Gut Symptoms Causing You Trouble?

Here’s How Naturopathy Can Help

Written by Jess Cook, Naturopathy BHSc

Have your gut symptoms got a hold on you? Do you find yourself anxiously pre-planning what you’ll eat at a restaurant? Scoping out the nearest bathroom? Ending the day so bloated you look 6 months pregnant? Constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, gas, abdominal pain, random food intolerances appearing out of nowhere, etc. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to just live with it. In this article I’m going to share how naturopathy can support people with digestive concerns to find answers and work towards reducing, managing, or resolving symptoms.

Holistic Assessment

During a naturopath consult we will have a full 60 minute comprehensive consultation to look at your whole story, not only your gut symptoms. We will discuss your symptoms, stress, sleep, diet, lifestyle, personal and family history, and all the relevant info that helps us build a holistic picture of your case. In naturopathy we try to connect the dots of how different parts of your symptoms or lifestyle can be contributing to what you’re coming in for, to address the whole picture, instead of looking at things in isolation.

Testing - Not Guessing

When it comes to digestive complaints, we have access to various testing options we may suggest to give us specific information so that we can prescribe targeted and effective management/treatment. This might include a comprehensive stool test which looks at gastrointestinal inflammatory markers, the specific microbiome present in your gut and how it might be influencing your symptoms, the presence of any pathogenic bacteria or parasites. In other cases it might be more indicated to do a breath test to identify whether SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is present. I often see people labelled with IBS who actually have SIBO, which has a different treatment approach, and with the right support, it’s possible to start re-introducing foods that were causing symptoms, without reactions.

Naturopathic Treatment Toolkit

There are so many beautiful tools in the naturopathic toolbox for managing digestive complaints and conditions. Gentle prebiotic fibers and targeted probiotics, beautiful herbal medicines and nutraceuticals that support healing the gut lining, calming inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, etc. Treatment is always tailored to the individual person, not a one-size-fits all protocol.

Need Support?

• My name is Jess, I’m a clinical Naturopath offering telehealth consults Australia-wide. I love helping people with digestive symptoms and helping them feel happy and comfortable in their body again. If you’d like my support, you can book an appointment with me at thekanclinic.com.au or marigoldmender.com.au. I also offer free Discovery Calls if you’re unsure if we’re the right fit or want to learn more about what’s involved in an appointment. If you’re visiting the Albion Market Organics store - come and say hi! I’m always happy to have a chat in-store.