What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a spastic colon, chronic pain (often after eating), bloating, gas and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It is a diagnosis of exclusion that is made after all other possibilities have been ruled out and therefore not the same as Irritable Bowel Disease (see below). Often, IBS is linked to a heightened stress response. This does not necessarily mean that someone with IBS is "stressed out" or has a Mood Disorder. It is simply that when faced with a stressor (even mildly uncomfortable or new situations),  the nervous system becomes stimulated in a way that causes spasms and cramping of the digestive tract. IBS also can occur following an infection or stomach virus. For some, IBS symptoms resolve over time but for others this condition requires ongoing management. 

Naturoapthic treatment and management involves a multi level approach depending on the severity of the symptoms and the unique health picture of the individual:

• Nutrition: A simplified diet that limits foods that are difficult to digest or promote excessive gas.  
• Botanical Medicine: Using specific herbs to calm the nervous system, reduce gas, reduce spasms and regulate the bowels.
• Lifestyle coaching: Used to identify triggers and manage stress response.
• Acupuncture: To help in relieving acute symptoms of gas, bloating, constipation but also for long term energy balance

What is Irritable Bowel Disease?

This term refers to a group of inflammatory conditions of the bowel. At this time there is no known cause or cure of these diseases, however they may be managed by controlling inflammation and immune response. The presence of IBD can cause the following:

• Irregular bowel movements
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal cramping
• Gas, bloating
• Nausea, vomiting
• Weight loss
• Vitamin, mineral and nutrient deficiencies
• Fatigue
• Joint pain

How can Naturopathic Medicine help? 

In both IBD and IBS conditions, a proper diet is essential to management of the flair ups. It can be overwhelming for a newly diagnosed person to identify food triggers and change lifestyle. Naturopathic medicine can help with nutritional assessments, meal planning and lifestyle modifications.

Treatments may include advice on the following:

• Reduced dietary fat intake (saturated fats in particular)
• Identifying food sensitivities which commonly include: eggs, dairy, soy, gluten
• Gluten-free diets and meal planning
• Improving the breakdown of food in the digestive tract for improved absorption
• Identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies: vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids
• Supplements to help heal and restore the lining of the digestive tract
• Coaching for enhanced quality of life and stress management

Perhaps you are considering making the transition to a vegan or vegetarian diet or maybe you have already embraced this lifestyle and are looking for way to enhance your experience and your health! For others, the goal may be to incorporate more vegetarian meals into their lifestyle. Whatever stage you find yourself at in this process, the most important foundation to long term health and success is balance:

Balance in macro nutrients (carbs/proteins/fats/fibre)

Balance in vitamins/minerals 

Balance in lifestyle choices

Common Challenges: 

One of the biggest challenges that is most often encountered with both Vegans and Vegetarians diets is the high intake of carbohydrates (often processed). Bread, pasta, cereal and rice based meals are often seen as the simple, quick meal solutions for new vegetarians, in many restaurants and social settings. Unfortunately, this has the most damaging impact on health in terms of creating blood sugar fluctuations, weight gain, increased inflammation and the potential for insulin resistance in the long run. 

The second biggest concern is relying on one or two types of foods for the primary proteins sources. Soy, for example, contains a high amount of protein and is widely available. However, soy products are often processed, have elevated sodium and are combined with artificial flavors and wheat gluten for texture. Most importantly though, soy may affect hormone levels when eaten in large amounts. With this in mind, creating balanced meal options with a wide variety of food choices is essential for long term success.  

Health Benefits:

Dr Watkins has been a vegetarian since the age of 11 offering vast personal and clinical knowledge of how to use this lifestyle for optimal health. When a wholesome and balanced approach is taken, there are positive health benefits even for those who would like to continue eating meat but would like to incorporate more vegetarine/vegan based meals into their lifestyle. These benefits can be attributed to the increased dietary fibre, increased whole food and vegetable consumption, reduced saturated fats and reduced processed/high sodium foods.

• Improved bowel health, elimination and detoxification
• Reduced cholesterol
• Reduced inflammation benefits skin, joints, digestion
• Weight management
• Increased dietary vitamins and nutrients 
• Blood pressure control

Heal your body and optimize your health with Victoria Naturopath Dr Carrie Watkins:

Find out how Naturopathic Medicine can help you: Health Issues 

NUTRITIONAL CONSULTATIONS:

Nutrition is the foundation for all health concerns and lasting wellness. What we put into our bodies on a regular basis provides the building blocks for our cells and tissues. Approaching diet from a perspective of nourishment and as part of our identity will create the greatest lasting results. You can take control of your health and help to reprogram your genetic expression by controlling what you consistently expose your body to.

• Personalized meal plans
• Vegetarian and Vegan dietary advice
• Digestive disorders and diseases
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Skin conditions
• Inflammation
• Fatigue / Vitamin Deficiencies
• Poor immune response

BOTANICAL MEDICINE:

Also referred to as herbalism or herbal medicine, this practice refers to the use of specific phytochemicals in plants to heal and balance the body. Effective herbal treatment depends on the quality and potency of the ingredients and phytochemicals involved. Many over the counter products do not have standardized testing done to ensure that the therapeutic agents are even present. In addition, the effects of the herbs can vary from depending on the part of the plant used (root, stem, flower, leaf, fruit) and the species of plant. Botanical medicine can have dramatic effects on many body systems.

• Nervous system disorders/ Stress
• Adrenal function
• Immune support both chronic and acute
• Antimicrobials for yeast, bacteria and parasites
• Liver detoxification and health
• Urinary tract and kidney support
• Digestive disorders
• Hormone balance including issues with fertility, menses, menopause, testosterone

LIFESTYLE COACHING:

Alongside nutrition, lifestyle modifications are the foundation for making lasting changes. What actions you take in your life on a consistent basis defines you. From the moment you wake up in the morning to the time you go to bed you will be faced with many choices in terms of time management, how and when to exercise, how and when to eat, how to breathe, when to say no and where to focus your attention. Most often, we tend to focus on things that are pressing in the moment or areas that we are already good at. Overtime this creates a great imbalance in our personal development and health. Working with lifestyle changes involves getting clear about what you want and why you want it and backing that up with specific rituals = activities you do on a regular basis, to achieve the lasting results you want!

• Weight loss and optimal nutrition
• Exercise routines
• Stress management
• Relationship support
• Goal setting

Victoria Naturopath, Dr Carrie Watkins will work with you as a coach and doctor to help you identify your health goals and set up a clear plan for healing. Lab testing options may be used to help assess deficiencies, anemias, thyroid health, food intolerances, cardiovascular health, blood sugar control and hormone imbalances.

DR CARRIE WATKINS | NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IN VICTORIA BC

VICTORIA MASSAGE THERAPY AND HEALTH SOLUTIONS CLINIC