Many ancient systems of medicine claim all disease begins in the gut. Your digestive system is
responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients to fuel all of your body’s processes, fending off parasites and other pathogens, producing vitamins and neurotransmitters (like serotonin, the feel good hormone), regulating immune function, and eliminating toxins and waste.
Symptoms of impaired digestive function:
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Heartburn, reflux, and indigestion
- Food sensitivities
- Fatigue after eating
- Mood disorders, skin issues, fatigue and brain fog, insomnia, and more
Causes of impaired digestive health:
- Inappropriate use and overuse of certain medications like antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-
inflammatories, and acid blockers - Infections
- Diets low in fibre and high in processed foods
- Lack of food diversity
- Stress
- Overconsumption of alcohol and other inflammatory substances
- Abdominal surgeries, injuries, and concussions
Digestive conditions commonly treated with naturopathic medicine:
- IBS (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
- IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- GERD (heartburn and reflux)
- SIBO
- Intestinal hyperpermeability (“leaky gut”)
Laboratory tests may include:
- Comprehensive stool analysis
- SIBO breath test
- H. pylori breath test
- Food sensitivity blood test
- Celiac disease blood test
Restoring digestive health:
- Remove: eradicate pathogens and remove inflammatory triggers like food sensitivities
- Replace: restore nutrient balance, support digestive function, and consume anti-
inflammatory foods - Reinoculate: restore healthy gut microbiome with the right kind and amount of
probiotics based on the specific needs of the case - Repair: heal the digestive tract with herbs and nutrients to restore gut lining integrity
and reduce intestinal hyperpermeability (leaky gut)
Interested in more information?
Book a free meet-the-doctor session with Dr. Liam LaTouche, ND, to learn how he can help.