The digestive system is a complex, multifaceted system influenced by many factors. Digestive symptoms can be caused by factors including diet, exercise, sleep, stress, immune function, brain signals, and more. Additionally, the digestive process relies on numerous components, such as the muscles lining the organs that control the passage of food and stool, the digestive juices released during meals, the immune defenses in the gut that protect against harmful pathogens, and the cells responsible for absorbing nutrients. With so many interconnected processes involved, it’s easy to see how there is potential for things to go wrong at any point in the system. A naturopathic doctor can help identify the cause of the digestive symptoms, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment.
Step 1: Getting to the right diagnosis
Before starting any treatment, it’s important to first figure out what the problem is. Gut issues can be physical, such as inflammation, ulcers, or cellular damage, or physiological, such as nerve hypersensitivity, hormonal signals, or problems with stomach acid production. The treatment plan will vary depending on the nature and location of the problem. To accurately determine what’s happening, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare professional who can review your health history, current symptoms, diet, and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive understanding will help narrow down the diagnosis, but in some cases, additional testing—such as blood tests, stool tests, endoscopy, or colonoscopy—may be needed to rule out other possibilities.
Step 2: Treatment
Once the problem has been identified, an appropriate treatment plan can be developed. The approach may differ depending on the diagnosis. For instance, treatments for acid reflux may target stomach acid production and address esophageal inflammation, while treatments for constipation may focus on regulating bowel movements and supporting the microbiome. In any case, a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and supplementation is often used.
Here are some common naturopathic treatments that address gut health:
- Prioritizing fiber: When it comes to the diet, fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health. It nourishes our good bacteria (probiotics), promotes regular bowel movements, and supports the digestive process.
- Supporting the microbiome: The digestive tract is home to billions of bacteria, many of which are beneficial. It’s important to support these probiotics while also working to keep harmful pathogens away (like fungi or parasites).
- Improving the gut-brain connection: The brain and digestive system are in constant communication, and when nerves send improper signals, it can lead to symptoms like sensitivity or pain, even without a physical issue. Retraining this connection can significantly improve gut health.
- Working on eating habits: Busy lifestyles often lead to neglected meals—eating on the go, rushing through meals, irregular eating times, or skipping meals altogether—all of which can contribute to digestive symptoms.
- Modifying lifestyle factors: Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, managing a healthy weight, and focusing on sleep and exercise can all positively impact gut health.
It is often helpful to involve a team of healthcare professionals such as a family doctor, naturopathic doctor, gastroenterologist, osteopath, pelvic floor physiotherapist, and psychotherapist. Often, it’s not just one factor that caused the condition, so a multifaceted approach to treatment can provide better results.
Step 3: Maintenance
Even after successfully treating and improving a digestive condition, symptoms can sometimes return or new ones may appear. This is simply a part of life—stress happens, infections can develop, the diet may fluctuate, and other health changes may occur. However, this doesn’t mean we need to start from scratch. Instead, it’s a good idea to re-evaluate the condition through additional testing to identify any changes that may have occurred. It may also be worth revisiting the factors that affect digestive function, such as the ones mentioned above in this post. The digestive system may need ongoing support, and a naturopathic doctor can help guide you through the process of maintaining and optimizing your gut health.
Want to learn more about how to fix gut health? Contact Dr. Viktoriya Zabigaylo, ND or book a free 15 min consultation. Dr. Viktoriya Zabigaylo is a naturopathic doctor for IBS offering gut health treatment in Mississauga.
*The above information is not intended as medical advice or to replace medications. Please schedule an appointment to discuss your health concerns and individualized treatment options.
