Naturopathic Gastroenterology
by Dr. Adam Rinde
Naturopathic gastroenterology consists of a holistic approach to digestive and gastrointestinal disorders.
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“Treating the gut” is a core principle and practice of naturopathic medicine. Why? The digestive tract is the main interface between the environment (the outside world) and the inside world (your body). Also, there is an agent living in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) called the “microbiome,” which helps mediate the relationship between the outside world and inside world. The microbiome consists of over a trillion microorganisms. The relationship between the human host and its inhabitants can be mutually beneficial, but it also can be harmful. The digestive tract is a starting point for many of the internal inflammatory conditions because it’s a gateway for inflammatory particles and triggers to enter the body. If the gut becomes overly permeable, or "leaky," then other internal organs, including joints and soft tissue, can be impacted and possibly harmed.
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We know the gastrointestinal function is a key player in many conditions, such as depression, anxiety, insulin resistance, diabetes, and a wide array of autoimmune conditions.
As a specialist in digestive disorders, I see people with the following symptoms:
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abdominal pain
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bloating and flatulence
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diarrhea
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constipation
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vomiting
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chronic pain and fatigue associated with digestive symptoms
Seemingly most of my patients will have already discussed these symptoms with their primary care physician and/or their gastroenterologist. Often patients are given medications they do not tolerate or are averse to taking and they are looking to me for an alternative approach. Often patients are not told why they are having these symptoms; so they will come to me to investigate the root cause of the symptoms.
This is often performed through careful history taking and a physical exam. In addition, the following functional lab tests are often employed: breath, digestive function, organic acid, food intolerance, nutrigenomic, and microbiome sequencing. We are able to assess many problems without lab testing but incorporate testing to strengthen a targeted treatment program and provide advanced understanding.
Treatments most certainly involve nutrition and lifestyle interventions, as well as targeted nutrient and botanical therapy. All of my treatments have a big education focus.
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I also provide integrative care in conjunction with your gastroenterologist for conditions such as:
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ulcerative colitis
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crohn’s disease
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celiac disease
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gastric ulcer disease
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peptic ulcer disease
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gallbladder disease
Integrative care involves optimizing your treatment plan for better management of your chronic digestive problem. I will work to reverse the condition and reduce the need for further interventions and medications. I work to improve your quality of life and overall management to reduce the impact the condition is having on your life. I do this through advanced nutritional guidance and lifestyle interventions and safe and effective nutrient and botanical interventions.
I have lectured, written, and been interviewed nationally on wide topics related to naturopathic gastroenterology. I have good feel for the process and a sensitivity for the whole picture involved with gastrointestinal disorders. I am constantly pushing to learn and understand the fascinating world of the gastrointestinal tract.
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If you have a non treatment-related question, please contact us at 425-889-5894 or set up a discovery call through our online portal