Gaetano Morello, N.D., is a naturopathic physician practicing in West Vancouver, Canada. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University of Natural Health Sciences in Seattle. For the past 15 years, he has been training and educating physicians, pharmacists and health experts on the scientific use of natural medicines in the fields of cardiology, immunology, gastroenterology, anti-aging and detoxification. He wrote “The Fiber Miracle,” and was a contributing author to the authoritative text on alternative medicine, “A Textbook of Natural Medicine.” A lecturer and regular contributor to a number of magazines, journals and publications, Dr. Morello has hosted and appeared on numerous television and radio shows discussing the power of natural medicine.
How prevalent are digestive health issues among your patients? Are certain digestive complaints more reported?
Morello: Statistics show 40 percent of Americans suffer from digestive problems. In my experience, I feel the percentage is much higher than that; most people at one time or other have had some form of digestive complaint. Indigestion, bloating and heartburn are common.
Do many people migrate to naturopathic medicine from the allopathic segment, relative to digestion? If so, does this bring with it any treatment “baggage” that needs to be overcome to get them on the natural path to digestive health?
Morello: Yes, they migrate our way because they realize their problem is not resolving and instead becoming chronic. Examples of this are heartburn and bloating. The treatment baggage is the alteration in stomach pH because of antacids, H2-antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors prescribed. Usually, I get them off the meds and replace them with a more effective protocol.
Is there a common dietary thread among people with disruptive digestive issues, and what are some of the common dietary changes most such people should undertake?
Morello: I would say the Western diet, with a high amount of sugar, unhealthy fats, excessive red meat consumption and a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, is definitely a contributing factor (stress is another big one). My recommendation is to change this type of diet and begin bringing in more fresh, organic fruits and vegetables into the diet.
Are there lifestyle factors involved in these cases, and are they reflective of society in general?
Morello: People are going through stress, which has now become a big cross-section of society. Stress elevated the "flight or fight" response hormones, which slow down digestive processes and can lead to chronic digestive disturbances.
The digestion aisle is often thought of as a mature adult place, but are younger adults and children also suffering from digestive problems? What are the common issues, and why would a natural approach benefit children?
Morello: Yes, even infants are now sadly been put on H2-antagonists (acid reducing drugs). Common children issues are gas/bloating, abdominal cramping and even gastric reflux. A natural approach would benefit children, because it addresses the underlying causes and maintains proper pH levels in the stomach and duodenum.
Natural health is often considered long-term, preventive and slow-acting (vs. the acute, reactive Rx care); however, are there natural products people can take when they face some of the common acute problems such as constipation, heartburn, gas, etc.?
Morello: This is a good question because natural products for common digestive disorders are actually very fast acting, DGL for heartburn, enteric-coated peppermint oil for gas, pancreatic enzymes for digestion, fiber fusion along with probiotics for constipation.