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Infinite Wellness

GUT HEALTH

Why Gut Health Matters:

Your gut health is not just a part of your overall health; it’s a key player that influences everything from mental well-being to immune and hormone health. Understanding this can empower you to take control of your health. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “60-70 million people are impacted by some type of digestive disease” (Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States, 2024).

Your gut is often called your second brain because it is home to trillions of microbes that help with immune response, digestion, and neurotransmitter production (Zhang, 2015). These microbes also protect against harmful pathogens, produce essential vitamins, and aid in nutrient absorption (Hills, 2019). A well-functioning gut provides optimal energy levels, immune health, and a balanced mind.

Optimizing your gut health is not just a step toward better health; it’s foundational. It’s one of the most effective ways to address chronic health issues and other symptoms you may not have realized are connected, such as headaches, brain fog, eczema, and fatigue. Identifying the root cause can bring relief and guide you toward healing.

Common Signs and Symptoms of GI Dysfunction:

The signs of gut health issues range from the obvious, such as bloating and abdominal pain, to more subtle concerns, like headaches and mood changes (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).

Other Common Signs Include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive Gas
  • Foul-Smelling Gas
  • Bloating
  • Indigestion and Heartburn
  • Undigested Food in Stool
  • Mucus in Stool
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Appetite Fluctuations

Uncommon (But Still Relevant) Signs of GI Dysfunction:

  • Headaches
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Brain Fog
  • Unintentional Weight Loss
  • Joint Pain
  • Difficulty Concentrating

Common Conditions Linked to GI Dysfunction:

Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Lupus (De Luca, 2018) are strongly connected to gut health. Research shows that a compromised gut barrier, often called “leaky gut,” can allow substances into the bloodstream, triggering immune responses that may raise the risk of autoimmune diseases. A healthy microbiome helps to balance the immune system (De Luca, 2018).

Leaky Gut: Also known as increased intestinal permeability, this occurs when the intestinal lining becomes damaged, allowing partially digested food particles, toxins, and pathogens to enter the bloodstream (Cloyd, 2023). This can lead to inflammation and immune responses that may affect various systems in the body.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Also referred to as irritable or spastic colon (Cleveland Clinic, 2021), IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea. Addressing gut health is essential in managing IBS, as this can improve digestion and reduce symptom severity.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A category of diseases including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, involving chronic inflammation (Zhang, 2014). IBD is thought to arise from an abnormal immune response to gut microbes. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Supporting gut health through anti-inflammatory dietary choices, stress reduction, and proper nutrition is crucial for symptom management and reducing inflammation.

Other GI Conditions Treated at Infinite Wellness:

  • Heartburn/GERD
  • Diverticular Disease
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Celiac Disease
  • Histamine Intolerance

Common Conventional Treatments for GI Dysfunction:

Conventional treatments for digestive issues often involve medications that manage symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors for Reflux/GERD
  • Immunosuppressants for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis)
  • Laxatives for Chronic Constipation
  • Gluten Removal for Celiac Disease

The Infinite Wellness Approach

At our wellness practice, we understand the importance of restoring balance through natural, safe, and effective solutions. While medications can be helpful in acute situations, we believe that holistic treatments address gut health more comprehensively, preventing issues from arising in the first place. This approach provides reassurance and a sense of control in your health journey.

Through functional lab testing, such as GI Map Analysis and Food Sensitivity Testing, we uncover the factors behind the symptoms. The Infinite Wellness approach addresses digestive issues as well as lifestyle factors like stress management and diet. By focusing on root causes, we aim to restore balance.

Sources Cited: 

  1. De Luca F, Shoenfeld Y. The microbiome in autoimmune diseases. Clin Exp Immunol. 2019 Jan;195(1):74-85. doi: 10.1111/cei.13158. PMID: 29920643; PMCID: PMC6300652. 
  2. Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States. (2024, March 29). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/digestive-diseases
  3. Hills RD Jr, Pontefract BA, Mishcon HR, Black CA, Sutton SC, Theberge CR. Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 16;11(7):1613. doi: 10.3390/nu11071613. PMID: 31315227; PMCID: PMC6682904. 
  4. Professional, C. C. M. (2024, August 14). Gastrointestinal diseases. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-diseases
  5. Zhang YJ, Li S, Gan RY, Zhou T, Xu DP, Li HB. Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Apr 2;16(4):7493-519. doi: 10.3390/ijms16047493. PMID: 25849657; PMCID: PMC4425030.
  6. Zhang YZ, Li YY. Inflammatory bowel disease: pathogenesis. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Jan 7;20(1):91-9. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i1.91. PMID: 24415861; PMCID: PMC3886036.