Naturopathic Approach to Functional Dyspepsia: A Case Report.

Functional dyspepsia is a common presenting concern that includes symptoms such as gastrointestinal reflux, postprandial bloating, and abdominal pain. Aside from mainstay conventional therapies such as proton pump inhibitors and antacid tablets that seek to manage symptoms, naturopathic therapies can similarly offer symptom relief and simultaneously address factors underlying functional digestive disturbances. In this case, a 25-year-old female and first year graduate student presented with abdominal bloating, epigastric pain, flatulence, eructations, reflux, and straining with stool. Onset of symptoms occurred after her transition to graduate school, which resulted in a more stressful and rigorous workload, time-pressured eating habits, and a dearth of whole food consumption. Physical exam findings were unremarkable except for moderate epigastric pain, hyperactive bowel sounds, and a geographic tongue. While she met all the Rome IV criteria for functional dyspepsia, clinical findings did not warrant referral for endoscopy to rule out structural/organic causes of disease. As a result, therapeutic interventions consisted of an elimination diet and the use of apple cider vinegar and L-glutamine powder, in addition to a compounded homeopathic formula containing UNDA #4 and