Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition that causes a functional problem of the colon and hypersensitivity to pain. IBS is often referred to as spastic, nervous or irritable colon. Its hallmark is abdominal pain or discomfort associated with a change in the consistency and/or frequency of bowel movements. Although the causes of IBS have not to date been fully elucidated, it is believed that symptoms can occur as a result of a combination of factors, including visceral hypersensitivity, altered bowel motility, neurotransmitters imbalance, infection and psychosocial factors. Dr. Felty has helped many people with this and she can help you too. 

 

Causes​ of IBS

• Alcohol Consumption

• Processed Foods Diet

• Chronic Anxiety

• Chronic Stress

• Chronic Worrying

• Unresolved Trauma

• Childhood Trauma

• Adult Trauma

• Gut Flora Imbalance

• Food Allergy

• Food Intolerance

• Gut Inflammation

• Medications

• NSAID - Tylenol, Ibuprofen

• Caffeine Consumption

• Infections

• Genetics

• Mold

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Symptoms of IBS

• Abdominal pain

• Abdominal distension

• Alternating constipation and diarrhea

• Constipation more common

• Nausea

• Fatigue

• Anxiety or depression (not only does stress contribute to IBS developing, but symptoms can then worsen stress, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break)

• Low back pain

• Change is stool frequency

• Change in stool form

• Difficult passage

• Mucus in stool

• Bloating

• Trouble sleeping

• Headaches

• An unpleasant taste in the mouth

• Sexual problems, including reduced sexual desire

• Body image issues

• Heart palpitations

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

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Beneficial Tests For IBS

• IBS is technically diagnosed when digestive symptoms have been experienced for at least three to six months. 

• Abdominal exam

• Full bloodwork panel that evaluates infections, organ function, inflammation, and vitamins

• Nutrient deficiency testing

• Digestive function testing with stool occult

• Food intolerance and allergy testing

• Hormone testing

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Allopathic Treatment Options

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, hypnosis

2. Chromolyn sodium for diarrhea

3. Imodium for diarrhea

4. Magnesium hydroxide or lactulose for constipation

5. Antidepressants

6. Antispasmodic drugs (Bentyl)

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Naturopathic Treatment Options

1. Discover the root cause to why your body is creating symptoms.

2. Begin with natural, non invasive solutions to support and stimulate the body to heal itself.

3. Support liver health to detox environmental toxins.

4. Removes food intolerances, food allergies, and other environmental toxins that may be impacting digestion and causing inflammation.

5. Address nutrient deficiencies which is vital for overall function and mood.

6. Rebuild and restore digestive function, the foundation of health, with herbs, vitamins, amino acids, and nutrition.

7. Manage stress and unresolved trauma that weakens digestion. 

8. Support emotional health and spiritual health which are essential in overall sense of wellbeing.

9. Teach lifestyle adjustments unique to your lifestyle and schedule that may include exercise and other lifestyle habits. Dr. Felty looks at more than your symptoms. She provides care for your whole health. Many different factors impact your symptoms. Dr. Felty will take time to educate you and work with you to feel better

10. Naturopathic Counseling

11. Hydrotherapy

12. Homeopathy

13. Referral to other healers or practitioners relevant to your health and healing.

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Even if doctors have said 'it is all in your head' or that 'you can not heal'. It is not all in your head. It is in your body too and you absolutely can heal. Dr. Felty understands from healing PTSD that trauma gets stored up in the body and eventually will cause symptoms. She will show you how to release any stored up trauma in the body while removing things in your environment that irritate your body as well. She will show you how to heal yourself and optimize health. She was told that she had an incurable chronic illness that will eventually take her life. She has proven many gastroenterologists wrong. She has been medication free for more than 10 years and has cured her digestive issues while also freeing her mind from disease.

 

She will teach you how to do this slowly as you achieve your desired results. In return, you will live a lifestyle that creates health rather than disease. Whatever you are struggling with, she can help. You can see her while continuing to see your primary care team. She may educate you on labwork to get, supplements to take, lifestyle changes to make, thought retraining, healing infections, healing your gut, and healing trauma. This all depends on your unique situation. Once you meet her, you will know that she tailors everything based on your experiences, symptoms, mindset, and history. She will support you as your take baby or big steps on your health journey. Whenever you are ready, she is here for you. Call her office 872-228-1630 to schedule an appointment. 

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