Functional Medicine for Digestive Issues

Comprehensive Assessment of Gut Microbiome Imbalances

The human digestive system houses trillions of microorganisms that play crucial roles in nutrient absorption, immune function, and neurotransmitter production. When this delicate ecosystem becomes disrupted through antibiotic use, processed foods, or chronic stress, patients develop symptoms ranging from bloating to serious autoimmune disorders. In my practice, I utilize advanced stool testing that analyzes bacterial diversity, identifies pathogens, digestive enzymes, leaky gut and measures inflammatory markers to create a comprehensive picture of gut health. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) represents one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of digestive distress, occurring when bacteria migrate into the small intestine and ferment carbohydrates, producing gases that cause bloating and pain. By identifying specific imbalances through breath testing and stool analysis, I develop personalized protocols using targeted antimicrobials, specific probiotics, and prebiotic fibers.

Food Sensitivities and Elimination Diet Protocols

Food sensitivities involve delayed immune responses mediated by IgG antibodies rather than immediate allergic reactions, making them difficult to identify through conventional testing. These delayed reactions can occur hours to days after consuming trigger foods, creating symptoms like digestive upset, headaches, joint pain, and brain fog that patients rarely connect to diet. Common triggers include gluten, dairy, eggs, sugar, corn, soy, and nightshade vegetables, though individual sensitivities vary based on genetics and gut health. I implement systematic elimination diets that remove inflammatory foods for 5-6 weeks while monitoring symptom changes, followed by structured reintroduction phases to identify specific triggers. During elimination, I focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like wild fish, organic vegetables, and healthy fats that support gut healing while providing optimal nutrition.

Intestinal Permeability and Barrier Function Restoration

Intestinal permeability occurs when tight junctions between intestinal cells become compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacterial components to enter systemic circulation. This barrier dysfunction triggers widespread immune activation and inflammation that manifests as digestive symptoms, autoimmune conditions, chronic diseases, allergies, and mood disorders. Contributing factors include chronic stress, medications, alcohol, infections, and imbalanced gut bacteria that damage the intestinal lining. My treatment approach removes inflammatory triggers while providing targeted nutrients for barrier repair, including L-glutamine for intestinal cell fuel, zinc carnosine for mucosal healing, and collagen peptides for tight junction proteins. I incorporate specific probiotic strains like Lactobacillus plantarum that strengthen barrier function while reducing inflammation and supporting immune tolerance.

Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies and Supplementation Strategies

Proper digestion requires adequate digestive enzymes including pepsin, pancreatic enzymes, and brush border enzymes for complete food breakdown. Age-related decline, chronic stress, and certain medications significantly impair digestive capacity, leading to malabsorption and uncomfortable symptoms like bloating and undigested food particles in stool. Hydrochloric acid production often decreases with age, compromising protein digestion and creating environments for pathogenic bacteria survival. I assess digestive function through stool analysis measuring enzyme levels and clinical symptom evaluation. Treatment includes targeted enzyme supplementation with proteases, lipases, and amylases matched to individual deficiencies, plus betaine hydrochloride for stomach acid support when indicated, along with digestive bitters that stimulate natural enzyme production.

Stress Management and the Gut-Brain Connection

The enteric nervous system communicates bidirectionally with the central nervous system through the vagus nerve, creating a powerful connection between emotional stress and digestive function. Chronic stress diverts blood flow from digestive organs, reduces enzyme production, alters gut motility, and disrupts protective intestinal mucus layers. This stress response changes gut bacteria composition, favoring inflammatory species while reducing beneficial organisms that produce essential short-chain fatty acids. Approximately 90% of serotonin is manufactured in the intestines, creating a direct link between gut health and mood regulation. My approach includes stress reduction techniques like meditation, yoga and neuro emotional technique, while supporting the gut-brain connection through magnesium supplementation for nervous system relaxation, neuro feedback treatment, omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation reduction, and specific probiotic strains that produce calming neurotransmitters supporting both digestive and emotional well-being.