Digestive wellness is the foundation of good long-term health and should be a priority for all patient. Digestive concerns are one of the most common health challenges seen at the clinic.  

Naturopathic Medicine can help with the treatment and/or management of many conditions including:

• Gas, bloating
• Irregular bowel movements
• Cramping
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Crohn's Disease
• Celiac Disease
• Gastric reflux
• Food sensitivities
• Weight loss and management

Weight management, energy and immune reactions are also intimately connected to proper digestion and a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Did you know that approximately 80% of your body’s lymph nodes are associated with the gastrointestinal system? This further illustrates the importance of establishing a healthy digestive system and long-term nutritional plan.

Digestion is a complex process that begins in the mouth where the first enzymes are secreted. In the stomach, a combination of peristalsis and secretion of stomach acid is needed to help break down foods and begin absorption of certain nutrients (such as Vitamin B12). The majority of digestion occurs in the small intestine, where the nervous system and hormonal signals cause the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and gallbladder. Therefore, when considering proper digestion, we must also assess stomach acid levels and enzyme secretion.

Full assessment of digestive concerns may involve food allergy testing, comprehensive stool analysis, and elimination or rotation diets depending on each individual case. Treatment is unique to each patient and all options will be discussed and decided together. Treatment may include clinical nutrition, acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutritional supplementation and lifestyle counselling including stress management. 

Please call the clinic at 416.738.6757 for more details or to book an appointment.