Functional Gastroenterology

A healthy gut is the key to a long healthy life. Unfortunately, there are many pressures in our society that can lead to poor intestinal function such as the ubiquity of processed foods, the rampant use of antibiotics, chronic stress and lots more.

We work to improve the overall digestive function of every patient we see and have extensive experience treating people with Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

We offer more than just symptom management. We will work to identify the cause of your symptoms to improve your digestive function and give you back the life you deserve.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis of exclusion. That means all patients who have chronic abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or any combination of those symptoms, who have a normal endoscopy and colonoscopy, will be labeled with IBS. In other words, if the gastroenterologist cannot diagnose you with a more formidable disease process then all patients with those symptoms get lumped into the IBS category. But being given this diagnosis says absolutely nothing about what is actually causing the symptoms!

In our experience there are many different causes of IBS which are usually not addressed within the typical conventional medical system. First and most common is microbial dysfunction within the small intestine either by bacteria or yeast species, which can be eliminated by use of either specific antibiotics or anti fungal medications. Second is food sensitivities, most commonly gluten, dairy, or sugar. Third is under-production of digestive secretions such as hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes which can be augmented through nutritional supplementation. There are many additional contributing factors to the development of IBS symptoms including stress which plays a significant role with the development of gastrointestinal dysfunction and is addressed with every IBS patient we see.

There are lots of alternative and conventional tools that can be utilized to effectively resolve IBS symptoms, but finding the actual cause of those symptoms is critical for lasting wellness. We are experts in determining the causes of IBS and effectively restoring normal gastrointestinal function.

Schedule with Two Rivers’ Functional Gastroenterology Specialist:

(Functional Medicine and Primary Care Specialist)

FAQs: Naturopathic Physicians

The following is an excerpt from the Princeton Review’s “Best 168 Medical Schools”

“After completion of standard premedical undergraduate coursework, a naturopathic physician attends a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an M.D. but also studies holistic and natural approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). The naturopathic program includes two full years of supervised clinical training. Completion of optional residency is also available to some graduates. A naturopathic physician takes a rigorous national licensing examination so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.”

Yes, we can serve as your primary physician or work with your established Medical Doctor, Nurse Practitioner, Chiropractor or any other medical professional to provide a comprehensive team-based approach to your health care.

Yes, Naturopathic Physicians are licensed to write prescriptions for most medications and will do so when necessary. They are also able to taper patients off of medications when appropriate in a safe and effective manner. Our physicians have extensive clinical experience helping their patients manage, reduce or eliminate their need for prescription medications.

Unfortunately, not all supplements are equal in their quality. That is why it is important to get your supplements from a reliable source to assure quality and safety.

We offer professional grade supplements at a discount through our online dispensary Fullscript which can easily be accessed through the SHOP button on the top of our website. When you shop through us, you can feel secure that you receive:

  • 15% discount on professional grade supplements
  • Direct recommendations from your physician
  • Save, effective and fresh supplements

Here are a few simple instructions to access our online store.

Your physician will send you a prescription of recommended supplements direct to your email. Follow the link for purchasing

-or-

For our website, click on “Shop” and you will be taken to our online store Fullscript.

Our physicians have spent years researching quality and effective products and using them in clinical practice.

Dr. Ryan Sweeney, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Sweeney has maintained a full time primary care practice since 2008. He has helped thousands of Douglas County residents over that time to achieve better health and wellness, and he is proud to call the Umpqua Valley his home. He chooses to take the necessary time with his patients to understand all aspects of their health history and he designs a clear treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of the patients symptoms. In addition to improved health, his patients report feeling understood and truly care for by him and most maintain him as their primary physician.

Dr. Sweeney is happily accepting new patients and looks forward to continuing to treat the underlying causes of disease in Douglas County for many years to come.

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