Gastrointestinal / Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease.  IBS is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists, and one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians.

The Olive Leaf supports GI health by identifying the antagonist to GI Issues, by isolating foods which can be contributing to digestive disturbances, and modifying diet to help relieve digestive disturbances. Utilizing enzymes and nutritional recommendations, we strive to help heal the Gut and if necessary providing state of the art GI testing to help determine a patient’s functional health status.  The Olive Leaf does not replace your gastroenterologist, but will refer you to a specialist who can prescribe medication if needed.

 

List Common GI Conditions

  • Acid Reflux, Heartburn, GERD
  • Dyspepsia/Indigestion
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease
  • Abdominal Pain Syndrome
  • Belching, Bloating, Flatulence
  • Biliary Tract Disorders, Gallbladder Disorders, and Gallstone Pancreatitis
  • Gallstone Pancreatitis
  • Gallstones in Women
  • Constipation and Defecation Problems
  • Diarrhea (acute)
  • Diarrhea (chronic)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (see my post)
  • Hemorrhoids and Other Anal Disorders
  • Rectal Problems in Women

Screening

The Olive Leaf uses a state of the art GI screening to help resolve gut issues if needed.  BioHealth’s microbiology department uses advanced staining and antigen techniques to recover pathogens and detect non-pathogenic organisms without the artificially high results often seen in other, less time- proven laboratory methods.

  • Ova and Parasites Ova & parasites x 3 (w/ Trichrome stains): protozoa, flatworms, roundworms, etc.
  • Bacterial Culture – Visual and automated identification of bacteria, including, but not limited to Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas.
  • Yeast Culture  Visual and automated identification of yeast, including, but not limited to Candida.
  • Giardia Lamblia Antigen
  • Cryptosporidium Parvum Antigen 
  • Clostridium difficile: Colitis Toxins 
  • Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria – the types that are normally found in the large intestine – are present in the small intestine. When not functioning properly, the migrating motor complex (MMC) fails to effectively sweep intestinal contents into the colon during periods of fasting.

As a result, the invasive bacteria interfere with healthy digestive and absorption processed, leading to unpleasant symptoms and chronic illness. The World Journal of Gastroenterology claims a definitive association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and SIBO, suggesting that SIBO be excluded before diagnosing a patient with IBS.

Common conditions associated with SIBO:

  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation Malnutrition
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Acid Reflux
  • Rosacea
  • Fibromyalgia
  • GERD

The Hydrogen/Methane breath test is a reliable and convenient method to help in assessing and classifying dysbiosis and SIBO.

 

You can schedule an initial consultation to discuss your Digestive concerns and receive a plan of action to help balance out your Digestive System.