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Naturopathic Physician

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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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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holidays, new year, intention, gi issues, naturopathic gastroenterologist, integrative medicine, root cause

12.26.2022

STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH INTENTION

It’s a special time of year, a time for reconnecting to ourselves. As 2022 winds to a close, we might be reflective of the fact that we have been through a once in a generation experience. Many of us are thinking and hoping that 2023 will finally be the year we will get back to “normal.”  I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, they are hard to stick to. Instead, setting life goals and intentions that can actually be obtained are

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bowel discomfort, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease, diarrhea, gas, bloating, inflammation, natural gastroenterologist, naturopathic medicine

12.13.2022

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN IBS AND IBD

For those who have chronic bowel discomfort and have not been able to alleviate symptoms long term on their own, it can be tempting to take to the internet for answers. You may be wondering if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD).  Often times rather than narrowing down information to achieve diagnosis, independent investigation adds a level of complexity to the issues at hand. It can be hard deciphering the nuances of the symptoms on your

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basics of health and wellness

09.27.2022

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

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GI Discomfort, Leaky Gut, Abdominal Pain, Food Allergy Panel, Naturopathic Physician, Gastroenterology

06.30.2022

GI DISCOMFORT: COULD IT BE LEAKY GUT?

Which came first? The chicken or the egg? This age-old story is one and the same when it comes to gut permeability and the havoc it can wreak on a person’s body. Does leaky gut cause discomfort in the GI tract or is discomfort in the GI tract causing the gut to leak? Let’s take a closer look: Leaky gut is not an actual diagnosis. It is a term used by doctors to describe the deterioration of the mucosal lining in the small intestine.

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