Digestive Health Services in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Burlington, and Nearby Areas
I am passionate about helping the people of Hamilton, Burlington and the surrounding areas find long term solutions for their digestive health issues. I see many frustrated individuals experience chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhea who are given little advice on how to improve or resolve their digestive concerns.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I take the time during visits to get an in-depth assessment of your digestion, consider alternative diagnoses, and pursue the appropriate lab testing. Once we identify the cause of your digestive concerns, I provide comprehensive natural solutions that work towards optimizing your digestive health and improving unwanted symptoms so that you can get back to living a normal life again.
Common concerns I work with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis)
- Small intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
- Gas/bloating/cramping
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Food sensitivities
- Dysbiosis
What can you expect from a visit?
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am focused on uncovering the bigger picture. Firstly, we will discuss the details of your overall health as there are often clues that can help us identify the cause of your digestive health issues. The main emphasis of the visit will be on your digestive symptoms and bowel movements. This information provides the best window into your gut health. From here, we can determine what treatment or further testing is necessary.
What are general treatment goals?
As a Naturopath, I aim to support the body by using natural strategies that enhance digestion. This may include treatments that promote enzyme/bile/stomach acid production, reduce overall inflammation in the digestive tract, heal tissues and replenish beneficial bacteria. My long-term treatment goal is for you to be able to eat a wide variety of foods without fear of digestive symptoms.
Digestive tests offered:
• IgG Food Sensitivity Testing
• SIBO Testing (a breath test for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine)
• Comprehensive Stool Testing
What is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is an emerging area of interest as there is growing recognition for the role our gut bacteria plays in our overall gastrointestinal health. As the name implies, SIBO is an underlying overgrowth of unwanted bacteria in the small intestine of your digestive system. This overgrowth can result in a wide array of symptoms depending on the prominent strain of bacteria that is present. It can lead to changes in your bowel habits such as chronic constipation, loose bowel movements or a combination of the two, as well as changes in the upper gastrointestinal system causing symptoms such as heartburn and nausea. It is also a common cause of bloating, excessive gas and discomfort experienced after eating.
To confirm the presence of SIBO you will be advised to use an at home breath collection test. If a SIBO diagnosis is made, a specific treatment plan is used to kill off the prominent strains of bacteria identified on testing. Following successful eradication, further therapies aim to heal and optimize the long-term health of the digestive tract to minimize the risk of recurrence.