Patient Care

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

It is said that as many as half of visits to family physicians for chronic complaints involve digestion. Many of our patients describe being frustrated with trying to get help for their ongoing issues. Dr Joe is dedicated to helping you find the root cause of your problems. He takes the time to genuinely listen to his patients’ stories and understand how their health is affected. He believes that understanding the function of the gut, and the importance of a healthy gut flora (microbiome) are key to helping you have healthy digestion. 

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a collection of digestive complaints lumped into a catch-all term. There is no definitive diagnosis outside of a lack of findings for other complaints. Many patients are frustrated that once they have this label, it is hard to get further help. We believe that it is possible to help most patients feel better through identifying food sensitivity, improving the quality of digestion, balancing gut flora and developing lifestyle techniques that support digestive health.

A food sensitivity can take days to manifest and can lead to inflammation in the gut, but also systemic inflammatory issues such as eczema, behavioural issues, mood disorders, migraines and more. Because the antibodies have a long half-life, the evidence of a reaction may remain long after the exposure to a reactive food.  Fortunately, Dr Joe is able to offer the FST food sensitivity test which measures antibodies against common foods. Digestive symptoms may include gas, bloating, pain, cramps and distension. Many complain that their belly starts the day normal, but by day’s end they look several months pregnant, yet it not relieved by passing gas.

The GI Effects Digestive Stool Analysis offers insight into digestive function, parasites, pathogens and the microbiome. Dr Joe understands your discomfort and in addition to food sensitivity testing, and the GI Effects, Grassroots Naturopathic offers colon hydrotherapy to help stimulate a sluggish bowel and to increase the elimination of accumulated fecal matter.

Dr Joe will be happy to work with on your digestive issues.  Click here to book your consultation.