Functional Naturopathic Support for Gut & Digestive Health
As Naturopathic Health Coaches, we understand the nuance between different digestive symptoms and recognise that two people experiencing the same symptoms may have very different underlying factors contributing to them.
Not every condition is caused by the same thing, which is why a basic protocol won’t work for everyone. We use functional blood work and in-depth case questioning to help identify the potential drivers of dysfunction and understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Gut & Digestive Concerns We Support Every day
Bloating and excessive gas
IBS and changes in bowel habits
IBDs – Crohn’s/ulcerative colitis
Constipation
Diarrhoea and loose stools
Reflux and heartburn
Indigestion and frequent burping
Abdominal discomfort
Food intolerances and sensitivities
SIBO/IMO and gut dysbiosis
Poor digestive function
Nausea and early fullness
Gastroparesis
Gut symptoms associated with stress
Changes in stool consistency, colour or frequency
Gallbladder removal digestive function
How We Differ
We don’t simply treat symptoms.
Bloating doesn’t always mean dysbiosis, reflux doesn’t always mean high stomach acids
There are nuances in every condition that deserves and more thorough and complex approach
We support by using a multi-stage approach that focuses on the drivers for dysfunction that are often hidden behind the scenes. Our approach explained is:
BLOCKERS – Assess parts of your health that may be blocking progression of healing
There are many conditions and physiological processes that affect the way the gut functions. Metabolic conditions, thyroid conditions, stress and sleep physiology. Without considering these factors, we may be missing an important part of the picture.
Naturopaths use a whole-body approach to medicine. Each system interacts with each other.
SOME GUT ISSUES MIGHT NOT BE COMING FROM YOUR GUT
So why should we only focus on the gut?
NOURISH – Focus on the pathways that control proper GIT dysfunction
The basics for gut health are often overlooked. When people have experienced digestive symptoms for years, something as simple as chewing properly can seem far too basic to possibly make a difference. It may not be the answer, but it can still be part of the picture.
We delve into the foundations required for healthy digestion and look for areas that may be placing unnecessary pressure on the digestive system.
It’s also surprising how many nutrient deficiencies can influence how well the gut functions. Using functional blood work alongside your clinical history, we can identify potential areas that may require further investigation and support. For example:
Magnesium isn’t only important for constipation but for stomach acid production, gallbladder contraction, liver function and nervous system support.
Zinc deficiency can slow down food breakdown by reducing stomach acids and reduce gut immune processes.
Vitamin D deficiency can cause bacteria in the microbiome to move to where it shouldn’t. And can weaken the intestinal barrier.
B1 deficiency can slow nervous system and energy functions that allow the gut to function adequately.
And these are only a few examples. But they, plus quite a few more, are paramount for supporting the gut. And there’s no point trying to treat the gut when some of these aren’t optimal. Nutrients, digestive secretions, nervous-system signaling and gastrointestinal motility all work together. There’s little point focusing exclusively on the microbiome if some of the fundamental processes required for healthy digestion aren’t functioning optimally.
RESTORE – Modulate the actions of the gut
Long term gut dysfunction can cause the gut to habitually continue doing what it has done for so long. Supporting the normal processes of motility, regularity, elimination and barrier functions can slowly start changing its own habits.
DEFEND – Address the microbiome directly
The microbiome can be an important factor in many digestive complaints.
Addressing the previous stages may itself influence the gastrointestinal environment and microbiome. However, sometimes more targeted support is required.
Where appropriate, this is where we can focus more directly on microbial imbalances, overgrowths and other factors affecting the intestinal environment.
REGULATE – Support the inflammatory and immune processes of the gut
Some conditions require ongoing inflammatory and immune mediation. Doing this can reduce relapse and intensity of events.