Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Irritating Problem!

Cathy sought out naturopathic medical care for problems with her bowels. Ten years of problems had left her drained and frustrated. She knew where all the public bathrooms were everywhere she went and lived in fear of “accidents”. She suffered from alternating constipation and diarrhea, embarrassing gas, abdominal pain and bloating and she generally felt tired and toxic. Her conventional medical doctor had done tests to rule out cancer or serious disease and labeled her symptom picture Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She was given a variety of medications to counteract her symptoms. Laxatives for constipation, anti-diarrhea medications, antacid pills all helped in the short run, but after 10 years Cathy was no closer to understanding why she felt the way she did or how she could help herself get out of this painful cycle.

Cathy’s case is not unusual. Approximately 15% of the population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and many more people experience similar symptoms. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain or bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, gas, nausea, and is often accompanied by varying degrees of anxiety or depression. Since many other conditions can mimic IBS, it is important to rule out more serious diseases like cancer and colitis.

The naturopathic approach to treatment is very different from the conventional methods because our goal is very different. While conventional medicine treats symptoms with drugs, naturopathic doctors seek to understand why the body is creating these symptoms and correct the underlying imbalance. There are several potential causes of IBS that affect people in varying degrees.

The most common cause of IBS that I have observed clinically is food allergies or intolerances. With proper identification of offending foods and coaching to change the diet, many of my patients have found lasting relief from their symptoms. Another common cause of intestinal distress is a disturbance in the bacteria that line the intestine. Antibiotic use coupled with a high sugar diet can result in an overgrowth of yeast and fungus in the intestine. The result is often gas, bloating and irregular stool, as well as fatigue and other mental symptoms. This condition can be rectified by specific dietary modifications and by working to re-establish the healthy bacterial balance in the intestine.

Often IBS is a result of a poorly functioning upper digestive system. If the stomach lacks adequate hydrochloric acid, foods are not broken down properly and can cause symptoms in the lower digestion. This condition is common as we age. Symptoms to look for of low stomach acid are:

  • Fullness after eating
  • Belching or flatulence after meals
  • Indigestion, constipation or diarrhea
  • Iron deficiency
  • Multiple food allergies
  • Weak fingernails

I have had many patients complain of IBS after having surgery to remove their gall bladder. The gall bladder stores and regulates the secretion of bile, the fluid used to digest fats. The bile is made in the liver but if the liver is toxic, the bile it makes will also be toxic and caustic. The “toxic bile” takes its toll on the gallbladder, and the conventional solution to gall bladder problems is to simply remove it. Now that same “toxic bile” is now able to drip into the intestine in an unregulated fashion. The intestine becomes irritated by the bile and lets us know by presenting with the symptoms we call Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The naturopathic approach to this health challenge is to treat the underlying cause by detoxifying the liver to help it to make better bile.

In Cathy’s case, after a thorough physical exam, we did some blood work and tested her for food allergies and yeast overgrowth. She had taken antibiotics for a series of infections many years ago and had a significant yeast overgrowth. She was allergic to wheat, rye and bananas. She did not have a personal history of gall bladder problems, but her sister and mother had had their gall bladders removed. Cathy was coached on a program to reduce her yeast, change her diet, cleanse her liver and soothe her irritated bowel. With natural medicine alone, she became symptom free for the first time in many years. Not only did her bowels improve, she reported feeling much more energy and mental clarity. She was able to take charge of her health by getting to the root cause of the problem!

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a natural family medical practice in downtown Courtenay. Her office can be reached at (250) 897-0235 or via this website. 

Call 250 897-0235

Candida and Intestinal “Good Bacteria” (candida)

Intestinal Flora Imbalances

Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives within your body can make many people feel sick if it is in excess. Yeast can cause many health disorders such as fatigue, headache, depression, premenstrual tension, hyperactivity, skin disorders, digestive problems and more.



Everyone has candida, a form of yeast (Candida albicans) normally confined to the lower bowels, the vagina, and the skin. In healthy individuals with strong, functioning immune systems, it is harmless and kept in check by “good” bacteria, called probiotics like acidophilus and bifidobacteria. But if the balance of the intestinal environment is altered by a compromised immune system or other factors, then opportunistic candida grows in the intestine or can infect other body tissues. The candida becomes pathogenic, transforming from a simple yeast into an aggressive (mycelial) fungus that can compromise one’s health. This condition is known as candidiasis.



Candidiasis can affect areas of the body far removed from candida colonizations in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. Its symptoms cover a broad spectrum and the condition can cause a number of diseases ranging from allergies, vaginitis and thrush (a whitish fungus in the mouth or vagina), to an invasion of the genital-urinary tract, eyes, liver, heart, or central nervous system. Common symptoms of candidiasis include digestive problems such as bloating, cramping; wheezing, earaches, generalized fatigue, poor concentration and loss of libido.



The likely candidate for candida overgrowth is someone whose medical history includes: prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics which are frequently given for urinary and ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other infections; steroid hormone medication such as cortisone or corticosteroids, often prescribed for skin conditions such as rashes, eczema, or psoriasis; acid blocking medication (such as Nexium and Cimitidine); stress, high sugar intake and oral contraceptives. Certain illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and AIDS can also increase susceptibility to candida overgrowth. High carbohydrate diets can also upset the intestinal flora balance.



Antibiotics



Antibiotics, life-saving cures for many diseases, may be the single greatest cause of candidiasis, because antibiotic treatment for infections is nondiscriminatory, killing the “good” intestinal chemistry-balancing bacteria, as well as the “bad” infection-causing bacteria.



The good bacteria strains are called acidophilous and bifidobacteria. They produce natural antifungal substances (as well as antibacterial materials) as part of their control mechanism over yeast. One of the activities of “good” bacteria is the manufacture of a B vitamin, biotin, which exerts control over yeast. When biotin is lacking, as a result of damage by antibiotics to the good bacteria, yeast has a chance to change from its simple yeast form into a different organism, and encroaching mycelial (vegetative) fungus.



LEAKY GUT / INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY



Antibiotics can cause the altered imbalanced intestinal environment that candida requires to change into its fungal form. Candida then puts down tiny rootlets which penetrate the tissues on which the yeast is growing. When this happens to be the inner wall of the intestine, it breaks down the barrier which exists between the closed world of the bowel and the body. Toxic debris, yeast waste products, and partially digested proteins are allowed into the bloodstream, resulting in allergic and toxic reactions. Healthy bifidobacteria and acidophilus intestinal colonies can usually withstand one or two short episodes of antibiotics without serious harm. If, however, use of antibiotics is frequent or prolonged (as with a course for acne treatment or/and infections), then the spread of candida becomes inevitable.



DIET AND CHRONIC CANDIDIASIS



A number of dietary factors appear to promote the overgrowth of candida. The most important factor is a high intake of sugar and carbohydrates, foods containing a high content of yeast or mold.



DIAGNOSIS OF THE YEAST SYNDROME



The best method for diagnosing chronic candidiasis is clinical evaluation by a physician knowledgeable about yeast-related illness. More than likely, the manner in which the doctor will diagnose the yeast syndrome will be based on clinical judgement from a detailed medical history. Vega testing is an additional tool that has proven to be an effective method of assessing candida overgrowth and monitoring the program of a candida elimination program.



TREATING CANDIDIASIS



Successful treatment of candidiasis first requires the reduction of factors which predispose a patient to candida overgrowth. Secondly, the patient’s immune function must be strengthened. Diet, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, and yeast killers are some of the choices physicians use to accomplish these ends. A program will be tailored to your individual health needs.



SYMPTOMS OF CANDIDIASIS



There is a wide array of candidiasis symptoms depending on an individual’s age, sex, environmental exposure, and immune systems. These include (but are not limited to):



Mental/Emotional:

  • fatigue, especially after eating
  • depression &/or mood swings
  • memory loss, poor concentration
  • “brain fog”

Gastrointestinal problems:

  • bloating
  • gas
  • intestinal cramps
  • chronic diarrhea
  • constipation
  • heartburn
  • rectal itching

Immune System:

  • food allergies
  • inhalant allergies
  • hayfever
  • eczema
  • recurrent fungal infections such as “jock itch,” athlete’s foot, or ringworm
  • recurrent infections: vaginal, urinary, ear, etc.

Hormonal:

  • premenstrual syndrome and hormonal problems
  • prostatitis

Liver:

  • sensitivity to chemicals, perfumes, smoke, or other odors
  • a feeling of being lightheaded or drunk after minimal wine, beer, or certain foods


Sinus:

  • Sinus congestion and infections

50% of people with chronic sinus problems have fungal overgrowth harbouring in the sinuses.



These symptoms may worsen in moldy places (such as basements) or in damp climates, and after eating or drinking foods containing sugar.

Acid Reflux and Naturopathic Medicine

Acid Reflux: The Drug Free Road to Recovery

One of the most common conditions I see in my natural family practice is acid reflux or heartburn. Not surprisingly, antacid preparations, both prescription and over the counter are one of the top sellers in the pharmaceutical industry. I am very concerned about the effect on digestion that these drugs have and by the fact that they only address the symptom, without addressing the cause. It gives me great satisfaction to help someone with acid reflux understand what is causing their symptoms and give them natural medicines and lifestyle changes to solve the problem.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid for a good reason. Stomach acid helps kill any bacteria or parasites being ingested along with the food. Secondly it activates the enzyme pepsin needed for protein digestion. Thirdly, the acidic pH of the stomach contents signals to the pancreas to put out its digestive juices and enzymes to further break down food. Fourthly, stomach acid helps initiate the rhythmic contractions of the intestines, that crush and move the food down the intestines.

When antacid drugs are used, digestion is impaired, causing improper breakdown of food and therefore reduced absorption of nutrients. Stagnant food can create fullness, bloating, gas, cramps, constipation or diarrhea. I have had many patients whose digestive symptoms have gotten worse when taking these drugs, not a surprise when you understand the importance of stomach acid.

The stomach has a unique ability to handle very acidic contents. The lining of the stomach, called the gastric mucosa is a tough mucous membrane that can ideally withstand the high acidity needed in the stomach. Only when the gastric mucosa is weakened will it be irritated by its acid. The esophagus on the other hand, cannot withstand acidity and will let you know if it is being exposed to acid! Acid reflux is most often not an issue of too much stomach acid, it is an issue of stomach acid being in the wrong place – the esophagus.

In fact many people naturally don’t have enough stomach acid – especially as they age. It is estimated that only 40% of people produce adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, where protein digestion takes place, and as we age, our production of hydrochloric acid declines. Fewer than half of men and women over 60 actually have enough HCl to initiate protein digestion. Without enough stomach acid, digestion is stalled. Taking acid blocking drugs just compounds the problem. Symptoms of low stomach acid are fullness and belching after eating, bloating, flatulence and lower bowel problems.

Acid reflux can certainly be caused by other factors. Many people have heard of common triggers like the following but I always wonder what factors underlie a sensitivity to normal foods.

Common triggers:

  • Obesity
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Fried foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty foods
  • Citrus foods
  • Tomato based foods
  • Tight waist bands
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Overeating
  • Pregnancy

For many of my patients, the identification and elimination of their individual food allergies has provided long term relief from not only acid reflux but many other digestive disorders. For instance, Carlos, a 55 year old man with a 15 year history of reflux, was able to get off his Pantaloc (antacid drug) and live symptom free as long as he avoided wheat and sugar. He never dreamed that there could be such a simple solution to this long-term problem.

Another avenue to explore is the relationship between the gall bladder and acid reflux. If the liver overwhelmed by toxins and hormones, the bile it makes can become caustic and irritating. When the gallbladder squeezes out its bile to help with fat digestion, that bile can irritate the tissues in or near the stomach. This condition is called bile reflux gastritis. The stomach, being a muscular organ, only knows one way to get your attention that it is being aggravated; it contracts. The contractions push the acidic stomach contents into the esophagus, creating the symptoms of acid reflux.

The naturopathic medical approach focuses on removing any of the causitive factors that are irritating the upper digestive system. I also promote healthy breakdown and assimilation of foods and assist healing of the irritated tissues. Under naturopathic care, the road to health starts with:

1. A thorough consultation, medical history, and physical exam

2. An evaluation of food allergies

3. Individual dietary coaching

4. Recommendations on the use of safe, natural medicines

A life free of pain and free of dependency on symptom blocking drugs is a goal that often can be attained following this safe, commonsense approach. 

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician with a family medical practice in Courtenay. For more information, please contact her office at (250) 897-0235 or check out via this website.

Call 250 897-0235

Possible Symptoms of Food Allergies /Intolerances

Adverse reactions to foods or beverages can be as subtle as a runny nose or as dramatic as severe depression. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a food allergy/intolerance. 

  • rapid pulse after eating
  • gas and bloating
  • abdominal discomfort
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • heartburn
  • weight gain
  • skin rashes, eczema, hives
  • tired after eating
  • swelling of body features
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • poor memory
  • irritability, nervousness, depression
  • hyperactivity
  • sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion
  • upper respiratory congestion
  • frequent clearing of throat
  • canker sores
  • ringing in ears
  • ear infections
  • hay fever
  • excessive mucous
  • recurrent ‘colds’
  • hot flashes
  • chronic infections
  • aches and pains for no reason
  • binge eating
  • if you have severe cravings for any type of food, you may be addicted to the food contributing to your condition