According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 10-15% of all Americans suffer from IBS. Statistics indicate that it is the most common disorder diagnosed by gastroenterologists and primary care doctors. Individuals living with chronic digestive disorders often wish they could be free of the demands of these conditions. And they often find that doctors offer medication intended to mask symptoms rather than treat the root cause of their condition. While the last year has shown us how much we owe the nation’s doctors, there are still many patients who -- rightly - complain that their medical consultations seem rushed, and they report that preventive measures are rarely discussed. 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 menopause and rendering her non-functional for two years. In the midst of her second part-time career in sales, this experience served as a wake-up call that the medical establishment did not have 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 her doctors about the root cause of her condition so that they may serve other patients more effectively. In 2019, Samantha enrolled in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and became certified in this field. During her self-study and coursework, Samantha learned approaches for handling stress and poor diet, as well as a greater understanding of the importance of exercise and physical activity. Making appropriate diet and lifestyle changes, managing stress, and noting common triggers will make traveling and spending quality time with family and friends more enjoyable without the fear and shame around digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and pain.