SIBO, IBS and gut Naturopathic Doctor in Kamloops, BC.
It’s common to hear friends say “the bloat is worth it” for certain foods, or to see them choose outfits to accommodate expected bloating. If you find yourself accepting digestive discomfort as normal, please know it doesn’t have to be this way. There are methods to enjoy food without fearing the repercussions.
My name is Dr. Kaleb Falk, ND and I have been diagnosing and treating SIBO, IBS and gut health concerns in Kamloops, BC for over 10 years. I work with patients individually to enhance gut health and address the root causes of symptoms like bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, cramping, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.
Do you often feel bloated, suffer from diarrhea, constipation or experience an upset stomach daily after eating? While these aren’t the most glamorous symptoms, you are not alone. Approximately 96 percent of Canadians have a gut health score below 50 percent with over half (56 percent) suffering from gut upset at least once a month according to a recent study. Many individuals with gut issues are undiagnosed, yet suffering frequently (if not, daily).
As a Naturopathic Doctor at the Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC, I’ve witnessed this trend of declining gut health first hand over the last decade.
What is SIBO?
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excessive bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, disrupting normal digestive processes and nutrient absorption. This bacterial imbalance can lead to symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea,constipation, abdominal pain, and nutrient deficiencies. SIBO is often associated with diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and can be diagnosed through a breath test, which measures hydrogen and methane produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars.
The Difference Between SIBO and IBS
People are often misdiagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) when they actually have Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) because the symptoms of both conditions are very similar, including bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Since IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion and does not have a specific test, doctors may label unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms as IBS without further investigation into possible SIBO. Moreover, the diagnostic tools for SIBO, such as breath tests, are not always routinely performed, and awareness about SIBO is still growing. Very commonly I have patients come to me with a misdiagnosis of IBS.
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Why Everyone Has Digestive Issues Now
If you are experiencing uncomfortable gut-related symptoms, know you are in good company. Digestive issues have surged, causing understandable concern. Over the last decade, I’ve witnessed a trend in declining gut health. Each year the number of individuals I diagnose and treat for SIBO and IBS at Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC increases. There are several reasons why I believe gut-related concerns are increasing amongst individuals:
Diet and Your Digestive Health
Our fast-paced culture often leads to irregular eating patterns and reliance on processed foods, setting the stage for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While unavoidable in many cases, stress can interrupt regular meal times and sleep patterns, elevating internal tension and leading to digestive troubles. For many, grabbing a snack at a cafe is easier than eating a well-rounded breakfast, leading to an intake of more processed foods. Our fast-paced culture often leads to irregular eating patterns and reliance on processed foods, setting the stage for these gut conditions.
The problem is that processed foods often lack fiber and can contain unhealthy fats and sugars, contributing to conditions like SIBO and IBS. Even if we don’t understand the discomfort, such as food sensitivity, bloatedness, and diarrhea, at the time, we may be experiencing an ongoing digestive issue. Restoring gut health is possible, requiring a well-rounded approach. Honoring your body’s discomfort, seeking medical support, and making healthier lifestyle changes can help you relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating.
On a surface level, a diet rich in fiber from fruits, veggies, and whole grains supports a healthy gut microbiome, while excessive processed foods disrupt it. Integrating gut-friendly foods into your diet doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Simple staples like bananas, garlic, and kefir can enhance your digestion. Incorporating the right dietary probiotics and prebiotics can also help alleviate bloating and discomfort. However, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is essential. If you find that no matter what you do, at the end of the day, you’re extremely bloated, that is not normal—I am here to help restore your digestive health.
Environmental Factors and Your Digestive Health
While our daily routines impact us, the reins are not always in our hands. Environmental factors play an important role in affecting digestive health. For instance, pollution, exposure to toxins, even from our cosmetics, and dietary contaminants can all contribute to digestive disorders. Addressing environmental concerns, such as improving air and water quality when possible and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, is paramount for promoting overall digestive wellness.
Lifestyle Management and Your Digestive Health
It is surprising how common issues like IBS, GERD, and colorectal cancer are occurring, even among the younger crowd. Likewise, it is no shocker that symptoms like tummy troubles and acid reflux often stem from stress, especially with the continuous lifestyle shifts post COVID-19 (the inevitable return to the office commute, a busier social calendar, etc) Making small changes—like developing stress management strategies—can make a big difference in keeping your gut happy and healthy. Staying active and improving energy levels through IV Therapy are just two ways you can begin to improve your stress today.
With that in mind, I actively listen to each patient’s unique story and develop tailored treatment plans that address the root cause of their digestive issues—there is not a “one-size-fits-all” treatment for gut health. Collaborative decision-making empowers you to participate actively in your health. If you’d like to learn more about what a typical SIBO treatment plan looks like, click here.
Go With Your Gut Health
Your gut health affects how you feel daily and is vital for your overall wellness, influencing your mood, immune system, longevity and a long list of other conditions, which you can read about on my dedicated SIBO website. There are an increasing number of studies that support the importance of gut health plays in overall mental wellbeing.
Comprehensive care isn’t just about tests and treatments—it’s about having someone who understands your digestive struggles. Your experiences are key; with the right information, I can help you improve your gut health and life.
When you partner with a caring health professional who takes the time to hear you out, you have a supportive medical expert in your corner. Their expertise can shed light on your gastrointestinal health and customize solutions to suit your needs. I am here to help my patients tune into their body’s signals and take proactive steps to safeguard your wellbeing and enhance your daily life. To learn more about the SIBO testing I offer, click here.
Gut Health Naturopathic Doctor in Kamloops, BC
The symptoms of SIBO and IBS can be frustrating, allinating and debilitating—but you do not have to do it alone. I am here to walk alongside you in your journey to better gut health. If you’re looking to enhance gut health in Kamloops, BC, you’ve found the right place. Book your in-person initial visit with me at Total Health Clinic in Kamloops, BC or schedule your virtual introductory call from wherever you are. Remember, you don’t need to live with the bloat or pain. Let’s connect.
