Course Description
As naturopathic physicians, we all understand the critical importance of gut health. Certainly, within our training, we have a range of tools available to us to help optimize digestion. Nonetheless, there are a range of conventional pharmaceuticals commonly used to help constipation, or to help with bowel prep before procedures. This lecture will briefly review conventional medications used to help "move it, move it", including dosages, indications, and contraindications. We will additionally discuss bowel protocols for severe constipation, which may be necessary for a range of patients, but is somewhat common in patients of limited mobility.
Learning Objectives
- Review mechanisms of actions of common conventional laxatives and other preparations for constipation
- Review dosing, indications, and contraindications for such products
- Discuss developing a "bowel protocol" for refractory constipation
Curriculum
About the Instructor
Dr. Bill Walter is a naturopathic primary care physician currently working at Community Health Centers of Lane County, in Eugene, Oregon, serving a primarily Medicaid and uninsured population. A graduate of Bastyr University, he completed his residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. In addition to clinical work, he serves the profession as a Delegate from Oregon to the AANP House of Delegates, serves on the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, and is past Chair of the AANP Scientific Affairs Committee. He lives in Eugene with his wife and daughter.
