Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome are a group of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that that share a variety of lower abdominal symptoms. These include pain, cramping, bloating, gassiness and either or both diarrhea and constipation. Symptoms typically occur after a meal or during stressful situations. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to various stimuli, so stress, diet, pharmaceuticals, hormones and any other irritant may aggravate the colon’s tendency to contract.

There are many treatment options, including the prescribing either antispasmodic drugs or bulk-producing agents. In either case, the practitioner’s sympathetic approach plays a major role in treatment. Conventional treatments focus on relieving symptoms, but the integrative approach we use at Fratellone Medical Associates addresses the causes of various gastrointestinal disorders. As with many conditions, nutrition plays a large role. Food allergies can cause or aggravate most GI disorders and must be addressed to provide lasting relief.

Addressing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PDF, 35.3 KB)
Robert L. Pastore, Ph.D.

Irritable Bowel ( Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as spastic colon or nervous indigestion. IBS is one of the most common disorders that doctors see. Yet in retrospect it one of the disease that patients are not comfortable talking about because they feel that the signs  and symptoms may be embarrassing.

Some of the symptoms are:

•     Abdominal cramping
•     Bloating and gas
•     Diarrhea, constipation or both

As many as one in five Americans has irritable syndrome. One you learn to control the symptoms after some various testing is done, the patient improves. Although IBS can compromise more serious intestinal diseases, as Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s Disease, or regional enteritis, IBS doesn’t cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue that increase your risk for colorectal cancer. Other diseases sometimes associated with IBS include:

•   Lactose Intolerance
•  Diveticular Disease
• Candidiasis
•  Celiac Disease

Many conventional doctors after performing routine colonoscopy will prescribe antispasmodic medications which will give only mild relief.

Irritable Bowel Treatment:

Step One:  Identify food sensitivities:

-  Several studies found that half of patients were sensitive to one or more foods that they ate

To answer whether your gastrointestinal symptoms might be caused by
a food reaction consider the following questions:

·         Do you feel worse after eating certain food?

·         Do you feel better when you do not eat?

·         Is there a history of food allergy/sensitivities in your family?

·         Did you have allergies when you were younger?

·         Do you have  recurrent , unexplained symptoms ?

You must be tested. At Fratellone Medical Associates we utilize Metametrix Laboratories ( www.metametrix.com ) Their comprehensive IgG food allergy testing for 90 antigens . This is the most convenient testing. We also use skin testing utilizing IgE skin testing. For some patients, the elimination diet following by re-introducing the foods, known as a “food challenge” is an option. Some refer

to this as the Rotation Diet, until the offending agent or food allergen is identified.

We start with a food diary and keep it for 7-10 days before starting the elimination program

-Start by eliminating for 7 days a food that you eat at least twice weekly

Below is an example of the Elimination Diet:

The above is only a partial list and MUST be individualized for each patient.

STEP TWO

Once the specific food allergen is identified, the doctor will discuss elimination diet, and desensitization techniques using weekly allergy injections or sublingual immunotherapy

Fratellone Medical Associates uses Allergy Choices ( www.allergychoices.com) Either treatment used is on an individual basis. The usual length of treatment is 9 months to one year.

STEP THREE

Since the allergen has affected the GALT system ( gut associated lymphoid tissue) other testing must be considered. This system if affected by a food allergen will alter the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin D. This system also alters the neurotransmitter production especially serotonin (“the happy hormone”), dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Fratellone Medical Associates uses testing of these neurotransmitters through Neuroscience (www.neuroscience.com )

Once the deficient neurotransmitter is identified, amino acid supplementation will be used to increase the low or deficient neurotransmitter. For example, 5 HTP will be used to increase serotonin levels.

STEP FOUR

An individualized treatment plan of both oral and intravenous supplements will be used.
Commonly used oral supplements will include:

•  L-Glutamine     
• Probiotics ( “good bacteria”)
• Herbal anti-fungal treatments
• Herbal anti-parasitic treatments including artesmia (wormwood), black walnut and cloves
• Aloe Vera
•  Lemon Balm
• Bugleweed
•  Ginger

Fratellone Medical Associates also uses intravenous supplementation with Vitamin C, trace minerals, germanium , alpha lipoic acid and other supplements.

STEP FIVE

Key Points

• Diagnosis of IBS must be made by a doctor.
• Investigate food sensitivities.
• Attempt to eliminate cow’s milk dairy from your diet
• Increase fiber intake intake by eating low glycemic fruits and vegeatables and gluten free grains
  (ex: amaranth, millet ).
•  Avoid wheat brain as a fiber supplement .
• Decrease intake of fried foods.
• Decrease and attempt to eliminate caffeine from your diet. Change to herbal or caffeine low teas
  ( www.ebtnyc.com ) .
•  Eliminate all artificial sweeteners from the diet – pink ( Sweet n Low), blue (Equal) and yellow (Splenda) or use Stevia or Xylitol.
• Eliminate nicotine from the diet.
• Adopt a fun exercise program three days/week for 30 – 60 minutes. Remember walking is a form of exercise
•  Increase intake of water in your diet.