Hello everyone!
In my capacity as a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, February calls for a dedicated exploration into the intricacies of gut health. Despite the saturation of this discourse in social media, its importance remains paramount, especially when considering the multifaceted gastrointestinal challenges individuals often confront.
Within my practice, I encounter clients navigating a spectrum – from those grappling with the digestion of even the simplest foods to others resigned to marginal gas and bloating as part of their daily routine. For many, the concept of thriving seems like a distant memory.
Let us re-examine the fundamentals: Our gastrointestinal (GI) system stands as a complex ecosystem, housing bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms collectively known as the microbiome. This intricate community orchestrates pivotal functions, including digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune defence. It is imperative to acknowledge that our body functions as a unified entity, with the health of our digestive tract intricately interwoven with other physiological systems.
Navigating through this complexity, let's hone in on practical advice for initiating your journey if you sense your digestive tract isn't performing optimally. I'll delve into 5 crucial checkpoints to consider if persistent gut issues plague you:
Investigate IgG Food Sensitivities: If persistent gas and bloating are recurrent, explore potential IgG food sensitivities.
Assess Stomach Acid Levels: Optimal acidity is vital, particularly for protein digestion. Evaluate your stomach acid levels.
Monitor Thyroid Levels: A sluggish thyroid can impede digestion, causing a slowdown. Regularly check your thyroid levels.
Examine Vitamin D Levels and Total Proteins: Rule out leaky gut by checking Vitamin D levels, Total Protein, Globulin, and Albumin. Consider advanced gastrointestinal testing such as the GI map.
Evaluate Pathological Bacterial and Fungal Overgrowth: Scrutinise for opportunistic overgrowth of bacteria and fungi, including candida, various yeast varieties, H. Pylori, Epstein Barr virus, and more.
Stay tuned for more actionable insights and steps to commence your gut health reset in March.