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Dr. Heather Buckle

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

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

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?"

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

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"

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

basics of health and wellness

BACK TO SCHOOL BASICS OF HEALTH

There is nothing like the beginning of a school year to send the minds and bodies of our family into a tailspin. Suddenly all the little things that went by the wayside over the summer start to add up. We’ve forgotten the importance of time management and nutrition. While scheduling movement during the workday is becoming impossible. One of the most difficult components of back-to-school season is the stress it can bring on.  Maybe you’ve noticed your family feels a bit off right

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Gasteroenterology, Naturopathic Medicine, Inflammation, Washington, Wellness, Gastrointestinal Issues

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EOE

As a naturopathic doctor with a specialty in gastroenterology I often work with patients that have been referred to me by a primary care doctor. In these cases, symptoms are often hard to diagnose or conversely, the diagnosis is so specific my expertise is required. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) is one of those specific types of diagnoses.  A naturopathic approach to patient care looks for the root cause of an illness in order to relieve symptoms. The treatment of EOE requires a multifaceted

Immunity Boost, Probiotics, Gut Health, Supplements, Dr. Heather Buckle, Washington, Naturopathic Gastroenterology

A SIMPLE WAY TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

As the summer months wane and we start harvesting garden bounties, sending children back to school, and thinking about productivity in terms of work. It is also important to consider our overall immunity and how we can continue to operate at optimal wellness when activities move indoors. Did you know that the health of the body’s immune system starts in the gut? In fact, the gut microbiome sets the pace for the whole body – all the way through the heart and