Gut Issues
Hippocrates stated that “all disease begins in the gut.” While we know that maybe not ALL disease starts here, many diseases do originate in the gut. The gut (digestive tract) is so important and plays so many roles in health that it has been called the “second brain,” and helps produce many chemicals vital for neurological health. Up to 80% of the immune system lives within the gut.
The integrity of the gut serves as an important barrier between the body and the outside world.
When it becomes compromised foods, bacteria, viruses, and fungus can permeate this barrier leading to many different health conditions, including:
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating/gas
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Heartburn/ reflux
Yeast infections
Dysbiosis/ bacterial overgrowth
Anxiety/Depression
Cognitive issues/memory issues/brain fog
Autoimmune Disease
Chronic inflammation
Allergies
Our environments and lifestyle directly impact the structure and function of our gut. This starts from an early age, as we get our microbiome from our mothers. This is why passing through the birth canal is an important first step into this world. With the rising numbers of C-sections and formula fed babies, many gut issues begin at an early age. The burden and the stress on the gut continues throughout childhood and adulthood with excessive use of antibiotics, chlorination of tap water, increased consumption of processed foods, alcohol, GMO foods, gluten, infections, chemical exposure, erosion of soil quality, etc.
With the constant burden on our GI tract, it is no surprise that as much as 50% of the population has some type of irregular digestive symptoms.
This does not include the many other conditions that manifest as something other than digestive distress but are caused by gut dysfunction i.e. allergies, brain fog. Because gut issues are so prevalent and the gut plays a vital role in so many diseases, this is one of the primary areas of focus for Functional Health Specialists.
With our approach we evaluate all your symptoms, order the necessary testing to confirm or rule out dysfunction, and then tailor an individualized plan based on our objective data. This plan includes specific dietary and supplement recommendations to promote digestive healing as well as lifestyle coaching to make our recommendations sustainable.
