The wound is the place where the Light enters you. – Attributed to Rumi Read time: 15 minutes TL;DR Key Points: There are two predominant approaches to managing IBS. A similar strategy is useful for related functional bowel disorders This paradigm is based on the current understanding of the brain-gut axis A bio psycho-social…
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“I’m already beat. The trick is to not let the caring get to you.” These were the words recently uttered by one of my physician colleagues, referring to the stresses of caring for patients in the world of modern health care. The weariness was clear over the phone. Without missing a step, I responded, “I…
DetailsAlthough the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. – Helen Keller Read time: 12 minutes TL;DR Key Points: Stress is not your destiny. While it is part of modern life, it can be effectively addressed There are a variety of body, breath and mind techniques that…
DetailsAll diseases begin in the gut. – Hippocrates Read time: 7 minutes TL;DR Key Points: Recovery is essential to everyday life, much like after a workout. The 24 hour adaptation cycle is key concept in this arena The brain-gut axis means that gut problems like IBS cannot be understood without addressing psychological factors Even…
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“Coffee causes ulcers… right?” “I feel awful. That pizza must have given me an ulcer!” “Work has been crazy stressful. I think I have an ulcer.” All of these sentiments, while well meaning, are actually inaccurate. There is a surprising amount of confusion among the general public about what causes stomach ulcers and what we…
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Big data is one of those buzzwords that is so popular it almost becomes meaningless. A lot has been said about the role of massive number crunching and now artfiical intelligence and it’s ability to transform medicine. In this piece at the Center for Health Journalism, I explore some of the realities behind these pronouncements.…
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Academic medical centers have been traditionally been vanguards of medicine – centers for the latest research, places to train the future generation of physicians, and where the most complicated patients are treated. Navigating this cathedral of biomedical science is not easy for many young faculty members, including myself. Some of these challenges may surprise you……
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Maybe it’s time we drop the pitchforks when it comes to the food choices we make. In my GI clinic I have seen all forms of diets: vegan, paleo, ketogenic, (s)low carb, 6 food elimination protocol, specific carbohydrate diet, low sugar, low salt, juices, detoxes, the Zone, and the Hollywood cookie diet (no, seriously). I…
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