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IBS & SIBO Specialists

IBS Treatment Bend Oregon

At Wellness Doctor we pride ourselves in working with a multitude of natural therapies and approaches when it comes to most modern day ailments. Whether you have a musculoskeletal complaint or concerns with anxiety or chronic fatigue, Dr. Kremer often utilizes his massage therapists, nutritionist, and other modalities to work synergistically with one another to offer the most complete treatment plan.

This also fits well into place when dealing with gut health or Digestive Health. Dr. Kremer has focused much of his Functional Medicine expertise in the area of the Gastrointestinal system. Dr. Kremer's approach often involves an in depth comprehensive stool test and occasionally a specific breath test when suspecting SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Based on findings and the review of an extensive health history and physical exam, he will address any dietary changes, specific supplementation, and lifestyle factors based around Functional Medicine's 5 R Program. Cassie Kremer, our Nutritionist, is a SIBO guru and will further help individuals with the lifestyle changes and specific protocols prescribed by Dr. Kremer.

For More on How We Can Help with SIBO- CLICK HERE

An optimal functioning digestive system is the keystone for good health. Without a healthy gut, you have an increased risk for autoimmune diseases, heart disease, cancers, food sensitivities/allergies, thyroid dysfunction, skin conditions, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. If gastrointestinal health is not first addressed, all other treatments or medications simply cannot "fix" the underlying problem.


"Functional" vs "Structural"

Did you know about one in three Americans suffers from a variety of gut problems? Two of the top best-selling drugs in the United States are prescribed for gastrointestinal problems. And nearly half of all visits to internists are for “functional bowel disorders,” such as reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

Digestive health bend oregon physicianMany physicians use the word “functional” to describe problems related to the function of the gut (situations where the intestinal tract simply isn’t working properly), as opposed to “structural” disorders, which are something a gastroenterologist can see on an endoscopy or colonoscopy such as blockages, ulcers, hiatal hernias, villous atrophy (Celiac Disease), etc. and therefore are often considered more “real". But functional gut disorders are equally real problems with very real causes and often with serious consequences.

Traditionally, when an individual is dealing with intestinal discomfort or constipation they might present their concerns with their family care practitioner. Oftentimes they are given a prescription medication such as Prilosec or a laxative and sent home. When this problem or irregularity continues to cause problems and concerns, the patient is likely to be referred to a Gastroenterologist who will likely look for and address any "structural" problems with surgery, more medications, or tell the patient to not eat wheat (in the case of Celiac Disease). Don't get me wrong, these practitioners are highly skilled and educated gastrointestinal technicians, and that's what they get paid for...performing these procedures, not addressing diet or the gut microbiota.

What is the Gut Microbiota?

As of recently, the microbiota (AKA- gut flora) is now being looked at as an entire organ comprised of tens of trillions of microorganisms, including at least 1000 different species of bacteria and more than 3 million genes. It works as a detrimental barrier to the outside world, allows for the absorption of nutrients into the body, helps with the production of some vitamins (B and K), and is a very large component of the immune system. As infants, we are born sterile (no intestinal bacteria) and through a natural vaginal birth and coming in contact with mother's skin, breast milk, etc., we begin this crucial colonization of microorganisms. Problems with this "organ" begin when it is under significant stress, through antibiotic use and other medications, and poor diet not allowing proper nutrition for the gut flora. When this becomes imbalanced, dysbiosis occurs. Dysbiosis is directly linked to health problems such as functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, obesity and diabetes. Therefore, a healthy functioning gut leads to a healthy functioning body.
Gatrointestinal specialist Bend Oregon Wellness Doctor

The Missing Healthcare Link

So that's it? Either I have something that needs to be surgically repaired or I take a prescription medication for the rest of my life? Fortunately, through a Functional Medicine approach, there is another approach. The missing link here is a specialist who addresses the root causes of functional gut problems through addressing diet, gut flora, pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal permeability, reduced motility, insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), pathogenic bacteria, intestinal parasites, yeast overgrowth, malabsorption, food or environmental sensitivities, and the list goes on...

At Wellness Doctor, this is where patients get answers. This is where Dr. Kremer will perform a very in-depth History and Exam and address family history, triggers and mediators for when and how problems started and how to correct them- through finding the ROOT CAUSE. In most cases, a comprehensive STOOL TEST can give so many answers regarding the next steps in developing an effective treatment protocol. It seems like such common sense to use this approach, and there is typically no need for extensive invasive procedures or long term use of medications to benefit the pharmaceutical industry. So who really benefits when addressing the often simple root causes? THE PATIENT.


The "5 R's" of Functional Medicine

Regarding a very effective platform for balancing and supporting a healthy gut, the 5 R's of Functional Medicine in conjunction with the findings on a stool and/or breath test offer the most targeted and thorough approach. The following 5 steps were published in Paleo Magazine and was written by Dr. Kremer.

Remove:

The most important of the 5 R’s and the key to any effective diet, detoxification, or disease prevention or treatment program; this phase involves the removal of harmful chemicals, pesticides, food additives and many common allergy/sensitivity producing foods, (such as dairy, gluten, and soy) that may lead to poor health. Sound familiar? If you’re Paleo, you’ve already accomplished this step! In some cases, “remove” may also refer to parasitic infection, candida, viruses, etc.

Replace:

Digestive enzymes or insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid (HCL) are key when it comes to proper digestion of food. The best indication of this is when a person experiences bloating, gas or reflux upon eating. If these symptoms are present, including HCL and/or digestive enzymes with meals may help immensely in promoting proper digestion.

Reinoculate:

This refers to bringing back good or “friendly” bacteria. This can be done through the use of well researched and medically documented probiotics and properly fermented foods. These friendly bacteria improve intestinal immunity, restore healthy gut flora, intestinal barrier function, and essentially improve the function of the entire body!

Restore:

The restore phase focuses on promoting the proper repair of the intestinal lining. GI mucosal cell regeneration is a natural process that can be supported by an anti-inflammatory diet (such as a Paleo Diet) in addition to targeted anti-inflammatory nutraceutical support.

Rebalance:

Improve Lifestyle Factors such as diet, sleep, exercise and stress levels which can all affect the GI tract. These areas also address inflammation, detoxification, and immune function which synergistically help out and balance all systems of the body. From a nutraceutical standpoint, I recommend adding EPA/DHA (fish oil), Vitamin D3, and curcumin to help optimize a healthy balance and manage the damage caused by inflammation.

The concept of the “Five R’s” process describes a basic approach which can be catered to the needs of each individual’s clinical condition and nutritional needs. If you’ve suffered from ailments such as digestive complaints, chronic fatigue, headaches, skin conditions, mood swings, weight gain, etc. and notice an improvement thorough a whole food or Paleo diet, chances are you likely have some level of gut dysfunction. If you’ve tried strict Paleo or elimination diet for at least one month, you’ve already accomplished much of the first step by “Removing” many of the irritating substances found in much of our modern day diet. For those who continue to experience digestive issues, even as “minor” as frequent gas and bloating, I highly recommend pursing the other three steps of the above described process. For more information and guidance on this approach, please contact our office or check out our other website www.HealthAroundYOU.com

Best of health!

Dr. Jason Kremer

For More information on SIBO- CLICK HERE