Gastrointestinal issues can often be initial indications of underlying health concerns. Your gastrointestinal system plays a leading role in your overall health, as it is responsible for absorbing nutrients and supporting your body’s other systems. When your digestive system suffers, it may reflect throughout your body.
The Importance of Digestive Health
Conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, SIBO, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and Leaky Gut all cause issues with absorption of nutrients. This can lead to faster aging and depression (>70% of serotonin - the "happy hormone"- is produced in the lining of the gut, and is disrupted by gut inflammation). Healing the GI tract is imperative to optimal health. This can be done with the use of IV therapy, nutraceuticals, herbs, diet and lifestyle modifications.
Understanding Leaky Gut
Leaky Gut occurs when cells in the lining of your small intestine are not healthy enough to have stable junctions between one another. These junctions develop spacing that allows food particles into your bloodstream. The immune system does not recognize these proteins, carbohydrates and fats, so it attacks them as foreign bodies, causing inflammation. This immune response can cause you symptoms such as sinus issues, joint pain, headaches, and more.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Your large intestines are designed to hold substantial amounts of bacteria, but when this bacteria makes its way into your small intestines, it can cause digestive issues.
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth treatment options vary depending on type and amounts of bacteria. SIBO can be treated with antibiotics, herbal treatments, nutraceuticals, and dietary modifications.
Candidiasis
Yeast overgrowth in your digestive system can be the cause of many digestive issues. This yeast is a naturally occurring part of our system but can overgrow due to factors such as dietary imbalances and frequent use of antibiotics. The treatment for intestinal yeast overgrowth is typically a three step process. First we work to kill the unnecessary yeast, followed by diet changes to limit sugars that feed the yeast. Next we begin replacing probiotics to feed healthy bacteria that keep yeast at normal levels.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects as much as 15% of the US population. IBS can be difficult to diagnose due to its symptoms mimicking many other GI conditions. To accurately diagnose IBS we first have to rule out things like bacterial infections, parasites, yeast overgrowth, bowel inflammation, gallbladder issues, and food allergies.
As Naturopathic Doctors we can help you identify the underlying cause of your IBS symptoms, allowing your gut to heal and stay healthy. Like many issues, we address IBS as a multifactorial condition. Many of our patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have contributing factors that include, histamine intolerance, excessive yeast growth, food allergies or sensitivities, and maldigestion. By combining treatments of these underlying issues, we can help reduce or eliminate your IBS symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Treatment Solutions
Here at Nature & Science Medicine we understand that improper gut health may be the underlying cause of many forms of discomfort. Allow us to aid you in discovering the ideal solution for your gastrointestinal health concerns. We offer treatments for a variety of different complaints, including:
Chronic Heartburn
Chronic Indigestion
Celiac Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Bloating
Diarrhea
Constant Gas
Stomach Pain and Cramps