NDs know that all body systems are integrated and vital force guides the whole. This presentation discusses the relationships among systemic inflammation, dyslipidemia, prothrombotic and profibrogenic states and the common issues of non-alcoholic fatty liver, arterial and renal disease. In addition, this presentation will explore the effects of bariatric surgery on renal function, the effects of hemodialysis on GI function, and the risk of GI bleeding from common medications. Other interactions include acute kidney injury, magnesium deficiency, increased risk of arrhythmias and myocardial infarction from the use of proton pump inhibitors. This presentation also explores the relationships among GI microbiota, probiotics, prebiotics, obesity and kidney disease.

In 2016 the IBS Naturally group was established at the Bastyr University Research Institute. This collection of research investigators and students are dedicated to establishing a solid evidence base for naturopathic approaches to IBS. This group is currently involved in 4 studies on the topic investigating naturopathic dietary approaches to IBS via a Delphi study, an international prospective cohort study of academic naturopathic teaching clinics, biofeedback for IBS via a Cochrane systematic review, and probiotics for IBS via an individual patient data meta-analysis. This presentation provides an update on the current progress and findings of this group.

Colon cancer is the 3rd most common type of cancer in both men and women in the US. Naturopathic Physicians in a general medicine practice will inevitably see patients who have been diagnosed with colon cancer, or have a strong family history and thus risk factors for developing cancer. What is the role of the ND for these patients?

Dr. Edwards reviews colon cancer including risk factors, symptoms, assessment and diagnosis, as well as conventional oncology treatment based on NCCN guidelines. Dr. Edwards discusses the strengths and limitations of naturopathic support during conventional cancer care. He explains how naturopathic medicine can help to minimize or manage side effects related to chemotherapies and radiation. He also covers contraindications of naturopathic therapies during conventional treatment. Lastly, he presents naturopathic, nutritional and lifestyle strategies to help prevent colon cancer as well as support patients being treated for colon cancer. Diet, exercise, and nutritional supplementation can highly influence the underlying factors which promote the development of GI cancer. This presentation provides an overview of these factors as they relate to naturopathic primary care.