Diverticulosis, Constipation & Vague Pain

Case Study: Patient was dealing with some constipation and reliant on Metamucil and acid reflux medication. He was unable to play with his kids because of his low energy and chronic gastrointestinal pain. He was having loss of appetite and pain with food and had lost weight of 20 lbs or more. He had been to the hospital on more than one occasion for a pain in his right side and left without answers. He was given standard dietary advice previously for diverticulosis which didn’t seem to address the whole picture.

Results: Stool test showed low levels of a few helpful bacteria, inflammation and lowered enzyme production. We worked to shift this using a food based approach and a few supplemental interventions. The micronutrient test showed low zinc levels which was driving the low testosterone, low energy, low immune function and his GI health. After 3 months of working together, he was able to come off of acid reflux medications and Metamucil and had no symptoms of acid reflux or constipation. After 6 months of work together, according to his symptom questionnaire, his overall symptoms improved by 90%, 100% improvement of bloating, constipation and nausea and an 82% improvement in mood.

Ulcerative Colitis, Fatigue & Low Mood

Case Study: The patient struggled for years with navigating painful ulcerative colitis, weight loss of 20 lbs, diarrhea 30 times per day, nausea and unresolved anemia despite iron supplementation. 

Results: Stool test revealed some inflammation and bacterial imbalance. We changed the iron she was on and worked on improving gut bacteria composition using a food based approach. We also brought in a few supplemental tools to help support getting to remission. After 5 months of working together the patient much closer to her normal body weight and able to tolerate many foods that she wasn’t able to previously (even when in remission previously). Remission was achieved in month three. Another significant change was that she was able to navigate future flares with more ease. In her words “the flares feel like bumps in the road instead of mountains”. Overall symptom scores improved by 85%, gas and bloating improved by 95%, energy improved by 75% and mood improved by 67% at the 6 month mark.

Severe Diarrhea & Low Mood

Case Study: Patient had been dealing with severe diarrhea, urgency and not making it to the bathroom in time for over 10 years. She was on a high dose of Imodium daily for the past 7 years which led to constipation for most of the week and racing to the bathroom when the bowel movements did hit. Patient was also dealing with depression, unintentional weight gain and headaches weekly. She felt like she wasn’t getting “nourished” even though she tried to eat healthy which led to insatiable cravings often.

Results: Her testing showed low vitamin D levels and several low B vitamins. We worked on correcting deficiencies present, modifying the diet and working on strategies to improve digestive imbalances. By month five of our work together she was able to have normal bowel movements without Imodium for the first time in ten years. Patient also reported improvements in her mood and she started to enjoy cooking at home. She also reported 10 lbs of weight loss throughout the 6 months and was pleased that she didn’t have to “diet” to achieve that. She felt excited to be able to engage in social activities again without fear of having another bathroom issue. Patient has now been able to reintroduce many foods successfully. Headache frequency improved by 87%, diarrhea improved by 100%, bloating was 100% resolved, and energy improved by 74%.