Micro choices for macro health: Cylinder is shaping digestive health management

Picture this: you wake up with a knot in your stomach, battling bloating, pain, or unpredictable bowel movements. For about 70 million Americans, this isn’t just a bad day; it’s every day. Gut-related issues are so pervasive they’ve become an epidemic, quietly wreaking havoc on people’s lives – more common than diabetes and more costly than heart disease, trauma, and mental health.

What’s even more unfortunate is that so many suffer in silence. The stigma around discussing digestive health means people are often reluctant to seek help. It’s easier to ignore the problem, pop an antacid, and hope for the best. This silence has real consequences, both for individuals and society at large.

The economic toll

Gut health issues aren’t just a personal nuisance; they’re a massive financial drain. Digestive diseases rack up a jaw-dropping $136 billion in direct medical costs annually in the US. This includes hospitalizations, doctor visits, medications, and lost productivity.

Think about it: every time someone misses work due to a flare-up of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spends hours in a doctor’s office seeking relief from heartburn, there’s an economic impact. Companies lose productivity, and the healthcare system strains under the weight of preventable conditions. Yet, this issue is often under-reported. According to our recent study, 59% of those polled say they have missed work, left early, or arrived at work late due to GI issues. Yet 67% don’t feel comfortable discussing their GI issues with their manager at work.

The personal toll

Beyond the financial implications, gut health issues disrupt lives in profound ways. Chronic pain, fatigue, and discomfort can erode the quality of life, leading to mental health struggles like anxiety and depression. The constant worry about where the nearest bathroom is or what foods might trigger symptoms adds a layer of stress that permeates everyday life.

For many, the journey to finding relief is long and frustrating. Misdiagnoses, ineffective treatments, and a lack of understanding from healthcare providers can make it feel like an uphill battle. People are often left feeling isolated, ashamed, and desperate for answers.

Why gut health matters

So, why should we care? Because gut health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. A healthy gut contributes to better immunity, improved mental health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. Ignoring gut health isn’t just about tolerating discomfort; it’s about compromising your entire health ecosystem.

Enter Cylinder: A proven solution

This is where Cylinder comes in. Expanding upon the impressive outcomes achieved over many years through the GIThrive platform at Vivante Health, Cylinder is the new name and brand we launched this week. This rebrand coincides with an important moment in the U.S. health care system – as gut health takes center stage across our country’s consciousness. We lead that dialogue, offering real results beyond GI symptom relief. Delivered as an employer benefit, Cylinder provides personalized, clinician-backed care to those suffering across the whole spectrum of gut-related problems.

Cylinder’s tech-forward, human-first approach connects members to the right level of support at the right time through an intuitive interface. By bringing the healthcare ecosystem together, Cylinder aligns with member needs, ensuring each person gets the care they need when they need it. The result? Decreased health care costs, reduced absenteeism, and improved quality of life on a large scale. 92% of our members report improved quality of life; 91% report improved GI symptoms.

The bottom line

While the digestive health crisis might seem overwhelming, effective solutions are within reach. Advances in digital health, like those offered by Cylinder, are paving the way for a future where managing digestive health is personalized and effective. Small, consistent lifestyle and medical choices can lead to significant macro health improvements.

Finding relief for gut health issues shouldn’t be this hard. That’s why Cylinder is here.