Estimates of Americans with Digestive Disorders run as high as one in every two people. Roughly 60 to 70 million people live with some form of digestive concern. Because poor digestive health often leads to other health problems, the full scope of the impact is not nearly reflected even in those high numbers.
Unfortunately, conventional medicine often addresses only symptoms, not addressing the root causes of digestive dysfunction – so digestive and related health issues can persist for decades.
Our approach to Digestive Disorders is multi-pronged and comprehensive – and focused on healing. Our goal for you is to achieve optimal digestive function and lifelong health and wellness. To schedule your consultation today with a specialist in digestive disorders, contact us online or call us at (206) 966-4522!
A digestive disorder is any medical condition involving your digestive tract – also known as your gastrointestinal (GI) tract – which includes the larger or small intestines, stomach, esophagus, liver, gallbladder or pancreas.
There are many different Digestive Disorders because the digestive tract involves the function of so many organs and parts of the body that are intricately involved in consuming and digesting nutrients and removing waste products from the body. Some of the most common digestive conditions include:
Did you know that nearly a third of all visits to primary care doctors relate to digestive issues – and that’s not even taking into consideration the number of conditions believed to be related or actually caused by digestive disorders. A symptom you might not recognize as a digestive issue could very well be traced back to one. The most common symptoms of Digestive Disorders could include any of the following:
There are many reasons you may be experiencing digestive symptoms. Finding the precise cause of your symptoms is essential to diagnosing and resolving your Digestive Disorder. Some causes of digestive symptoms include:
Teasing out what is a cause and what is a risk factor is a complex determination when it comes to digestive issues. Dietary risk factors are most common in the development of many Digestive Disorders. Not enough fiber, too much dairy, or eating processed foods can all increase the risk of Digestive Disorders. There are many other risk factors for digestive disorders, including:
When it comes to gender or racial risk factors for food allergies, interestingly enough, black non-Hispanic individuals are most likely to suffer with food allergies. Among children, boys are more likely than girls to suffer with allergies. Lactose intolerance is more common in people of African, Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian descent, usually appearing in adulthood.
Allergies and sensitivities to certain foods, chemicals or environmental toxins can play a tremendous role in Digestive Disorders. A cornerstone of Naturopathic care involves investigating, understanding and identifying what triggers a particular individual’s allergic reaction to a specific allergen. Allergic triggers can vary significantly among individuals and might include anything from food to latex, but doing the detective work to identify a comprehensive list of triggers is essential.
For food allergies, which might mean doing an elimination diet. For chemical or environmental allergies, there are various allergy testing approaches we will discuss with you. Naturopathic Allergists understand allergic conditions as symptoms of larger, underlying imbalances within the body, especially as they relate to Digestive Disorders. Instead of simply treating symptoms, the goal is to identify and address the root cause of these systemic imbalances.
Our GI tract is the body’s largest interface with the world around us. This complex microbial ecosystem, referred to as the “gut microbiome” or our “gut,” for short, is responsible for sustaining human health. When your gut becomes unbalanced with not enough healthy bacteria and an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, disease often results.
All the body's organ systems, from hormone and immune to neurological, are dependent on a properly functioning digestive system with a proper balance of digestive flora, low inflammation, and optimal absorption and elimination. Restoring the delicate balance necessary for healthy digestive function can be the first step toward healing any number of digestive and overall health concerns.
At Water's Edge, we consider your gut to be foundational to your health. Though it was Hippocrates who, thousands of years ago, first suggested that all disease originates in the gut, modern research is increasingly revealing this to be true. Our GI tract is our first line of defense and understood to be the seat of our immune systems.
While there are many variables that impact digestive concerns, one thing is certain: every individual is different and what works for one may not work for another. Our Naturopathic approach to treating Digestive Disorders is both patient-centered and holistic, providing comprehensive, effective treatment plans designed specifically for each individual patient.
The answer is a customized, expert plan designed just for you. Naturopathic physicians consider each individual’s physical, emotional and mental health, as well as that person’s environment and genetic makeup when investigating and crafting a plan to treat Digestive Disorders.
At Water’s Edge, we focus on dietary changes, digestive tract healing, and restoration to return to normal function in the digestive tract. When we heal the gut microbiome, we find that many symptoms resolve naturally. This approach allows us to move forward with less medication needed to reach your overall digestive health goals. If antibiotics or other medications are needed, we will use them only when absolutely necessary to resolve your specific digestive disorder.
We may utilize advanced GI testing to determine the cause(s) of your specific symptoms. After discussing all of the above factors, your medical history and the results of any testing conducted, your naturopath will craft a personalized plan that will restore your digestive health.
Common Naturopathic treatment options for Digestive Disorders could include a specialized diet, designed just for you. Herbal medicine and Homeopathy are other tools we can use. We may also recommend massage, acupuncture, medically supervised weight loss or weight gain as needed, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, yoga for gentle movement, or eating more fermented foods to balance your microbiome. It will be specific to you, your body and your life.
Our Naturopathic approach to strengthening your immune system and overall health also recommends that you:
However, we understand that some people may be suffering from conditions that interfere with adequate sleep, exercise or other factors. We take all of these issues into account and recognize challenges, while finding alternatives and options that work specifically for you. A Naturopathic physician considers your health issues in the context of health barriers that are specific to you and the realities of your everyday life.
Here at Water's Edge, we have designed all of our treatment modalities specifically to treat illness, balance what is imbalanced, ease your symptoms, and empower your body to heal itself. Our practitioners begin by listening to your experience – learning about your symptoms and medical history. From there, they will work with you to discover the perfect digestive support regimen to alleviate discomfort and restore your lifelong health, vitality and wellness.
For years, our skillful, experienced Naturopaths practicing at Water’s Edge Natural Medicine Clinic in Seattle, WA, have been helping men and women achieve wellness and wholeness in every area of their lives.
If you are interested in seeing what a Naturopathic digestive doctor can do for you, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re here for you and happy to answer any questions you may have about your digestive symptoms and our unique healing approach.
Collect your list of symptoms and questions, and call Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Seattle, WA at (206) 966-4522 or contact us online.
Water's Edge Natural Medicine
1000 2nd Ave, Suite 2920
Seattle, WA 98104
Get Directions
Phone: (206) 966-4522
Fax: (206) 283-1924
Serving patients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding King and Snohomish County communities including: Queen Anne, Mercer Island, Medina, Bellevue, Redmond, Snohomish, Kirkland, Edmonds.
| Monday: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wednesday: | 8:00am - 3:00pm |
| Thursday: | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
| Friday: | 8:00am - 12:00pm |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |
