Educational language example

Review the sample dialogue below from a client and the possible naturopathic consultant responses. The educational language response is the correct response.

Client states: “I am having lots of lower abdominal pain, fevers and chills several times each week. My doctor diagnosed me with GERD over 2 years ago and I was on medication; however, I was feeling much better and have not been taking any meds for the past year.  Even though I was able to keep it somewhat under control by taking over the counter stuff like Tums, the pain and bloating has becoming increasingly bothersome. I know that I am okay regarding elimination though; I know that something that you’ll in the natural world always want to know. It is a bit runnier than usual, but I do have a BM pretty much every day. What should I take? Could it be GERD again? A friend of mine had diverticulitis and since it seems different this time, maybe that’s it. Can you help me?”

Diagnostic language response:

Yes, it sounds like diverticulitis; which is inflammation and infection of the colon by way of pouches that often contain bacteria.  This leads to the inflammation and infection.  Let’s discuss possible solutions.    

Prescriptive language response:

Diverticulitis requires a diet change for one. It also responds well to certain herbs. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms; whether you have an infection, or it is the first time you have diverticulitis.

For mild cramps and stomach pain, you should avoid eating whole grains, fruit or vegetables to allow your colon to rest. It is very important to relax and remain calm so practice deep breathing exercises or meditation. Certain herbs such as Matricaria recutita (German Chamomile) and Filipendula ulmaria, (Meadowsweet) contain anti-inflammatory and soothing properties effective for digestion problems.

Educational language response:

Understanding the digestive system is a big help to understanding just what is going on with our own digestive system. Let’s discuss the physiology and some information about diverticulitis.

The digestive system is made up of the alimentary canal (also called the digestive tract) and the other abdominal organs that play a part in digestion, such as the liver and pancreas. The alimentary canal is the long tube of organs — including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines — that runs from the mouth to the anus. An adult's digestive tract is about 30 feet (about 9 meters) long. The smooth muscle in the walls of the tube-shaped digestive organs rhythmically and efficiently moves the food through the system, where it is broken down into tiny absorbable atoms and molecules.  During the process of absorption, nutrients that come from the food (including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals) pass through channels in the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. The blood works to distribute these nutrients to the rest of the body. The waste parts of food that the body can't use are passed out of the body as feces.

Every morsel of food we eat has to be broken down into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body, which is why it takes hours to fully digest food. In humans, protein must be broken down into amino acids, starches into simple sugars, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol. The water in our food and drink is also absorbed into the bloodstream to provide the body with the fluid it needs.

As you can see, the digestive process is actually quite complicated and the potential exists for problems to occur and develop along the way if we are unaware. Manifestations of imbalances can occur such as constipation, bloating, reflux, irritable bowel, and diverticulitis.     

Diverticulitis occurs when weak spots in your colon are formed due to increased pressure. The colon has to work extra hard to push stool forward, and this pressure causes pouches to develop which can lead to inflammation or infection. 

Eating certain foods can sometimes aggravate a digestive system that is having difficulties. Nuts, seeds and some meat can be harder on the digestion than most fruits and vegetables. Taking time to eat slowly by chewing our food completely will help to digest food more completely. It has also been shown that relaxation and having a calm atmosphere during meal times can greatly benefit the digestive process.

Research has shown that there are helpful herbs that can help in the digestive process. Slippery Elm is one soothing herb that functions like a digestive tonic. The inner bark is very rich in mucilage and its viscous fiber has proven beneficial effects on digestion by increasing fecal bulk by absorbing toxins from the bowel, diluting stool materials, and reducing bowel transit time.