Digestive Health

Ah, the world of digestive troubles is like a buffet of challenges. Digestive issues come in many different forms: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Colitis and Leaky Gut, to name a few. All of these issues can have a major impact on your daily life.
Let's transform those tummy tantrums and find the solution for your disruptive digestive condition. Our team will support you in getting your groove back and your gut healthy!

Food Intolerances

Food intolerance or food sensitivity is very common and often associated with other health concerns like digestive problems, joint pains, headaches, skin problems (acne, eczema and psoriasis), ADHD, depression, anxiety or memory problems. The food intolerance leads to inflammation in the body and that’s why there is such a long list of associated health concerns. A food intolerance should not be confused with a food allergy that has a rapid response and is linked to the IgE antibody with a histamine reaction. This lagging immune reaction can set off wild inflammation in your system.

It’s important to know that people tested for allergies may still have unknown food intolerances. Our Naturopathic doctors offer a blood based test that has been scientifically validated, is run with the highest quality control, and covers over 120 different foods.
No more guesswork!

 

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a chronic infection caused by bacteria that has abnormally overgrown into the small intestine. SIBO can often look very similar to Candida, but is more associated with chronic constipation and can improve with antibiotic use. The symptoms of SIBO are often localized to the digestive tract, but the overgrowth of bacteria can interfere with the absorption of nutrients leading to nutrient deficiency and a wide variety of symptoms. There may often be a lot of bloating and gas, chronic fatigue and memory problems. 

Possible Testing Options?

Testing options remain challenging as there is no ideal SIBO test.  The small intestine is a difficult place to reach. Endoscopy only reaches the top portion, and colonoscopy only reaches the end portion. The middle portion, is significant (~17 feet) and is not accessible other than by surgery. Stool testing mainly reflects the condition of the large intestine.

Our practitioners recommend the non-invasive Hydrogen & Methane Breath Test which measures the hydrogen and methane gas produced by bacteria in the small intestine that has diffused into the blood, and then the lungs for expiration. These are gases produced by bacteria, and not humans. It is graphed over several hours and compared to baseline. Patients are asked to drink a sugar solution after a preparatory diet. The diet removes much of the food that would feed the bacteria, allowing for a clear reaction to the sugar drink.  If needed, a further Rocky Mountain Analytical blood lab test is also available.

More Info

  • Once a patient has been accurately diagnosed with SIBO, our practitioners have several treatment options available. They will develop a tailored treatment protocol consisting of medical antibiotics, herbal antibiotics and an anti-SIBO diet protocol to reduce bacterial overgrowth. 

    Once we find success with the treatment protocol, we’ll allow for the healing of the lining of the small intestine.  This will occur on its own when the bacteria is reduced, assisted with diet and recommended nutritional supplements. Lastly, our Naturopathic doctors will provide tools to prevent future relapse, likely through the use of probiotics to re-establish a healthy bacterial balance.