Digestive Health in North Vancouver
IBS and Digestive Health Care in North Vancouver
Bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or a gut that never feels settled. Dr. Lucas MacMillan, ND takes the time to look at the full picture and build a plan with you.
Who this is for
Digestive symptoms are common, and they can affect your energy, mood, work, and social life. You may be looking for support if you have:
How Dr. MacMillan approaches digestive care
Digestive symptoms rarely have one single cause. Care starts with understanding your story and builds from there.
A thorough history
Your symptoms, timing, diet, stress, sleep, medications, and past testing are reviewed in detail.
Lab testing where appropriate
Conventional and functional lab testing may be used when it can answer a specific question about your symptoms.
Diet approaches with support
Approaches such as the low-FODMAP diet can be helpful for some people. They work best with guidance, so food groups are reintroduced and your diet stays balanced.
Stress and the nervous system
The gut and nervous system are closely connected. Stress, sleep, and nervous system factors are part of the conversation.
Coordination with your doctors
Care is coordinated with your family doctor or gastroenterologist, so naturopathic care works alongside your existing care.
A plan tailored to you
Your plan is reviewed over time and adjusted as your symptoms and goals change. Individual results vary.
What a first visit is like
Your first appointment is longer than a typical visit so there is time to talk through your digestive concerns.
- Conversation. We review your symptoms, health history, current medications, and any past tests or specialist visits.
- Assessment. Depending on your situation, this can include a physical exam and a discussion of whether lab testing would be useful.
- Plan. You leave with a clear next step, which may include diet changes, supplements or other therapies, and lab testing if appropriate.
- Follow-up. We check in on how you are doing and adjust the plan together.
Bring any recent lab results, imaging, or notes from your family doctor or specialist if you have them.
When to see a medical doctor urgently
Some digestive symptoms need prompt medical assessment before anything else. Please see a medical doctor or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Blood in your stool, or black, tarry stools
- Unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting blood
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Trouble swallowing, or food getting stuck
- Persistent vomiting
- Fever together with abdominal symptoms
- Symptoms that wake you from sleep
- New digestive symptoms after age 50, or a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
In an emergency, call 911. This page is general information and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
No referral is needed to see a naturopathic doctor. You can book online or call 604-986-9191.
Yes. Care is intended to complement your existing care, and Dr. MacMillan can coordinate with your other providers.
It is a structured eating approach that temporarily limits certain fermentable carbohydrates, then reintroduces them to identify which foods affect you. It is best done with support so your nutrition stays balanced.
Not always. Testing is considered when it can help answer a specific question about your symptoms. Dr. MacMillan will discuss options with you.
This varies from person to person and depends on your symptoms and goals. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Direct billing is available for eligible extended health plans. Please check your benefits or ask us when you book.
Please see our booking page for current fees, or call 604-986-9191.
Ready to talk about your digestive health?
Book a free 15-minute phone chat to ask questions and see if naturopathic care is a fit, or book an appointment online.
Delbrook Integrative Medical Centre, Suite 100 - 3711 Delbrook Avenue, North Vancouver, BC. Phone 604-986-9191.