Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Advanced Testing & Natural Treatments There are a number of things to consider when diagnosing and treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as diet, stress, psychological factors, food allergies, and bacterial or yeast imbalance in the intestinal tract. The highest standard of analysis may include a digestive and stool analysis, allergy diet, abdominal ultrasound or x-ray, or even a colonoscopy. Subtle food allergies which I refer to as food irritants or sensitivities are a major contributing factor in the majority of people with IBS. An elimination diet is the best method to determine what foods, if any, are causing symptoms. Blood and skin tests for allergies are only 60-70% accurate. With this allergy diet the foods most commonly known to cause allergies or sensitivities are eliminated from the diet for a month, then reintroduced one at a time, watching for symptoms. In a study of 189 patients with IBS, half the patients improved when put on an elimination diet. Some of the most common foods to provoke symptoms were dairy, onions, chocolate, nuts, coffee, wheat, citrus, tea, rye, potatoes, barley, oats, and corn. Digestive and stool analysis testing will provide valuable information about digestion, absorption, elimination, metabolic efficiency in the gut, and bacteria and yeast growth in the colon. Additional testing for parasites can often provide the missing piece of the puzzle for many patients suffering with gas, bloating, abnormal stools and abdominal discomfort. Candida and other yeast overgrowth as well as parasite infections are a commonly overlooked cause of bowel symptoms. Naturopathic treatments for IBS include enteric peppermint oil capsules which have been shown in numerous double-blind studies to lessen abdominal pain, distension, gas, stool frequency and abdominal rumbling. Interestingly, one study showed no relief from peppermint oil, and in my practice I have found about half my patients with IBS are helped with peppermint oil. IBS patients that tend toward constipation may be helped significantly with additional fiber. I recommend increasing dietary fiber from vegetables and hypoallergenic foods such as brown rice and using non-grain fiber supplements when necessary such as guar gum. Sugar has been shown to decrease the normal movements of the digestive tract and may be an important factor in IBS. Some of my patients have benefited from an extract of rice bran oil called gamma-oryzanol that helps normalize these peristaltic movements. Others find relief using chamomile tea and avoiding caffeine to keep the digestive tract calm. Ginger and peppermint teas, Swedish bitters, and other herbal formulas that are soothing have been shown to be of benefit also.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Parasites Question: I have irritable bowel syndrome and was wondering if you think parasites can cause it? Jack M., New Hampshire The gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IBS can be caused all or in part by parasites. A study completed last year showed that of over 30,000 stool samples submitted to a major U.S. laboratory, 22% had parasites. These stool samples were submitted from patients who had experienced a wide variety of gastrointestinal symptoms including typical IBS symptoms, as well as patients who did not have gastrointestinal symptoms at all. This very high detection rate means that parasite infections are extremely common. Generally, symptoms of parasitic infections may include diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, irritable bowel, irregular bowel movements, abdominal pain and cramps. It is also possible for parasites to cause fatigue, headaches and even hives. The proper method for detecting parasites is by submitting multiple stool samples to a lab for comprehensive evaluation. Finding the causes of irritable bowel syndrome involves more than just parasite testing, however. I use a test that looks at digestive function as well as bacteria, yeast and parasite problems. I also check for food allergies and may order other tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, x-ray or colonoscopy. Of course there are many natural medicines that can then be used to normalize digestion and bowel function.
About Dr. Kowalsky Dr. Susan B. Kowalsky is a naturopathic physician specializing in cancer and chronic medical conditions. She offers expert solutions integrating the best of alternative and complementary medical care. As a naturopathic doctor she is trained in both conventional medicine and natural therapies, providing her patients with the most holistic, integrative and effective medical care available.
Therapies Include: *Vitamin Therapies
Services Include: *Comprehensive physical exams
The Highest Standard of Care "I provide strong guidance and caring medicine that foster hope and optimal health. My practice is based on a holistic, patient-centered philosophy that emphasizes finding the underlying cause of a patient's medical condition and strengthening overall health as well as providing relief from symptoms. I recommend treatments that work with the inherent healing systems of the body rather than merely suppressing symptoms. I prescribe treatments based on the best scientific evidence available, while also developing a healing and supportive relationship with each patient. I adjust treatments to address the individual needs of each person based on mental, emotional and social factors as well as their physical health and symptoms. Only by really listening can a doctor understand the pieces of the puzzle that make up a patient's health concerns. I believe the highest standard of care can only happen when the doctor is totally dedicated and committed to your health and wellbeing." -- Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D.
COMPREHENSIVE DIAGNOSIS Dr. Kowalsky has built a reputation as a successful “medical detective,” diagnosing persistent, challenging and complex medical cases. With her experience and dedication to uncovering the many factors contributing to health and disease, she has achieved high rates of success helping her patients.
MENOPAUSE & WOMEN’S HEALTH Dr. Kowalsky provides comfortable gynecological exams and pap smears. She believes it's important to support a woman with menopausal or other gynecological concerns using safe and natural bio-identical hormones, homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutritional therapies. Her success in treating hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, memory problems and osteoporosis makes menopause a lot easier for many women. With natural therapies and Dr. Kowalsky's gentle guidance you can make this important time a stepping stone to a meaningful and healthy future!
NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY Dr. Kowalsky provides a responsible, rational and integrative approach to the treatment of cancer. Naturopathic medicines can help increase longevity, heighten quality of life and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation while enhancing their effectiveness.
CREDENTIALS Dr. Kowalsky received her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin and earned her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from The National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kowalsky completed her clinical internship at the Portland Naturopathic Clinic. She completed the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Examiners and is a naturopathic physician licensed by the state of Vermont. She is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
WHAT IS A NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN? Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine. They are the only physicians with comprehensive medical training that includes a wide variety of natural therapeutics, such as herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, natural hormones, intravenous supplementation and physical medicine. Naturopathic physicians cooperate with all other branches of medical science, referring patients to other specialists for diagnosis or treatment when necessary. Health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, and environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole person, taking all these factors into account. Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risks of harmful side-effects. Treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual patient based on a cogent philosophy that acknowledges the patient as participant. Naturopathic medical colleges are four-year postgraduate schools with admission requirements like those of conventional medical schools. Because the coursework in naturopathic theory and natural medicine is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education than the graduates of leading medical schools, including Yale, Stanford, John Hopkins and Mayo medical schools. Patients are demanding evidence that medical practice be safe and effective. Natural medicine has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective through clinical studies and scientific evaluation. There are over 90,000 medical studies on complementary and alternative medicine, mostly from conventional medicine database resources. In fact, one textbook on naturopathic therapeutics references over 10,000 citations to peer-reviewed scientific literature documenting the efficacy of natural treatments.
To schedule an appointment or to request more information call: (802) 649-1064 16 Beaver Meadow Road Conveniently located near I-91 & I-89
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in the document and website is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED, CONSIDERED OR USED IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION. No action should be taken based only on this newsletter. Readers should consult a licensed naturopathic physician or medical doctor. The information and editorials in this newsletter are believed to be accurate, but readers who fail to consult with a physician assume the risk of injuries. (C) Copyright 2002 - 2007 Susan B. Kowalsky, N.D. All rights reserved. |