Hippocrates said “All Disease begins in the Gut”. More research is proving this to be true-that all major health conditions can be traced back to an unhealthy gut.

In Functional Medicine, we focus on improving all systems of the body & recognize the importance of a healthy digestive system.

GI issues like gas, bloating, IBS might not seem like big concerns, but they can be an indicator of a deeper, more serious problem.

TRIGGERS include:

The Standard American Diet (processed, high fat, high sugar diet)

Lack of nutrient dense food & fiber

Medications (OTC or prescription)

Exposure to environmental toxins

Chemicals in makeup, skincare and self care products

Mental and emotional stress

Sleep deprivation

Poor detoxification

Gut bugs or imbalance of bacteria, like a parasite or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Candida imbalance

When we are exposed to these triggers, it causes inflammation with our cells and specifically our digestive tract.

Symptoms of Inflammation & Leaky Gut:

Digestive issues: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, heartburn etc.

Food sensitivities

Brain fog

Headaches & Migraines

Chronic joint or muscle pain

Skin issues: Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea

Fatigue and low energy

Anxiety and/or Depression (extreme mood swings)

Hormone imbalances

Insomnia

Keep in mind, Leaky Gut can be present without any digestive issues!

Many people will have a combination of these symptoms. However, many tend to see their symptoms are “normal”. Pain, bloat, food sensitivity, fatigue etc. might be common, but it’s not normal.

LONG TERM EFFECTS from this chronic, systemic inflammation include hypothyroidism, adrenal dysfunction, inflammatory arthritis, autoimmune diseases, diabetes and more.

Functional Medicine refers to the Gut as the Microbiome, because research has found that the Gut is home to beneficial bacteria, fungi and cells. In fact, we are more bacteria than DNA! 😉

More research is finding the “Microbiome” plays a huge role in our brain function, immune health and regulating hormones to name a few. In Functional Medicine, we ask WHY. So when someone is coming in with any digestive issue or with one of those issues above, a major part of their journey will involve healing Leaky Gut & improving the digestive tract overall.

I use a Functional Medicine based protocol with clients so that they can start healing their gut, eliminate symptoms & start feeling like themselves again!