Digestive Issues

Understanding and Overcoming Digestive Distress.

Digestive problems are not as simple as they seem.  Symptoms of different underlying problems often overlap, and one problem can lead to other digestive issues over time.  What may have started off as an infection, for example intestinal yeast overgrowth, parasites, or SIBO can lead to other digestive issues such as leaky gut or impaired digestive function

Undiagnosed digestive issues can have adverse effects on the entire body, such as the inability to absorb nutrients properly, compromised immune function, inflammation, and altered detoxification ability.

As naturopathic doctors, we have access to additional digestive testing that is not typically offered at conventional medical practices.  We find additional testing such as microbiome and food sensitivity testing to be very helpful for successful treatment. We also rely more heavily on diet and nutritional therapy as a core part of treatment, understanding that what we put in our bodies has an enormous influence on digestive function and healing.  In addition to prescribing any medications that may be needed, we use nutritional supplements that each have a unique role in the gut healing process.

Common Conditions Treated

Leaky Gut • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) •
Heartburn and acid reflux •
Constipation and Diarrhea • Food Intolerances • Chronic Bloating and Gas •
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease • Digestive Infections

Digestive Issue Treatment Protocol

  • Making the right diagnosis is the critical starting point to your treatment. Testing helps us understand your gut comprehensively so we can address as many of the underlying issues as possible. This can include food sensitivity testing, leaky gut testing, and microbiome and infection testing (yeast, bacteria, and parasites).

  • Once we have a better understanding of the diagnosis, we develop a strategic plan that addresses your unique challenges. Treatment is likely to include diet recommendations (both temporary and long-term), nutritional supplements to improve gut function and promote healing, stress management strategies, and possibly herbal or prescription medications to treat infections.

  • Our ongoing commitment to your health incorporates an adaptable care plan based on progress, follow-up testing, and general wellness strategies to ensure and sustain a healthy gut.

“Spark Health is like an oasis. The staff, the doctors, the ambiance all make you feel calm and cared for. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take their health to the next level.”

Emily E. from Encinitas, CA

“Professional doesn't come close to describing the Spark Health team. My family depends upon the expertise of the entire office of dedicated experts. From the moment you enter the office, you feel the caring vibe and it is simply exemplified when interacting with the Doctor.”

Jim C. from La Jolla, CA

 FAQs

  • As part of your package your doctor will review your health history and any prior testing.  The doctor will most likely recommend additional testing to further understand the diagnosis so that the best treatment can be recommended.  It is not necessary to have a diagnosis before coming in for evaluation.  Your digestive issues will be evaluated and treated regardless of whether you have SIBO or Leaky Gut, or some other issue.

  • The New Patient Digestive Consultation is $375. During this visit the doctor will review your health history and any outside testing, and will discuss any additional testing recommendations in order to determine the best treatment plan for you.

    Note that the cost of testing and any future follow-up visits is not included, and in most cases, additional follow-up visits will be needed to review labs, discuss your comprehensive treatment program based on those findings, and monitor your progress.

  • The specific treatment will depend on the diagnosis and additional underlying digestive and other health issues.  Our treatment plans are always individualized to your unique needs, physiology, and preferences.  This may include antibiotics or other prescriptions including low-dose naltrexone, temporary restricted diets, long-term eating recommendations, herbal products and nutraceuticals to support infection eradication and/or gut healing, stress management strategies, and vitamin injections or IV therapy for nutrient support.

  • Spark Health is located in Solana Beach, California, just north of the city of San Diego.  We always prefer to see patients in-person for the first visit and at least once per year after that, but tele-health visits are available as well.  Currently, we are only seeing patients that reside (at least part-time) in California or Arizona.

  • Treatment duration depends on your unique diagnosis and recommended treatment, which will be discussed at the second Lab Review appointment included in your initial package.  In general, you can plan on at least one follow up appointment after the initial package to check on treatment success and modify the plan as needed.  Some digestive issues can take as short as 1-2 months to resolve, while others can take 3 –12 months of treatment to resolve, with multiple follow up appointments needed to guide treatment and retesting decisions.

  • Yes!  Our naturopathic doctors are trained to treat the body comprehensively and understand the ways that each body system can impact the rest.  It is common to see connections between digestive issues and hormone balance, skin health, weight gain and metabolic problems, autoimmune issues, and musculoskeletal inflammation.  While your initial package is focused only on the digestive aspect of your health, you will be able to address other issues during follow-up visits.