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Yearly Archives: 2023

Person wondering the differences between diverticulosis and diverticulitis in the intestinal wall looking for expertise from Dr. Heather Buckle, naturopathic doctor specializing in gastroenterology

12.04.2023

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIVERTICULOSIS AND DIVERTICULITIS?

DIVERTICULOSIS OR DIVERTICULITIS? The terms diverticulosis and diverticulitis sound similar, but what’s the difference? And is one more serious than the other? These are common questions I get when discussing the topic of diverticulosis and diverticulitis, so, let’s discuss. They are different, but related. The short version: Diverticulosis is an out-pouching of the wall of the intestine, and diverticulitis refers to the process of one or more of these pouches becoming infected and inflamed. So, what exactly is diverticulosis (the longer version)? Diverticulosis

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Image of a laptop displaying symptom-related search showing someone navigating health information online with the overlay of words "Is it OK to Google my Symptoms?"

10.09.2023

GOOGLING YOUR SYMPTOMS?

IS IT OK TO GOOGLE MY SYMPTOMS? Chances are, if you’ve been handed off from doctor to doctor, without finding a resolution for your gastroenterological issues, you may be at the end of your patience with standard medical practices.  After all, you are an individual person with individual symptoms – not just someone who can be placed in a box and given a one-size-fits-all solution. Have you Googled your symptoms looking for answers? Trust me, you are not alone! Everyone does it.  As

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Field of wheat with the overlay of text saying 'how do I know? Celiac disease vs. wheat intolerance" Washington state naturopathic gastroenterologist Dr. Buckle explores the differences

07.24.2023

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CELIAC DISEASE AND WHEAT INTOLERANCE/SENSITIVITY

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CELIAC DISEASE & WHEAT INTOLERANCE / SENSITIVITY People often ask me what the difference is between celiac disease and gluten or wheat intolerance/sensitivity. It is a good question, and can be confusing, so I would like to give some basic information regarding the difference. Of course, if this is something you are struggling with and need support, please make an appointment to see me, and we can discuss what might be appropriate for your particular situation. Celiac disease

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a naturopathic doctor's table of Low FODMAP diet for managing IBS symptoms and IBD and chronic digestive issuesand the overlay of text reading: "Restrictive Diets: What you need to know"

06.26.2023

SHOULD YOU TRY A RESTRICTIVE DIET?

SHOULD YOU TRY A RESTRICTIVE DIET? Are you sensitive to certain foods and wonder if eliminating foods from your diet might help? A restrictive diet can certainly help reduce symptoms sometimes, but they can also have unintended consequences such as nutrient deficiencies and disordered eating. As such, restrictive diets should be used judiciously and ideally on a short-term basis. This month I’m breaking down restrictive diets and helping you determine when and if it is something to explore. If you are considering

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wave of water representing hydration for optimal health & bowel function with the text overlay reading "A Guide for hydration and electrolyte replacement."

06.19.2023

HYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT

/ HYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT Admittedly, I was thinking about this blog topic after our late May heat wave, when I thought we might escape “Juneuary” here in Seattle, but alas, our weather can be very unpredictable. That said, it’s definitely bound to heat up after July 4th (at least we can count on that!) With that in mind, it’s time to talk about hydration and electrolyte replacement. I don’t often write about general health in my blogs, as a naturopathic doctor

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infographic of a gastrointestinal microbiome to represent Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) The text "IDB: therapeutic diet" is overlaid on the image.

04.27.2023

WHEN A THERAPEUTIC DIET MIGHT BE NECESSARY

WHEN A THERAPEUTIC DIET MIGHT BE NECESSARY Therapeutic diets have been used for decades to manage various health conditions, especially gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Although therapeutic diets can be beneficial for many patients, they must be used judiciously to avoid the risk of disordered eating, particularly in children. As a naturopathic doctor specializing in gastroenterology, I recognize the importance of using therapeutic diets for short periods of time to reduce symptoms and then gradually expanding the diet as symptoms improve. One important

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infographic of a large intestine to represent chronic GI conditions Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) The text "IDB: Five things to know" is overlaid on the image.

04.27.2023

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IBD

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT IBD Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here are five important things you should know about IBD: IBD affects millions of people worldwide: IBD is a global health issue, with an estimated 3 million people affected in the United States alone. The condition is found in people of all ages, although it is most commonly diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 35. (SOURCE) There are two

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naturopathic doctor, understanding IBD, irritable bowel syndrome, pacific northwest, GI specialist

01.31.2023

UNDERSTANDING IBS

Many people seek the help of a naturopathic doctor with a specialty in gastroenterology after being diagnosed with IBS by their Gastroenterologist. Tired of merely managing IBS symptoms, patients want to get to the bottom of their diagnosis, and find that GI doctors are limited in the care they are able to give. Naturopathic medicine offers solutions beyond a chronic diagnosis and helps alleviate and/ or eliminate the underlying causes of an illness. The diagnostic criteria for Irritable

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