Gut health is the foundation of optimal health. When you have digestive issues, it can interfere with all aspects of life. By addressing and treating the root cause, you can heal and get back to living life on your terms.
According to a recent survey, it is estimated that a whopping 74% of Americans are living with digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and abdominal pain. More plainly said, we could all use a little help in the digestive department. Digestion is absolutely critical in supplying our bodies with essential nutrients from our food. Many have heard the adage “you are what you eat”, but people are less familiar with the more accurate statement that “you are what you can absorb”. Any disruption in basic digestive functions can lead to deficiencies and diseases of all sorts. Food sensitivities, dysbiosis (bacterial and/or yeast overgrowth) or chronic antibiotic use can contribute to damage and inflammation of the gut lining. When your gut is inflamed or damaged, it’s not working properly. Through conventional and alternative testing, Dr. Branson can help you to properly diagnose your current digestive issue and help you to focus on treating the root cause of the condition, rather than just managing the unpleasant symptoms. Dr. Branson’s treatment plans support gut health using dietary changes, herbal medicine, probiotics and essential nutrients.
Holistic medicine can address digestive disorders such as:
Irritable Bowel SyndromeAlternating or prolonged diarrhea and constipation is uncomfortable and at times unbearable. IBS, aka spastic colon, is the most common complaint heard by gastroenterologists and the most common treatment is antidepressants. Holistic medicine offers natural treatment options to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
Inflammatory Bowel DiseaseIBD is broad diagnosis encompassing several diseases and disease complications. The gut lining is arguably the basis for overall health. This is where nutrients are assimilated into the body and where potential harmful microorganisms are halted. The gut is also responsible for immune function. Inflammation of this system can have debilitating symptomatology that demands treatment. However, even low-grade gut inflammation can be problematic.
Chronic ConstipationA healthy bowel movement is wrist to elbow in length, thumb to index finder in size around, medium brown log free of blood, mucous, or undigested food. A healthy digestive tract is triggered by a meal to have a bowel movement. Meaning you should have a bowel movement multiple times a day never going less than once per day. Constipation is simply a sign that digestion is impaired. Dr. Branson works with patients to find the root cause of digestive issues such as constipation.
HeartburnThe stomach was designed to be a highly acidic environment. Acidity is vital in preventing infection, assuring proper digestion, and assisting in nutrient absorption. Many nutrients like calcium depend on stomach acid to be successfully assimilated. The “harmless” TUMS® you take on occasion may be affecting your calcium status and overall bone health. Chronic heartburn can also damage the esophagus and increase cancer risk. Consult with a naturopathic doctor to understand what is causing your heartburn and how you can prevent further harm.
Imbalanced Gut BacteriaA healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion. Probiotics are a great addition to any patient protocol. The confusion lies is which probiotic is best. What’s an ideal dose? Should the supplement be refrigerated? Best time of day to take a probiotic? With or without food? Is a prebiotic necessary? Dr. Branson will provide the answers you need to bring balance back to your gut bacteria which will improve your overall health.