, antidepressants, and probiotics.”
Check out this link to learn about a study that showed some benefit with FECAL TRANSPLANT in patients with IBS. Fecal transplant is when a stool sample is taken from a healthy individual and transplanted into an another individual’s colon, usually during a colonoscopy.
“Based on the hypothesis that gut dysbiosis is a cause of IBS, Johnsen and colleagues conducted a randomized trial with fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which has been used successfully in the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection.”
“When assessed 3 months, 65% of participants in the treatment group reported symptomatic relief compared to 43% of participants in the placebo group. No effect was seen at 12 months.”
This is a small preliminary study and fecal transplant is not ready for prime time,. However, this underscores how much we have to learn about the gut microbiome’s influence on our health – from weight management, to depression/anxiety, to gut symptoms and colon cancer risks. I eagerly anticipate learning all that science will have to offer on this topic in the decades to come.
Come visit our comprehensive team to help get your IBS under better control, no matter what the underlying trigger is. Our team includes:
GASTROENTEROLOGIST or NURSE PRACTITIONER
- Coordinate diagnostic evaluation (labs, imaging, and/or endoscopy/colonoscopy if needed)
- Implement treatment recommendations (diet and lifestyle modifications, supplements, and/or medications)
- There are really so many options to offer!
REGISTERED DIETITIAN NUTRITIONIST
- Identify food sensitivities
- Low FODMAP diet
- Strategies for implementing changes (even when away from home, like college students, or individuals who travel frequently)
BEHAVIORAL COACH/COUNSELOR
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy
- Coping skills and stress management
- Relaxation strategies
What if you don’t want or need appointments with ALL of the practitioners? No problem. Pick and choose what guidance is needed. We are looking to help you in the manner that best suits your individual situation.
Are the dietitian and counselor services covered by insurance? The answer is sometimes. If you are interested, just let us know and we can help to determine your degree of insurance coverage.
Please call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com schedule an appointment. We are eager to share all we know about the impact the gut microbiome may have on your health and wellness.