Our gut is where we absorb the nutrients that act as building blocks for almost all of our biological processes. It is also where the majority of our immune system is parked, so that we can best identify and eliminate pathogens. The gut can also be an area of great discomfort and annoyance if things are not operating smoothly. 

We see a lot of digestive concerns in our practice. This can be due to an unidentified food reaction, to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, or to an enzymes deficiency, which is often secondary to a chronic stress. To complicate things, the gut plays a big role in hormone elimination, so a disruption of digestive function can compound a hormonal concern. 

How we address this:

• A thorough intake usually gives us a pretty solid idea of what the issue is
• Test: we will often do lab testing to confirm our suspicion. These tests include SIBO breath testing, comprehensive stool analysis, parasitology, stomach acidity testing, etc.
• Deep dietary dives: we eliminate obvious allergens, and focus on boosting not only the nutrients in the diet, but the body’s ability to absorb those foods by boosting digestive enzyme secretion (including pancreatic, liver and gallbladder function)
• Repair the microbiome: once we’ve determined if there is too much bad bacteria, not enough good bacteria, or both, we create a plan to correct for the imbalance using fibre and prebiotic foods, fermented food, probiotics and antimicrobial herbs and supplements. 
• In some resistance cases, bacterial or yeast biofilms are involved which can be addressed as well.
• The last step is to sort out what caused the issue in the first place. Is there an underlying cause of slow GI transit (like hypothyroidism)? Is the stress response crippling the digestive tract? Is there autoimmunity? Traumatic brain injury? Diabetes? Infection? Mold toxicity? Adhesions? 

Work with us to determine what needs to be done to improve your digestion and overall health!