Q1. What digestive concerns do you help with?
We work with people who have a range of digestive symptoms — bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea, reflux and heartburn, food reactions — as well as IBS and SIBO. You don’t need a diagnosis to book; part of our job is helping figure out what’s contributing to your symptoms.
Q2. I haven’t been diagnosed with IBS. Can you still help?
Yes. Many people come to us with digestive symptoms and no formal diagnosis. We take a full history and, where it’s helpful, use testing to look for treatable contributors. If we think something needs medical assessment, we’ll tell you.
Q3. Do you offer SIBO breath testing, and how does it work?
Yes. We offer an at-home SIBO breath test for patients across Ontario. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) happens when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine and produce gas — which is what the test measures. You drink a small sugar solution (lactulose or glucose), then collect breath samples over about 2–3 hours at home. The lab measures hydrogen and methane gas, which helps us understand whether an overgrowth is likely and guides your treatment. Your naturopathic doctor reviews the results with you and builds a plan around them. The test is ordered as part of your care with us — an assessment comes first.
Q4. My gastroenterologist recommended a SIBO test. Can I just book the test without an appointment?
We understand wanting to skip a step, but no — we can’t order a test on its own. When we order a test, we’re clinically responsible for the results and the care that follows, so we need to complete an assessment first. That visit lets us confirm the SIBO breath test is right for you, make sure it’s prepared and interpreted correctly, and turn the results into a treatment plan rather than a page of numbers with no next step. The initial visit is straightforward, and we offer a free 10-minute Meet the ND call first if you’d like to ask questions before booking.
Q5. What’s the difference between IBS and SIBO?
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a diagnosis based on your symptoms — pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits — after other conditions are ruled out. SIBO is one specific, treatable cause that sits underneath those symptoms for many people. Think of IBS as the what and SIBO as one possible why. Research using breath testing finds SIBO in roughly a third of people with IBS, which is why we often test for it.
Q6. Do I need a doctor’s referral to be seen?
No referral needed. You can book directly with our naturopathic doctors. If your family doctor or gastroenterologist suggested SIBO testing, you’re welcome to bring any recent bloodwork or notes to your first visit.
Q7. Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes — we offer virtual care to all Ontario residents, and the SIBO breath test is done at home, so you can complete the whole process without travelling to Kanata.
Q8. Is naturopathic care and testing covered by insurance?
Naturopathic visits and testing aren’t covered by OHIP, but most extended health plans cover some or all of the cost of naturopathic consultations. We recommend checking your plan before booking. Testing fees are separate — we’re happy to walk you through costs.
Q9. How is SIBO treated?
Treatment usually has two phases: first, reducing the bacterial overgrowth (often with clinically-studied herbal protocols and short-term dietary changes), then healing the gut and supporting your migrating motor complex to lower the chance it comes back. Your plan is built around your test results and history — there’s no one-size-fits-all protocol.
Q10. Can you cure my IBS?
We can’t promise a cure, and it’s worth being cautious about anyone who does. What we can do is look for treatable root causes such as SIBO and work with you to address them. For many people, that leads to a meaningful improvement in symptoms. Our focus is on lasting relief rather than just managing symptoms day to day.
