Gut Health, IBS and Digestive Problems: A Naturopathic Doctor's Root-Cause Approach

Bloating, reflux, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or a gut that just never feels right. Digestive symptoms are among the most common reasons people feel unwell, and they're often treated one symptom at a time without asking why the gut stopped working properly.

I'm Dr. Elie Klein, ND, a naturopathic doctor (naturopath) with 23 years of clinical practice. I look at your whole digestive system, from the stomach to the colon, along with the liver and bile that support it, to find what's driving your symptoms.

Who this page is for

This page is for you if you have:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• Bloating, gas, or fullness after meals, including suspected small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Fatty liver
• Constipation, diarrhea, or slow digestion
• Food sensitivities, or a gut that reacts to more and more foods

Ready to talk? Start with a free 15-minute conversation, or book your first consultation.

Book a Consultation or a Free 15-Minute Call

What goes wrong in the gut

Digestion is a chain, and a problem at one link shows up further along. These are the issues I look for most often:

• Low stomach acid and reflux. Reflux is commonly treated as too much acid, but in many people the problem is poor stomach function. Nutrients such as zinc, carnosine, and vitamins B1, B3, and B6 support the stomach and its lining.
• Poor motility. When food moves too slowly through the small intestine, bacteria can overgrow where they shouldn't, which is how SIBO develops. Bloating and gas are the typical result.
• Bile and liver function. Bile, made by the liver, is essential for digesting fat and keeping bacteria in check. A sluggish liver or fatty liver can affect your digestion, and the other way around.
• An imbalanced large intestine. This is where probiotics are most useful. Different strains help different problems, and the right choice depends on your symptoms and your testing.
• Inflammation. In IBD and IBS, inflammation and an irritated gut lining keep symptoms going. Finding what is feeding that inflammation is central to getting it settled.

My root-cause, functional medicine approach

I take a thorough history of your symptoms, your diet, your stress, and how your digestion has changed over time. Where it helps, I use targeted testing, such as stool analysis, breath testing for SIBO, and blood work including liver markers.

Your plan is individualized. It can include a personalized diet plan, lifestyle changes, targeted nutraceuticals, and probiotics matched to your situation. I support you in putting it into practice.

My approach isn't meant to replace your doctor's care, including your gastroenterologist's. Keep taking any prescribed medication as directed. Any changes are made with your doctor.

How we work together

1. Before your visit: you complete a health questionnaire and send me your recent lab work and any scope or imaging reports.
2. Your consultation: a one-on-one video visit where we go through your symptoms and history, unhurried.
3. Targeted testing: only what's needed to find the causes.
4. Your plan: individualized, with my support.
5. Follow-up: we track your symptoms and adjust.

What we aim for

Less bloating and pain, better digestion, comfortable and regular bowel movements, relief from reflux, and a healthier liver. If you'd like examples of the results other people have experienced, reach out to me and I'll send you a link.

Virtual care across Ontario, or in person in Vaughan (Greater Toronto Area)

Appointments are by secure video from the comfort of your home, whether you live in Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, or anywhere else in Ontario. If you prefer a one-on-one visit in person, you're welcome to come to my home office in Vaughan, in the Greater Toronto Area. Most extended health plans in Ontario cover naturopathic care.

Book a Consultation or a Free 15-Minute Call

Related reading

• Fatigue and low energy
• Healthy weight management
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia
• Chronic pain and migraines

Frequently asked questions

Can a naturopath help with IBS?

Yes. As a naturopathic doctor, I look for what is driving your IBS, such as motility, bacterial balance, bile flow, diet, and stress, and build an individualized plan.

Can you help with inflammatory bowel disease?

I work alongside your doctor to support people with IBD, with diet, nutrition, and gut support. It complements your medical care and doesn't replace it.

What is SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine, often linked to poor motility. Bloating and gas are common signs.

What causes acid reflux?

It can be caused by too much acid, but poor stomach function and low acid are common and often overlooked. Please speak to your doctor about your reflux medication before making any changes.

How are the liver and gut connected?

The liver makes bile, which is needed to digest fat and keep intestinal bacteria in balance. Fatty liver and digestive problems often go together.

Do probiotics help?

They can, particularly for the large intestine. The right strains depend on your symptoms and testing.

Can gut care be done virtually?

Yes. I see patients across Ontario by secure video, from my home office in Vaughan, in the Greater Toronto Area.

This page is educational and isn't meant to replace your doctor's care.