inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a catch-all term for a group of conditions that cause swelling and inflammation of the tissues in the digestive tract. The most common types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and chron’s disease (CD)
In UC, inflammation and ulcers are found along the lining of the colon and rectum. In CD’s, the lining of the digestive tract is inflamed, often involving the deeper layers of the digestive tract and commonly affecting the small intestines, though can affect the large intestines or the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of inflammation and where it is occurring:
Diarrhea
Belly pain and cramping
Blood in the stool
Loss of appetite
Losing weight without truing
Fatigue
the role of naturopathic doctors
Integrative practitioners can help rule out IBD in cases that present with digestive complaints, even is patients present with a previous diagnosis of celiac or IBS. ND’s can support patients with IBD through education about the evidence of nutrition therapy, as well as preventing and correcting nutritional deficiencies.
During assessment, there are different lab assessment considerations that can be used to monitor and assess IBD. Many with those living with IBD live with self-restricted nutrition, and eat under the recommended daily intake of many nutrients.
There are supplements that can be added to drug therapy to improve remissions rates of an active flare, and can be used to maintain remission.
need help with your digestion?
i’m here for you. let’s work together.
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irritable bowel syndrome
naturopathic doctors are in an exceptional position to help patients better understand IBS diagnosis, reduce anxiety around food/diet, provide tools to manage discomfort, support motility, rule out other causes of symptoms, edudcate on stress, and improve your overall experience of digestion.
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heartburn & reflux
accurate assessment and diagnosis, especially on different types of reflux is important in the management of symptoms and tissue healing. there is opportunity to support you with natural therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and optimization of PPI usage and its appropriateness for diagnosis, including when to stop using it.
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inflammatory bowel disease
through education about evidence for nnutrition therapy, preventing nutritional deficiencies, appropriate supplementation alongside drug therapy, and maintaining remissions are all ways naturopathic doctors can help support those living with IBD.
