Patient Care

Restore My Flora

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

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. Addressing this microbiome, can be the key to improving the foundation of good health.  It’s no wonder that it is often called the ‘second brain’, and the ‘second liver’ by researchers and clinicians alike.

One key aspect of the microbiome is that it dictates the “Metabolome”, or what might be described as the metabolic products of these healthy microbes.  They produce important molecules that support other body systems.  For example, it is essential for the gut flora to produce the Short Chain Fatty Acid called butyrate, as it is a required nutrient for the cells that line the colon, as well as the main ingredient in the healthy neurotransmitter call GABA.  This might explain one aspect of the Gut-Brain Axis that is receiving so much attention in recent mood research.  

Many digestive diseases, such as Crohn’s & colitis, Celiac disease, IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas and abdominal pain can be improved by increasing the health of the gut biome.

Dr Klassen will help you to restore your healthy microbiome and to benefit from the products of this diverse ecological wonder.  

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.  This can be especially helpful to accelerate changes in the gut flora.