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Clinical focus
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Digestion
Optimizing gut health is a central part of improving your overall health. Digestive health is connected to many areas of the body including brain function, hormonal health, skin health, immune function, metabolic function and weight management, and so much more. Common digestive disorders I see in practice include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, constipation, diarrhea, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), leaky gut, GERD (acid reflux), etc.
Signs and Symptoms of Digestive Issues
Common digestive symptoms include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Acne and skin issues
- Stress
Naturopathic Approach to Treat Digestive Issues
Determining your gut function involves a thorough assessment which includes an in depth review of your diet and lifestyle habits, individualized bloodwork and often a gut function test done through a comprehensive stool analysis. A comprehensive stool analysis can provide valuable insights of your digestive health and help identify root causes of many common digestive complaints. It evaluates different gut microbes, such as beneficial and harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi like candida and also assesses markers of inflammation and immune function, etc
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FAQs
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Your Questions, Answered
Some common causes of digestive issues include food intolerances or sensitivities, medications, low fiber diets, dehydration, low physical activity (sedentary lifestyles), stress, pregnancy, medical conditions, food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections, peptic ulcers, gallstones, etc.
Hemorrhoids are a common cause of small amount of blood seen on toilet paper after wiping or in stool. If you see a lot of blood in the toilet or in your stool after a bowel movement, it is important to speak to your medical doctor. Go to the hospital if you experience uncontrollable bleeding as well as vomiting, dizziness, confusion, blurred vision or black stool.
Your gut microbiome is the trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc that live in your gut. Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in your overall health but most importantly in your digestion and immunity. A healthy and diverse gut microbiome helps to breakdown your food and absorb nutrients, helps to regulate your immune system to protect you from different pathogens, promotes healthy weight and metabolic health, improves brain function, supports mood, improves anxiety and depression, etc. Essentially a balanced and diverse gut microbiome is important for optimal health and to prevent disease.
