Yoga for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Campbellsville KY
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Univ Of Ky Coll Of Med, Lexington Ky 40536
Graduation Year: 1992
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Graduation Year: 2007
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Univ Of Mi Med Sch, Ann Arbor Mi 48109
Graduation Year: 1974
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Madras Med Coll, Dr M G R Med Univ, Madras, Tn, India
Graduation Year: 1986
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Med Univ Of Sc Coll Of Med, Charleston Sc 29425
Graduation Year: 1981
F
Speciality
Gastroenterologist
General Information
Accepting New Patients: Yes
RateMD Rating
5.0, out of 5 based on 2, reviews.
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Johns Hopkins Univ Sch Of Med, Baltimore Md 21205
Graduation Year: 1972
Louisville, KY
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Medical School: Emory Univ Sch Of Med, Atlanta Ga 30322
Graduation Year: 1997
Gastroenterology
Gender
Male
Education
Graduation Year: 2007
Alternative Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Provided by: 
By Gina Roberts-Grey
For nearly 20 years, I battled bouts of gas, bloating, painful cramps, and diarrhea, which gradually got worse and became more frequent. After an unusually prolonged flare-up when I was 40, I went to the doctor—and I wasn’t terribly shocked when he told me I had ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammation of the large intestine caused by abnormal activation of the immune system in the intestines.
The Conventional Rx: My doctor prescribed immunosuppressants, medication that weakens the immune system to ease symptoms. But these drugs carry the risk of side effects, such as constipation, decreased blood flow to the colon, dizziness, and blurred vision. Instead of filling the prescription, I explored other options.
The Alternative Rx: I started keeping a daily diary to track what I ate and also the amount of stress I felt, hours of sleep I got each night, and my overall activity level. I was surprised to discover that stress—not food—seemed more likely to trigger my symptoms, and sure enough, research confirms this. Stress weakens your immune system, which often leads to painful IBS symptoms.
Practicing yoga three to four times a week lessened my gastrointestinal upset within a few weeks. Aromatherapy—specifically, dabbing a few drops of a blend of lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils on pulse points like my wrists and sides of my neck two to three times a day—also lowered tension.
To promote better overall colon health, I also added fiber to my diet, starting my day with one cup of a fiber-packed cereal. I also take one 4 mg capsule of the probiotic Bifantis (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624) a day, which studies have shown relieves many symptoms of IBS.
The Outcome: I’ve scaled back on fried foods, which can cause a flare-up of symptoms, and my yoga practice has also helped me drop 7 pounds. Even better? I’ve yet to fill the crumpled prescription that’s tucked away somewhere in my wallet.
Author: Gina Roberts-Grey
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