Gut and Digestive Health

Knowledge of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) continues to explode. Today, there is an endless stream of information on the web and social media on optimizing the gut biome. The options are limitless and often confusing to patients. Podcasts and social media posts blast the latest and greatest solutions to Leaky Gut Syndrome, SIBO, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, parasites, cleanses, and food allergies. Patients are often bewildered by the numerous dietary approaches and supplement choices.

The need for an experienced Functional Medicine provider has never been greater. At Innovative Health, we have over 15 years of functional experience working with patients' gut biome. What do we know?

It is never just about the gut or the perfect supplement combination.
The complex nature of gut communication with other body systems must be addressed in the correct sequence. If the sequence is off, the result is a lack of improvement.
Toxins affect the gut (chemicals, mold, Lyme) and must be addressed.
Stress is a major driver of gut dysfunction
Gut health is linked to brain health.
Sex hormones like estrogen are intertwined with gut health. Sex hormones are never balanced if there is a gut issue.
Removing foods from your diet does not solve the problem.

Innovative Health employs a comprehensive approach that considers the intricate interplay between body systems and gut health. A personalized approach starts with the precise functional testing needed and the expertise to develop an overall plan. We specialize in gut-brain interaction, targeted pre- and probiotics, peptides for gut health, genetics targeted to gut health and nutrition, parasites, and gut detoxification protocols.

We specialize in interpreting functional gut testing, understanding gut detoxification pathways, intestinal permeability (also known as Leaky Gut), and utilizing microbiome-targeted therapies and nutraceuticals. We are experts in combining modalities such as hyperbaric oxygen and peptides.

For a deeper dive.

We now understand that more than 100,000 microflora (bacteria, yeast, viruses, and lectins) reside in our GI tract, known as the gut biome. This biome has many vital functions, including digestion, absorption, and barrier protection against the outside world, and is a key player in immune health. We now know there is direct interaction between the GUT biome and the human Brain.

Functions of a healthy GUT biome (gastrointestinal tract) include:

Digestion and absorption of micronutrients and macronutrients in our diets. The foods we eat, the fluids we drink, medications, and supplements all require processing within the gastrointestinal tract. Absorption will be minimal if the GI tract is not functioning correctly.
Eliminating and detoxifying things harmful to our bodies (even healthy foods must be processed and removed). Environmental chemicals that our bodies encounter must be cleared appropriately to maintain optimal health.
Immune support -directly and indirectly (70 percent of our immune cells support the gut biome). The gut even has its own immune system.

SIGNS OF PROBLEMS IN THE GUT BIOME

Direct symptoms that involve the GI tract:

Bloating
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Chronic constipation
Chronic indigestion (heartburn)
Chronic loose stools or diarrhea
Flatulence (excessive gas)
Food allergies or food intolerances
Foul-smelling stool
Frequent burping, or a bloated stomach (feeling like your clothes are too tight after a meal)
Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
Nausea
Undigested food in stools

Indirect symptoms that we may not realize are related to our GI tract:

Brain Fog
Cognitive and memory deficits
Cold extremities
Fatigue
Hormonal imbalances
Joint pains
Mood issues (anxiety, depression, mood swings)
Pruritus (Itching)
Skin Rashes
Thyroid Issues
Yeast Infections

DYSBIOSIS is a general term that describes an imbalance within the GI system. Causes of Dysbiosis include poor nutrition, certain medications, stressors, low stomach acid, low digestive enzymes, food allergies, viruses, lectins, excessive alcohol intake, and genetic predisposition – to name a few. The result is a bacterial imbalance, disruption of the barrier, and immune system disruption, as well as those listed above.

LOW STOMACH ACID (HYPOCHLORHYDRIA)

The role of stomach acids includes the digestion of proteins, the absorption of key minerals such as B12, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc, and serving as a first-line defense against pathogens like H. pylori, a bacterium linked to food poisoning, infections, and parasites. Today, we use medications to lower stomach acid (antacids) at an alarming rate, with a potential long-term impact on the GUT microbiome.

INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY (LEAKY GUT SYNDROME)

The GI lining is a single layer of cells responsible for the passage of essential nutrients and works as a barrier to harmful substances and organisms. This barrier or GI lining is impacted by various factors, including medications (such as antacids, chronic antibiotics, and pain relievers like NSAIDs), stress, a poor diet, food allergens or intolerances, and environmental chemicals.

IRRITABLE BOWEL DISEASE

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort (bloating) present for several months with a change in the frequency of stool and appearance of stool, such as constipation or diarrhea. IBS may occur after an infection. At Innovative Health, we have evaluated and tested thousands of patients who, despite conventional gastroenterology, continue to experience symptoms. Innovative Health employs a comprehensive approach that considers the intricate interplay between body systems and gut health, enabling genuine symptom relief. We will develop a personalized approach, incorporating precise functional testing and the expertise to create an overall plan.

SMALL INTESTINAL BOWEL OVERGROWTH

Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIBO) involves bacteria typically found in the large intestine that translocate into the small intestine. Symptoms include extreme bloating after consuming carbohydrates, constipation, and nutritional malabsorption. At Innovative Health, we recognize that the role of sulfur-producing bacteria in the gut reflects the body's detoxification needs. Integrative approaches to managing SIBO include optimizing nutrition, using specific pre- and probiotics, correcting stomach acid balance, employing nutraceuticals rather than antibiotics, and implementing specific measures to optimize vagal nerve stimulation. Ultimately, understanding the interplay between SIBO and the body's anatomy, musculature, and hiatal hernia syndrome is crucial.

GASTRITIS

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the upper GI tract that can cause pain, nausea, or bleeding, which may be triggered by the use of certain medications (NSAIDs, aspirin), excessive alcohol consumption, H. Pylori Infection, or other infections.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES

Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Lymphocytic Colitis, and Collagenous Colitis are characterized by chronic or relapsing immune activation and inflammation. Functional medicine looks for environmental triggers, genetics, the adaptive immune response, the Gut microbiome, and the role of an initiating event.

GALLBLADDER DISEASE

Gallbladder disease includes symptoms such as right upper stomach pain that may be worse after eating certain foods (fried, fatty). Functional approaches include liver optimization, bile support, diet changes, nutraceuticals, holistic measures, and gallbladder flushes.

CELIAC AND FOOD ALLERGIES/INTOLERANCES

Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, as well as other foods, can cross the gut barrier, stimulating an immune response that may lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, rashes, and more. Additionally, we see vitamin and mineral deficiencies in these conditions.

Innovative Health provides comprehensive programs targeted to the GUT BIOME. Our 5 R Program includes the following steps:

REMOVE (determine and remove food allergens, toxins, and other organisms such as parasites and harmful bacteria).
REPLACE items for optimal digestion, such as HCL and digestive enzymes.
RE-INNOVULATE with targeted pre- and probiotics to enhance a balanced microflora inside the GUT biome.
REPAIR the GUT lining to maintain GUT barrier function and integrity using nutraceuticals and herbals
REBALANCE to maintain and fortify.

Advanced Testing for the Gastrointestinal Tract

We utilize only state-of-the-art Functional testing by partnering with the best labs nationwide.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity
Microbial Ecology Profile
Gut Immunology
Intestinal Permeability Assessment
IgE, IgG, IgM, C3D, Food Antibodies
Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth (SIB0))