Essence Medical Center: Paula Lima, NMD

Dr. Paula Lima is a certified Naturopathic Doctor in Chandler, AZ. She helps kids and adults, and she covers weight loss, skincare, hormonal imbalances, and more.

Building a healthy community one consultation at a time.

Naturopathic medicine presents a holistic approach to healthcare, emphasizing the body's inherent ability to self-heal and the prevention of disease. The science behind the naturopathic treatment of digestive issues reflects this philosophy, utilizing a range of methodologies from dietary modifications and lifestyle changes to botanical therapies and acupuncture.

One principle behind naturopathic treatment is the understanding that the gut plays a crucial role in overall health. The gastrointestinal tract is not only responsible for nutrient absorption but also plays a significant part in immune system functioning and neurochemical production. Thus, maintaining a healthy gut is critical for overall well-being.

Naturopathic doctors often start treating digestive issues by examining diet. Science has shown a direct link between diet and gut health, with certain foods known to cause inflammation and irritate the gut lining. A systematic review published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2017 confirmed that dietary patterns significantly influence gut health. Therefore, NDs often prescribe individualized diets, eliminating potential trigger foods and incorporating gut-friendly foods to help manage conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Stress management is another critical aspect of naturopathic treatment for digestive issues. Research indicates a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. Studies, such as one published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2016, demonstrate that stress negatively affects gut health, contributing to conditions like IBS. Naturopathic doctors may employ stress management techniques like yoga, mindfulness, and biofeedback to mitigate these effects.

NDs also make use of botanical medicine for digestive issues. Certain herbs, like peppermint, ging