Digestive concerns are one of the most common health challenges seen at the clinic and treatment involves an indepth evaluation of dietary habits, medical history and lifestyle facotrs. Dr Watkins believes that proper nutrition is the foundation to long term health. Whatever you put into your body will influence your cellular function, energy, inflammation, immune response, hormone levels and more. Long term management of digestive disorders may require changing your diet, changing your lifestyle and healing your digestive tract. 

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

• Meal Planning
  
• Gas, bloating
• Irregular bowel movements
• Cramping
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Irritable Bowel Disease
  
• Crohn's Disease
• Ulcerative Colitic
• Diverticulitis
• Celiac Disease and Gluten sensitivities
• Gastric reflux
• Food sensitivities and allergy testing
• Weight loss

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. 

For more information contact Dr Carrie Watkins at 250.590.5221 or BOOK ONLINE

645 Fort Street, Suite 212 (Yarrow Building) | Victoria, BC V8W 1G2 

Dr Carrie Watkins has relocated to Victoria, BC and leaves her Toronto, ON clinic to Dr Goldgut: 416.738.6757