As a naturopathic doctor, I work with a lot of people who have digestive concerns. They might be experiencing bloating, excessive gas, heartburn, strange stomach noises, constipation or diarrhea however, digestion should be a silent process.
Understanding Normal Digestion and Common Misconceptions About Digestive Symptoms
When digestion is normal, you should be able to eat a wide variety of healthy whole foods and have one or two full, complete and easy to pass bowel movements in a day and basically that’s it. Yet many people experience persistent and bothersome digestive symptoms that decrease quality of life and the first thing they tend to blame is the foods that are being eaten.
When it comes to the vast majority of healthy, whole foods or foods that are minimally processed, we should be able to digest them without any issues
The Importance of Maintaining a Diverse Diet and Avoiding Unnecessary Food Restrictions
Now, if there is excessive intake of sugary and/or processed foods, then yes these types of foods should be virtually eliminated from our regular diet. Still, when it comes to the vast majority of healthy whole foods or foods that are minimally processed, we should be able to digest them without any issues.
And as a naturopathic doctor, one thing I don’t want to do is ask my patients to eliminate what is otherwise healthy food unless there is strong evidence to suggest that it should be avoided. Ultimately, I don’t want my patients to be stuck with an ever-shortening list of whole and healthy foods due to the belief that those foods are not suitable for them.
Food sensitivity testing | Elimination diet | |
|---|---|---|
Process | A blood test that detects potential food sensitivities | Remove common specific foods from diet and slowly reintroduce while tracking symptoms |
Accuracy | Gives false positives | Subjective |
Cost | $250 or higher | None |
Advantages | Provides quick results | Low cost, can provide definitive results |
Disadvantages | Costly and may not be accurate | Take a long time to do |
A Comprehensive Approach to Digestive Health: Beyond Just Food Choices
So how do I help address their digestive concerns? Well there’s more than just the foods we eat that affect digestive function. In fact our digestive tract has more nerve endings than our brain so stress can have a significant impact on its function. Additionally there’s the chemicals of digestion; acid, bile and enzymes and if they’re deficient then digestion will be greatly affected. Furthermore the immense microbiome that resides along the digestive tract has a major influence on digestive function.
The microbiome can be easily disrupted which leads to leaky gut and inflammation. And stress has very significant impacts on how digestion functions and how it feels. After all, more than 70% of our serotonin receptors are in our gut AND we have more nerve endings in our gut than in our brain! When I work with patients that have digestive concerns I take the time to do a full assessment of all the factors that impact digestive function and then help to make sure that the digestive tract is functioning at its full capability before starting to think that it’s the foods that are the problem.
More than 70% of our serotonin receptors are in our gut AND we have more nerve endings in our gut than in our brain
Identifying Root Causes and Embracing a Balanced Diet
Digestive issues are often complex and multifactorial and it’s important not to rush into blaming food as the sole cause. By taking a thorough, whole person approach, I aim to identify the root causes whether they lie in stress, digestive secretions, microbiome imbalances or other underlying factors.
My goal is to restore healthy digestive function so that patients can enjoy a wide variety of nourishing foods without discomfort or fear. If you're struggling with persistent digestive symptoms, know that help is available and it doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you love to eat.
Are you tired of guessing which foods are causing your digestive issues? At Aspire Natural Health, our experienced naturopathic doctors offer personalized assessments and evidence based solutions to help you identify and manage your food sensitivities. Take the first step toward comfortable, confident eating book your consultation with Aspire Natural Health today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between a food sensitivity, food intolerance and a food allergy?
A food allergy triggers an immune system response and can cause severe or life threatening reactions, even with small exposures. Food intolerance and sensitivity typically involve the digestive system and result in symptoms like bloating, gas or diarrhea, but do not cause dangerous allergic reactions. Food sensitivities are often less severe and may allow for small amounts of the food without symptoms.
How accurate are food sensitivity blood tests?
Blood tests for food sensitivities, such as IgG antibody tests, are widely available but have significant limitations. They often produce false positives and are not considered highly reliable for diagnosing true food sensitivities. Most experts recommend using these results only in combination with medical history and clinical evaluation.
What is an elimination diet and how does it work?
An elimination diet involves removing suspected foods from your diet for a period (usually 2 to 6 weeks) and then gradually reintroducing them while monitoring for symptoms. This process helps identify which foods may be causing digestive issues. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food sensitivities and intolerances, especially when done under professional supervision.
Are there risks to following an elimination diet?
Yes. While elimination diets can be helpful, they may lead to nutritional deficiencies, changes in the gut microbiome or even disordered eating if not properly managed. It’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure you maintain a balanced diet and avoid unnecessary food restrictions.
How does naturopathic medicine approach food sensitivities?
Naturopathic doctors take a holistic approach, assessing not just food triggers but also factors like stress, digestive secretions and gut microbiome health. They may use elimination diets, targeted lab tests and lifestyle modifications to restore digestive balance and help patients enjoy a wider variety of nourishing foods.
Conclusion
Food sensitivities are a common but complex contributor to digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas and irregular bowel movements. While it’s tempting to blame specific foods, true food sensitivities are best identified through a careful process that includes a thorough clinical assessment and when appropriate, an elimination diet. Blood tests for food sensitivities can be useful in certain contexts but are not always reliable on their own and should be interpreted with caution.
Naturopathic medicine offers a comprehensive, whole person approach to digestive health. By considering factors like stress, digestive secretions and gut microbiome balance, naturopathic doctors aim to identify and address the root causes of digestive discomfort. This approach helps patients avoid unnecessary food restrictions and supports long term digestive wellness. If you are struggling with persistent digestive symptoms, know that help is available restoring digestive health does not mean cutting out all the foods you love.
