about dr. Schroeder

I was told from a young age that I had IBS and that I should just get used to the fact that I’d be dealing with these symptoms for the rest of my life. As I grew older, my digestive health continued to worsen and I began developing additional symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. Fortunately, by this time I had been introduced to naturopathic medicine, which provided me with the tools and skills I needed to reclaim my life.

Naturopathic Doctor

My interest in treating digestion began when I came to realize how misunderstood digestive health and conditions of the GI tract truly are. It is common for those suffering from IBS and other long-standing digestive complaints to believe that their symptoms are simply something they must learn to live with, or that relief is only possible through food avoidance and restrictive diets. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. Through proper attention, testing, and guidance, most digestive conditions can be treated and long-term relief can be provided. You don’t need to live your life in fear of your gut. 

Growing up, digestive complaints were common in my family. I was told from a young age that I had IBS and that I should just get used to the fact that I’d be dealing with these symptoms for the rest of my life. As I grew older, my digestive health continued to worsen and I began developing additional symptoms, such as fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. Fortunately, by this time I had been introduced to naturopathic medicine, which provided me with the tools and skills I needed to reclaim my life. My naturopathic doctor was able to show me how all of my symptoms were connected, and that by beginning to treat some of them, the others would fall in line as well. This revelation of connectivity changed my life. 

Since that day, I have heavily researched the deep connections between the gut and various systems of the body. These connections can be found not only in general health complaints, such as mental health and disordered sleep, but also in very specific diagnoses, such as Fibromyalgia. Over 90% of people with fibromyalgia also have IBS. This is not to say that one condition causes the other. These two conditions are so often found together because they stem from the same root cause and share a similar disease process; IBS is to the gut what Fibromyalgia is to the nervous system. By managing these conditions together, and ultimately treating that root cause, healing can begin. This connection between IBS and Fibromyalgia is what ultimately led me to choose Fibromyalgia as an area of focus. But it is just one example of how connected the gut is to every other aspect of your body.

As a naturopathic practitioner, I have found that the most effective treatment options for digestion and chronic pain conditions are those that consider the whole person. Discovering and targeting the root cause of illness is the first critical step of recovery, but due to the complicated and multifactorial nature of these conditions, more must often be done. Further treatments, such as lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and mindfulness practices are all part of a full, long-lasting recovery.

I take an evidence-based and highly individualized approach to treating all of my patients. I have found that no two experiences of digestive discomfort and chronic pain are ever the same, and I, therefore, work to tailor treatment to meet the specific needs of each patient. Though it may appear daunting, the road to recovery from long-standing impairment does exist, and I am here to support you should you choose to walk it. 

Book an Appointment with Dr. Mitchell Schroeder, ND

Dr. Mitchell Schroeder, ND is licensed under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario and is a member in good standing with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND), and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).