Gastroenterology specialist Dr. Paul Moayyedi discusses the Imagine Network, a cross-discipline group  in Canada that is studying Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) from multiple angles. When you listen, you’ll hear him explain

• The reason he uses evidence-based medicine to formulate his research into bowel diseases and the connection between the bowel microbiome and health.
• The nature of the Imagine Network process and why it is a foundational approach to studying multi-faceted gut diseases. 
• The current difficulties in treating Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and why fecal transplants are offering some immediate solutions.

Dr. Moayyedi, Professor, Division of Gastroenterology at the Department of Medicine with MacMaster University, is lead researcher for the Imagine Network. This cohort gathers multiple disciplines, including psychiatrists and gastroenterology specialists, in order to research IBS and IBD symptoms and patients “live,” while the disease progresses.

These researchers examine mental health, diet, and inflammation in addition and in relation to what’s going on in the bowel. Results from these studies are myriad, from Findings solutions to Crohn’s disease symptoms to alternative diagnosis for gastric cancer. 

Our bowels are very complicated and have the greatest concentration of bacteria on the planet. The majority of our current tests only suggest a small picture of what’s going on. While one process may test for gastric cancer, it offers no other window into further issues. The Imagine Network is changing how these diseases are studies by examining the patient in multiple disciplines.

Dr. Moayyedi discusses how fecal transplants (actually the introduction of fecally-contaminated water), has shown promise in treating Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In fact, Imagine Network was the first group to initiate randomized trials of this method and results point to relief for a quarter of the study’s patients.

Dr. Moayyedi believes more results hold promise for comprehending the nature of these diesases.

To get in contact or find out more, see www.imaginespor.com.

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