IBS NEEDS A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH
Check out this article in MedPage Today that reinforces what our team firmly believes, that optimal care of irritable bowel syndrome requires attending to all the potential contributing factors to this complicated and challenging condition, including nutrition, food sensitivities, heightened nerve sensitivity, mind-gut connection, and alterations in the gut microbiome.
“Multi-focal therapy may be a better way to resolve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study reporting that visceral hypersensitivity, abnormal colonic transit, and psychological factors are all implicated in the stepwise exacerbation of IBS.”
“The researchers noted that these findings fit the current view that gut-brain interactions are pivotal in IBS, with reciprocal communication between these two organs impacting functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Simrén and co-authors explained that current therapeutic options in IBS have only limited efficacy, with positive effects on symptoms achieved only in a few subsets of patients. In most cases, existing therapies produce only partial improvement in symptoms and rarely lead to complete resolution.
“Treatment studies targeting multiple pathophysiological factors simultaneously in IBS patients with combinations of these abnormalities should be performed to assess if this approach leads to greater therapeutic impact on symptoms than current treatment approaches targeting predominant symptoms without specific knowledge about the underlying pathophysiology in the individual patient,” the researchers concluded.”
At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health we place an enormous emphasis on QUALITY OF LIFE. We know that IBS won’t put you at increased risk for surgery or cancer, but it can take a huge toll on your day to day life.
Our providers are well versed in all of the latest treatment options for IBS (and other functional GI conditions) including nutritional interventions, optimizing the mind-connection with gut directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and utilizing the huge variety of potentially beneficial supplements and medications. One size does not fit all – you need to have an individualized treatment plan.
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
CONSULTATIONS WITH OUR DIETITIAN AND COUNSELOR ARE ROUTINELY COVERED BY STANDARD HEALTH INSURANCE – take advantage of the opportunity! We are eager to help IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE and have you THINK LESS ABOUT YOUR GUT.
Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to schedule a consultation.