According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 10-15% of all Americanssuffer from IBS. Statistics indicate that it is the most common disorder diagnosed bygastroenterologists and primary care doctors.Individuals living with chronic digestive disorders often wish they could be free of thedemands of these conditions.And they often find that doctors offer medication intended to mask symptoms rather thantreat the root cause of their condition. While the last year has shown us how much weowe the nation's doctors, there are still many patients who -- rightly - complain that theirmedical consultations seem rushed, and they report that preventive measures are rarelydiscussed.Samantha Wyland is one of those patients.After a 20-year career as a ballet dancer, and following a miscarriage at the age of 34, Samantha's digestive issues took a turn for the worst, throwing her into early menopauseand rendering her non-functional for two years. In the midst of her second part-time careerin sales, this experience served as a wake-up call that the medical establishment did nothave all the answers she needed to live a full and satisfying life.Determined to control her health and support her family, she researched and educated herdoctors about the root cause of her condition so that they may serve other patients moreeffectively. In 2019, Samantha enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and becamecertified in this field. During her self-study and coursework, Samantha learned approachesfor handling stress and poor diet, as well as a greater understanding of the importance ofexercise and physical activity.Making appropriate diet and lifestyle changes, managing stress, and noting commontriggers will make traveling and spending quality time with family and friends moreenjoyable without the fear and shame around digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and pain.