Why I Started This Blog

Being ignorant is not so much a shame, as being unwilling to learn.

— Benjamin Franklin

I finally went to a doctor about my stomach problems the summer before my last year of college. After running some tests and coming up with nothing other than an inflamed bowel, he diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome. To be honest, this diagnosis was really frustrating because it didn’t really feel like a diagnosis at all. I was having real pains, real problems, real fear of food. How dare he tell me to just learn to cope with stress. This was when I decided to figure it out myself.

For my senior project, I had to do a research paper on any topic of my choosing. I originally wanted to do one on IBS, but because it is a syndrome, or a collection of symptoms, it was very difficult to find research. So, I switched my paper to inflammatory bowel disease, IDB. Because my doctor was trying to blame my issues on stress, I started my project focusing on serotonin and its role in the stomach. Turns out, most of the body’s serotonin is made by the cells in your stomach, but also plays a role in your emotions. So I found my connection, or so I thought. The problem with this theoretical connection is that the serotonin in your gut never reaches your brain, or visa versa, due to the blood-brain barrier. This means that the connection is most likely more than one simple chemical imbalance.

The gut has an amazingly intricate world of microbes that are unique to each person and begin to form shortly after birth. These microbes are not only responsible for passing gas, but breaking down certain foods and giving us chemical byproducts that we need. I quickly realized that I was not going to solve the mystery of the gut microbiome in one semester, so I focused on the effects of taking antibiotics on short and long term gut health.

I still like looking up the newest theories on what could be causing my problems. When I became less shy about what was going on with me, I had people telling me they had similar issues. I would try to discuss the latest research with them, but usually the only response was a confused face and “well its fine. I just don’t eat unless I can go to the bathroom shortly after”. I truly believe that we should not have to accept this way of life. I do not want to be afraid of eating something cheesy. I hate not being in control of my weight because I have no appetite. There must be a better way of life.

I started this blog to hopefully help other people with digestive problems. Whether it is cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or anything else involved with the gut, I want to help. I will be sharing the science behind these issues and the science behind different supplements that could help. I am not a doctor, and seeing a doctor about your problems should certainly be the first step in figuring out what is wrong. This is simply a place to share some ideas about what has worked for others and things you might consider trying.