Your Gut Health & Well-Being
Scottsdale Naturopathic Doctor

Healing From the Inside Out: The Gut’s Role in Your Well-Being

Digestive issues are a part of life for many people, yet bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are far from “normal” symptoms, although they may be common.  Our digestive tract, which spans from our mouth to our anus, is a foundation of health - for our immune function, mood, skin, and so much more.  To resolve symptoms and improve overall health, it’s important to address why your body is having bothersome issues, rather than masking or suppressing symptoms with medications or supplements.

The Connection Between Digestion and Overall Health

When our digestive tract is out of balance, it impacts much more than just our stomach or intestines and can lead to:

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: When food isn’t properly broken down, or the health of our intestines is compromised, vital nutrients are not absorbed efficiently, which can contribute to fatigue, brain fog, anemia, osteoporosis, hair loss, nail issues, and more.  The term “leaky gut” or intestinal hyperpermeability describes this visual of what happens when nutrients leak into our bloodstream versus being absorbed into our cells.
  • Poor Immune Health: The gut is responsible for the majority of our immune function, therefore, when we have an inflamed digestive tract, it can negatively impact immune responses, making us more susceptible to illness, infections, allergies, and even autoimmune conditions.
  • Altered Mood and Brain Function: If you’ve ever been irritable or depressed after too much sugar or alcohol, or ‘hangry’ when you haven’t eaten for an extended period, you can relate to how our gut and brain are interconnected (aka “gut-brain axis”). Neurotransmitters such as serotonin are secreted by neurons that innervate the digestive tract, so if this system is compromised or inflamed, we may notice more depression, anger, OCD, or even suicidal thoughts.  It is common for people to experience brain fog, poor focus, irritability, depression, and anxiety when they are consuming items that their body can’t properly digest.
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  • Pain and Discomfort: When we eat foods that our body can’t digest well, the food remnants ferment, which is the equivalent of garbage rotting in our intestines.  Toxemia in our digestive tract can lead to systemic inflammation, and cause body or head pain, tight or sore muscles, and less freedom to be able to stay active and enjoy life! 
  • Persistent Fatigue and Weight Changes: If we’re unable to break down food and absorb essential nutrients, the body will become undernourished and depleted.  When this happens, our cells aren’t able to get the proper nutrition to continue the necessary biochemical processes.  This depletion on a cellular level affects our energy and metabolism, leading to less motivation, less desire to engage in exercise or social activities, and often changes in weight or even endocrine issues like hypothyroidism.

  • Relationship and Social Challenges: Let’s face it, when we are bloated, gassy, fatigued, and anxious, we aren’t going to show up as our best selves and it can impact relationships.  Many people struggle with embarrassment or discomfort with certain activities which can create social anxiety, making it hard to relax and enjoy time with loved ones. Anxiety with food or social events, as well as the potential for unpredictable digestive symptoms, can add to increased stress, isolation, and frustration.

Root Causes of Digestive Issues

We focus on finding any underlying causes to your issues so you can heal without having to continually guess, change your diet, or take pills to keep your symptoms at bay.  The most common root causes include:

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Diet and Lifestyle Factors

Consuming processed foods, sugar, alcohol, or caffeine can all negatively impact the digestive system, as can eating when stressed or rushed.  A fast paced or high stress lifestyle can make every aspect of our health worse, and contribute to increased cortisol levels, increased sympathetic dominance (fight or flight mode), and decreased digestive acids and enzymes, all of which can impair our digestive processes.

Gut Dysbiosis

Imbalances in the gut microbiome, often caused by antibiotics, parasites, mold, stress, or a poor diet can lead to bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Dysbiosis is commonly associated with conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), which are treatable when the causes are addressed.

Food Intolerances, Sensitivities, or Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system is hyper-reactive and typically involves an immediate and severe reaction to items such as shellfish or peanuts.  Food sensitivities and intolerances often lead to delayed responses that can cause inflammation and systemic symptoms for many days.  We have found that food sensitivities are in essence “leaky gut” and can resolve when we heal the gut by balancing stressors and avoiding dietary intolerances.

Hormonal Imbalances

Digestive health is impacted by hormones, just as hormones are impacted by the health of our digestive system.  Cortisol - the commonly known “stress hormone”, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and others can influence AND be influenced by our overall gut health.  It is recommended to look at the interconnected puzzle that our body is and put all the pieces together, vs. solely focusing on one symptom, one system, or one hormone.

Trauma, Stress, or Subconscious Blocks

Our body/mind has an incredible ability to feel, hear, and see everything, doing its best to protect us and keep us safe.  When we experience stressful events, yet don’t have a chance to process and move through the stressful feelings, our body holds onto these memories which can contribute to pain, indigestion, nausea, bloating, and more.  If you think that your physical symptoms have strictly physical causes, consider how you may feel before an interview, big event, or giving a speech.  That ‘pit in your stomach’, ‘butterflies’, nauseous feeling, or need to run to the bathroom with loose stool is a great example of how interconnected our gut and brain are and how our thoughts and emotions can affect us physically, and vice versa.

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Structural Abnormalities

Any imbalances, including structural issues, can impair optimal body functions including digestion.  A common issue for people with reflux (aka GERD, heartburn, or indigestion) is a hiatal hernia, which is when part of the stomach enters the chest cavity, and the lower esophageal sphincter can’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus.  When our cranium is misaligned from birth trauma, orthodontics, or head trauma, nerves aren’t able to properly communicate with our digestive tract, which impairs the production of acid, enzymes, and intestinal motility.

How We Can Help

Our approach is patient-centered, considering your unique history, lifestyle, genetics, and goals.  Our focus is not solely on numbers from a lab, but on YOU - an interconnected, complex being with the innate ability to heal from the inside out, when given the proper guidance.

Learn About Health Transformation Programs Here

Our Personalized Gut Health Approach for Each Patient May Include Any Combination of:

Comprehensive Evaluations and Assessments

Various evaluations including the urinary indican to assess the integrity or health of your digestive tract, the food intolerance evaluation which detects foods that your body is unable to digest, and of course evaluating your symptoms and history are all taken into consideration.  When indicated, traditional bloodwork to check for anemia, infections, deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances can also be completed.

Personal Dietary and Nutritional Guidance

We work with you, your lifestyle and culture, food intolerances,  and dietary preferences to develop a tailored diet plan for you that works long-term.  With proper education, support, and stress-reducing techniques, we empower you to give your body what it needs to heal without ever expecting perfection.  We know that the topic of food itself can cause stress for many people, therefore, we utilize techniques that decrease stress on subconscious levels to set you up for success now and in the future.  Results are attainable when your body gets the proper fuel based on your genetic makeup and feels less stressed about all things food-related.

Balancing the Nervous System and Resolving Past Trauma

Given the link between stress and digestion, managing stress is critical.  Since our subconscious mind is responsible for ~95% of our thoughts and habits, it’s important to incorporate techniques that help shift the subconscious so you can see results faster, easier, and without ongoing stress.  The best news is, that when we heal subconscious issues, everything can improve including your digestion, sleep, mood, boundaries, and relationships, allowing you to feel less reactive and calmer.

Targeted Supplemental Guidance

Based on your individual needs, we may suggest supplements to help speed up your healing.  We understand that symptoms are the body’s way of getting our attention that something is wrong, and suppressive medications or supplements are in essence telling the body to ‘shut up’.  We do not use supplements to suppress symptoms (unless emergent and necessary), but rather to boost deficiencies or support weakened systems to help your body perform more optimally on its own.  Most patients have already tried various supplements with no major improvements and realize that they are wasting time and money by relying on supplements alone to help them heal.

Correcting Structural Abnormalities

As mentioned above, when we aren’t in alignment, our body, mind, nerves, muscles, and of course our digestive system aren’t able to function properly.  Most hiatal hernias can be corrected in the office in just a few minutes, allowing for immediate relief of that heavy, full, stuck sensation in your chest or upper abdomen.  Our cranial bones and vertebrae need to be properly aligned to ensure greater ease of nerve and muscle signals reaching our digestive tract.  A technique called Bio Craniopathy is also done in office and can be especially indicated for anyone with asymmetry, pain, or a history of head trauma.

Real Patients Who Have Experienced Gut Health Healing

I cannot say enough positive things about Hope and Healing Naturopathic and Dr. Shawna Eischens!!  I have been a patient for about a month and a half and in that time Dr. Eischens has quite literally changed my life!!  She has helped me more than any other doctor I have ever seen to help regulate my digestive system, to help relieve anxiety that I had been carrying and to help me to feel hopeful again.  I have struggled with digestive problems my entire life.  Now at age 67 I finally have relief.  Dr. Eischens is a very warm, kind and knowledgeable physician.  If you are at all thinking about seeking help from Dr. Eischens, I highly recommend that you make the call!!

~ T. Neuman

Dr. Shawna has changed my life. I consulted her for two complex issues.  One was my stomach pain and discomfort for which I was at my breaking point.  In less than two sessions I was on track for healing and in 2 months total I felt night and day different.  I now love food, I love how I feel, I'm sleeping again, and so much more efficient at work.  My 2nd issue was hormonal imbalance, which I didn't really have a lot of hope would get better.  In one month my periods became regular, light, no pain.  I am so grateful.  Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

~ Meghan W.

Dr. Shawna is amazing! She helped me find out what foods my body is sensitive to. I had struggled with bloating and pain after eating certain foods so she found out what foods my body can’t handle well. After finding out my food intolerances I have avoided those and that has made a big difference. I also had bad foot pain and she helped me heal my body and I no longer have that pain. Thank you, Dr. Shawna!!

~ Dana E.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

By addressing the cause of your symptoms, we can help you live a life with more energy, confidence, and freedom without being held back by your bothersome symptoms.   When digestion improves, patients often report that nearly every aspect of their life improves as well, as they notice increased energy, improved mental clarity, and a more balanced mood. Relationships can flourish as you notice a greater ability to handle stress and engage in social events with more ease and confidence.

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Healing is a journey, and it’s never too late to start prioritizing your own health. We are here to educate, support, and empower you on your journey so that you can experience the relief and life that you deserve.

Learn About Health Transformation Programs Here

My Commitment as your Naturopathic Doctor

My commitment is to listen to you and your body and find the causes that are holding you back from living the life you deserve.  I don’t treat symptoms, nor do I limit my focus to one aspect or treatment as you deserve so much more than that.  I take into consideration ALL contributing factors and teach and empower you how to heal on all levels.

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Dr. E

Dr. Shawna Eischens (Dr. "E."), a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, AZ, and owner of Hope and Healing Naturopathic is an expert in finding the cause of your concerns so you can live a life free of pain, anxiety, fatigue, or other symptoms that are holding you back from enjoying the life you deserve!

Dr. E attracts motivated patients who are ready for a health advocate who is non-judgmental, passionate, experienced, and determined to help you THRIVE instead of just survive! Dr. E is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a volunteer for Naturopathic Medicine Institute, and nature-loving outdoor enthusiast.

Dr. Eischens is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in Arizona and Minnesota.

She has received additional training and is certified in:

Dr. Eischens is a member of:

Hope and Healing Naturopathic was awarded "BEST OF THE VALLEY" in 2024 for the "Naturopathic Medicine" category.

Other Common Conditions We Help People Overcome

Weight Gain
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Digestive Issues
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Anxiety
Chronic Pain
Menstrual / Hormonal Concerns
Thyroid Concerns
Insomnia