Integrative Approaches to Managing Gut Health

Abstract

Purpose of review: To summarize key integrative approaches to managing common gastrointestinal conditions.

Recent findings: Lifestyle interventions like diet, exercise, and stress reduction impact the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal symptoms. Evidence supports mind-body therapies, herbs, certain supplements, and other modalities as complimentary approaches, when appropriate, for common conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or gastroesophageal reflux disease. An integrative approach optimizes both conventional treatments and incorporates lifestyle modifications, complimentary modalities, and the doctor-patient relationship.

Keywords: Heartburn; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; Integrative Medicine; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Microbiome; gut Health.