Why is your digestive health important?

You are what you eat. Or, more accurately, you are what you ABSORB. Did you know that all of your red blood cells are broken down and re-made every 3 months? Or that after 7 years, every cell in your body has been recycled and you are literally a “new person”? Every hormone, neurotransmitter and cell in your body is created from the food that you eat, which is why diet is important. However, if your digestive system is comprised, you may not be optimally absorbing all those green smoothies and healthy meals that you’re eating. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms or conditions listed below, your ability to absorb and transform your food may be compromised. I always tell my patients that the digestion system forms the very foundation of your health. This is where you obtain the building blocks for all of your hormones, neurotransmitters, skin and hair and other body cells. Therefore, a thorough discussion about your digestion is a part of every single visit we have.

Gas & Bloating

If you know, you know. This is the #1 digestive concern that I see in my practice. A little gas or bloating after certain foods such as legumes is normal, but if you’re suffering from constant, bothersome, painful bloating or excessive gas, let’s do something about it. Bloating can be a symptom of several factors: low stomach acid, poor eating habits (eating too quickly or not chewing enough), an overgrowth of abnormal yeast or bacteria in the small intestine, among other conditions.

• Bloated? Start here. 

Heartburn & Reflux

This is another extremely common symptom that patients come to see me for. If you’ve already seen your MD, you may have been prescribed a medication to alleviate these symptoms. But, what was causing those symptoms in the first place? Getting to the root cause and healing your digestion can help to reduce or alleviate your symptoms, once and for all. Through careful questioning, testing, and utilizing specific nutrients and herbs, naturopathic medicine can help address this condition.

"Irritable Bowel Syndrome"

Irritable Bowel Syndrome presents as symptoms of abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea or a mix of the two), and bloating that cannot be attributed to other diseases. In medicine, this is referred to as a “diagnosis of exclusion”. Meaning, testing has been done through your MD to try to identify the cause, but nothing came up on your blood tests, stool samples, or colonoscopy. When it all “looks normal” and no reason for the symptoms is found, then it is labeled “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”. But there IS something causing your symptoms. In my practice, I always investigate further to understand what it is that is causing you the discomfort. Through detailed questioning or functional testing, we can identify the root cause of your symptoms and treat using nutrients, herbs, supplements and lifestyle changes.

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria are present in the small intestine. SIBO is an underlying cause of up to 84% of “IBS” cases, according to one study. Treating SIBO and eradicating these bacteria can lead to as much as 75% improvement in IBS symptoms. Symptoms of SIBO may include: bloating, flatulence, belching, abdominal pain or cramps, constipation, diarrhea or a mix of the two, heartburn, nausea, nutrient deficiencies due to poor absorption (iron deficiency anemia) or steatorrhea (fat in the stool due to poor fat absorption). SIBO has been associated with other conditions including hypothyroidism, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, and acne rosacea, among others. I provide testing and treatment for SIBO in my clinic. Check out my blog for more information on SIBO.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a disease caused by an abnormal immune response to the body’s intestinal microflora (the bacteria that live in the intestines). IBD can present as Ulcerative Colitis, which is inflammation limited to the large colon, or Crohn’s Disease, which can present anywhere along the entire intestinal tract, from mouth to anus. There appears to be a genetic predisposition to IBD. Medical management involves various medications and in some cases, surgery. As a Naturopathic Physician, I help patients understand what type of diet or which foods will help them reduce symptoms and maintain remission. Additionally, we discuss specific nutrients and herbs that help to soothe the inflammation and support a normalized immune response. With an integrated approach to IBD, patients can improve their symptoms, reduce pain, normalize the bowels, maintain remission and improve their quality of life.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic disorder of the digestive tract that results in an inability to tolerate gluten. Exposure to gluten in patients with celiac disease results in an immune-mediated inflammatory response that damages the gut lining and impairs their ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Celiac disease can present as: diarrhea, flatulence, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and/or abdominal pain. Strict gluten avoidance is the mainstay of treatment for celiac disease. I provide patients with the support they need to make this lifestyle change and stick to it to support their long-term health, and ensure they are obtaining all the nutrients they need for optimal health from their diet or specific supplements. Celiac disease has been associated with other health concerns, so I always do a thorough health assessment to understand whether a patient is at risk for other problems.

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