Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Diana Macian, M.D. – WellcomeMD – Naples
Gastro-intestinal issues are like fingerprints — commonplace, but very individualized. When a patient comes to me at WellcomeMD/Naples with GI concerns I ask a lot of questions so that I can better understand the patient as an individual: about symptoms, diet, stress, and medical history — including other treatments that have already been tried. The answers help guide me in developing the best personalized plan of treatment and prevention.
Many of us have been hearing a lot about the significance of diet and of what we’ve learned to call “gut health,” and that’s a good thing. But not all new treatments are worthwhile — is this just another diet fad? British Medical Journal study of more than 800 news articles about gut health and probiotics in the popular press found lots of rah-rah, but very little discussion of the limits of what we know on this subject. Careful questions like “Which treatments do not work?” were also quite rare.
But there is plenty of serious, credible research that points to the importance of the living organisms in your intestinal tract. A recent overview of that research concludes that “much recent work has implicated the gut microbiota in many conditions including autism, anxiety, obesity, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.” So gut health has earned at least some of the popular attention it’s receiving.
Most patients seeking help appreciate that finding the source of a problem such as diarrhea or constipation may take some sleuthing. I may recommend food allergy tests, a stool sample, a food diary, or tests for gluten or lactose intolerance. At WellcomeMD we also use genomic testing to help optimize diet and nutrition recommendations. The mix of thousands of different species of bacteria, viruses and other microbiota really can generate greater or lesser digestive health — and they can be a regulator of inflammation throughout the body.
There’s also a surprising link between gut health and psychological balance that anyone who has experienced stress-connected stomach problems can testify to. The nervous system that lines your digestive tract, is sometimes called your “second brain.”
Looking for Guidance on Making Healthy Choices?
At WellcomeMD/Naples, I have more time than some to work new research and healthy lifestyle changes into my conversations with patients. Membership is restricted so that each patient has far more access to my time.
Consider the savings in avoiding a preventable disease, and the value of early detection of serious health problems, when you evaluate membership medicine, also known as “concierge” medicine. I’m able to have unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conferences, or just a quick call, as needed. Our members even have my cellphone number for emergencies.
Whether you’re dealing with gut health or other issues now, or looking for a comprehensive health plan to avoid problems in the future, then ready access to a doctor who knows you well can be a rare bargain.
WELLCOMEMD
Living well means making the choice to start today. Membership medicine (sometimes called “concierge medicine”) re-establishes the kind of personal relationship with your physician that was once commonplace. We take advantage of the many advances in treatment and technology – treatment is more personal, more pro-active, and more effective.
• Consider the cost of avoiding a preventable disease, the value of early detection of serious health problems, and ready access to a doctor who knows you well.
• Unhurried, 30-minute consultations or video conference appointments — or just a quick call or text – you choose.
If you are ready for a healthcare plan that meets your specific needs, contact WellcomeMD today.
To schedule a tour of our practice and a free consultation with me, please call us at 239-451-5105 or visit WellcomeMD.com.
WellcomeMD
11181 Health Park Blvd Ste 2260
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 451-5105
