Gastrointestinal
Issues
Acid reflux/GERD, indigestion, constipation, gallbladder problems, reduced digestive capacity, gastritis, malabsorption syndromes, Celiac disease, irritable bowel disease (constipation, diarrhea or mixed), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut, h pylori, gastric ulcers and other infections.
Gastrointestinal issues are highly prevalent in the United States, affecting millions of people across all age groups. Common conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic constipation are on the rise, with many individuals experiencing persistent digestive discomfort that impacts daily life. Contributing factors include poor diet, imbalances in the gut microbiome, undiagnosed infections, stress, sedentary lifestyles and antibiotic overuse. These problems not only reduce quality of life but can also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, malabsorption syndromes, autoimmunity, weight gain, hormone disruption, mood disorders, systemic inflammation, and other long-term health complications if left unaddressed.
How can the functional medicine perspective help?
Digestion is very thoroughly assessed from the top down; starting with the chewing and salivary production, stomach acid production, pancreatic enzyme release, nutrition absorption, intestinal integrity and excretion, so on and so forth. This is combined with in-depth testing approaches to assess gut microbiome composition, diagnose SIBO and evaluate nutrient status. This allows for a comprehensive assessment of gastrointestinal health. This approach helps identify underlying factors contributing to digestive issues, including imbalances in gut bacteria, underlying infections, autoimmunity, chronic inflammation and food sensitivities or allergies. Assessing dietary habits alongside these factors provides further insight into triggers and nutritional gaps, enabling targeted strategies to restore gut function, improve digestion, and reduce symptoms rather than merely managing discomfort.