In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15％ of adults grapple with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). However, this statistic may not be fully accurate, as many individuals suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) may not even be aware of it. The impact of these conditions on one's quality of life can be profound, making it crucial to understand the root causes and explore natural approaches to managing them.
Defining IBD and IBS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are gastrointestinal disorders that often share some common symptoms but differ in their underlying causes. IBD refers to chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, with two primary types: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. On the other hand, IBS is a functional disorder characterized by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, without any visible signs of inflammation.
Symptoms of IBD and IBS
IBD Symptoms:
Persistent diarrhea
Abdominal pain and cramping
Weight loss
Fatigue
Rectal bleeding
IBS Symptoms:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both)
Bloating and gas
Urgency to have a bowel movement
Mucus in the stool
Understanding the Root Causes
In the traditional medical realm, IBS and IBD are often deemed "diseases of exclusion." This means that the diagnostic path involves ruling out other potential culprits through lab work or imaging, leaving patients with a label but little clarity on the origin of their suffering. This uncertainty poses a significant roadblock in conventional care, where treatment strategies often fall short due to the absence of a definitive cause.
While pharmaceutical interventions exist to alleviate the day-to-day struggles of IBS and IBD, they tend to be symptom-focused rather than addressing the elusive root cause. It's akin to placing a band-aid on a wound without identifying what caused the injury in the first place.
Naturopathic approaches recognize the intricate interplay of various factors contributing to IBS and IBD. Instead of merely alleviating symptoms, the focus shifts to understanding the body's signals and working toward a holistic resolution.
In this gap where conventional medicine struggles, naturopathic care excels. Through adopting a tailored combination of dietary adjustments, targeted supplements, and various other therapies, individuals frequently find significant relief and success under the care of a naturopathic doctor.
Naturopathic Approaches to Treatment
At Mountain View Vital Medicine, we believe in a holistic and personalized approach to IBD and IBS treatment. Here are some specific treatment plans we may recommend:
Dietary Modifications
Identifying and eliminating trigger foods
Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods
Nutritional Supplements
Probiotics for gut health
Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation
Vitamin D for immune support
Botanical medicine (We can create and share simple or custom formulations with you, depending on your conditions).
Herbal Medicine
Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties
Peppermint oil to alleviate symptoms like bloating
Somatostatin
Somatostatin is a peptide hormone that regulates various physiological processes in the body. It plays a crucial role in regulating the endocrine system and has widespread effects on the gastrointestinal tract, brain and pituitary gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, nervous system, and other organs. This hormone is increased under stress which then reduces the ability of these organs and systems to work effectively.
At Mountain View Vital Medicine, we are dedicated to empowering our patients to take control of their digestive health. Our naturopathic approach seeks to address the root causes of IBD and IBS, providing relief and improving overall well-being. For more information on our comprehensive treatment plans, visit our website or contact us at Mountain View Vital Medicine. Your journey to digestive wellness starts here.