Gastrointestinal Health

Symptoms and Natural Treatments

The digestive system comprises everything from the mouth down to the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines and anus. Its main function is to absorb, break down and utilize nutrients from consumed food. The gastrointestinal system is connected to the immune system, and research is being done on the connection between the gut and brain.

Your gastrointestinal (aka digestive or gut) health is tremendously important and can affect many different aspects of your daily life.  Many people are unaware of the importance of this body system. Since the GI system is so large, it overlaps other bodily systems, including the immune system, mental health, and allergies. There is an enormous amount of research on the gut-brain connection and the gut-immune system connection. Naturopathic physicians like Dr. Brody study the microbiome, the collection of bacteria inside the digestive system, to help determine the patient’s needs. Digestive health is an area where Naturopathic Physicians shine.

Common Gastrointestinal Health Issues

• C. Difficile Infections, Parasites & More

C.Difficule and other parasitic infections have brought many patients to our clinic over the years, typically after being prescribed antibiotics by their medical doctor. While this is usually done for good reasons, there may have not taken the precise precautions. When it comes to digestive health, Dr. Brody utilizes the “4 R’s”: Repopulating bacteria, removing inflammation, rid the body of parasites, and revitalize the cells. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Brody’s speciality is treating the digestive system.

• Constipation, Diarrhea, Gas, Bloating

Leaky Gut is caused by inflammation in the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and other digestive symptoms. These symptoms are the body’s way of communicating that there is an issue. If the inflammation becomes high enough, the cells that separate the intestines from the rest of the body can become damaged, letting bacteria and chemicals pass through. Dr. Brody offers in-house testing that can determine if a patient is suffering from Leaky Gut.

• Food Allergies & Sensitivities

Food allergies are a common reaction to various foods, and can cause a plethora of symptoms. However, there are multiple causes for symptoms usually connected to food allergies. While the symptoms could be caused by a food allergy, it could just as easily be a food sensitivity, a food intolerance, or a reaction to a lectin. A food allergy is an intense, quick reaction that provides inflammation and actaves the immune system. Food sensitives are much more subtle, creating a long term but less severe reaction with a different part of the immune system. A food intolerance is when the body lacks the proper tools to digest a food, which is separate from an allergic reaction. Lectins are proteins that can be found on certain foods that can cause inflammation. Each has different causes and effects on the body, and much be treated as such.

• Gallbladder & Liver Diseases

The liver is the primary organ the body uses to remove toxins and protect the digestive system. The gallbladder sits below and stores bile that secrets into the intestines and breaks down fats. The liver can be impacted when it prevents toxins from entering the intestines, and the gallbladder can create inflammation and pain if the bile isn’t secreted properly.

• GERD/Heartburn

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease, known as GERD, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid travels up the esophagus. GERD can be caused by the body creating too much stomach acid to digest food, regardless of the person’s normal stomach acid level. Dr. Brody utilizes an approach that determines a patient’s stomach acid level, and tailors a diet to avoid GERD.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, can include constipation, gas, diarrhea, bloating, discomfort and anxiety. Dr. Brody believes that the cause of a patient’s IBS can be fixed by a personalized diet and by altering the bacteria in a patient’s digestive system. Dr. Brody can also utilize in-house testing to determine if there are bad bacteria in the digestive tract that need to be removed to help alleviate symptoms.

• SIBO

SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth, occurs when bacteria migrates from the large intestine to the small intestine and causes digestive issues. Dr. Brody’s method for treatment is to see which bacteria a patient has in their digestive tract and alter them to remove symptoms.

• Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease (IBD)

The two main Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, or IBD, are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. The primary difference between the two is the location of the inflammation in the gastrointestinal system, but the treatment plan is similar. Ulcerative Colitis is found towards the end of the digestive tract, in the lower intestine, colon and rectum. Crohn’s Disease can be found anywhere in the digestive tract. An article with more information can be found here.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the front desk of the Personalized Natural Medicine Clinic, located in the heart of Newtown, Connecticut.