Functional Medicine's Impact on Digestion Issues: Uncovering Your Root Cause

Digestive Issues

Written by Jennifer Smith, Natural Medicine Practitioner and Certified in Holistic Nutrition

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Digestion issues are a common problem that many people face on a daily basis. From bloating and gas to more serious conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease, digestion issues can have a significant impact on one's quality of life. Fortunately, there are ways to address these issues and find relief through the help of a functional medicine practitioner.

Seeking Root Cause Answers

Functional medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to address the root cause of health issues rather than just treating the symptoms. Functional medicine is different than the traditional medical system because it focuses on each person's bio-individuality as a way to help determine the best way to correct the imbalances a person is experiencing. When it comes to digestion issues, a functional medicine practitioner can help identify the underlying factors contributing to the problem and develop a personalized plan to improve gut health and overall well-being.

Digestion Issues

REM'EDY, noun
[Latin remedium; re and medeor, to heal.]

1. That which cures a disease; any medicine or application which puts an end to disease and restores health; with for; as a remedy for the gout.

Webster's Dictionary 1828

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome

One of the most common digestive conditions that functional medicine practitioners see is IBS. IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. While the exact cause of IBS is different for every person, factors like stress, diet, and gut microbiome imbalance can play a role in exacerbating symptoms.

Functional medicine practitioners can help identify triggers that may be contributing to their IBS symptoms. This can include conducting comprehensive lab tests to assess gut health, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies. By addressing these underlying factors, patients can experience relief from their symptoms and improve their overall digestive health.

Leaky Gut

Another common digestion issue that functional medicine practitioners can help with is leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes permeable, allowing toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles to leak into the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and a host of digestion issues.

Functional medicine practitioners can help patients with leaky gut by recommending dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications to heal the gut lining and restore balance to the microbiome. By addressing the root cause of leaky gut, patients can experience improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better overall health.

SIBO, Acid Reflux, IBD and Other Digestion Issues

In addition to IBS and leaky gut, functional medicine practitioners can assist with a variety of other digestive conditions, including acid reflux, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By taking a comprehensive approach to care and addressing the underlying factors contributing to these conditions, patients can experience long-lasting relief from their digestion issues.

There Is No Cure,Without The
Blood Of Jesus

Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.

Jeremiah 33:6

Our functional medicine practice recognizes that all healing comes from Jesus, and it is for his glory and not our own. 

Do You Have Digestion Issues? 

To assess whether you have digestion issues or not, I'm going to share some questions I use with my clients and you can gauge how you do. 

  1. Do you frequently have gas? 
  2. Do you burp or feel bloated after eating? 
  3. Does food ever feel heavy like it's sitting in your stomach like a rock?
  4. Do you have cravings for sweet or salty foods? 
  5. Do you frequently feel nauseous after eating?
  6. Does the color of your stool sometimes look lighter than corrugated cardboard? 
  7. Do you get heartburn or acid reflux? 
  8. Have you recently taken reflux meds or antacids like Tums? 
  9. Do you experience frequent constipation? 
  10. Do you have frequent bouts of loose stool or diarrhea? 
  11. Do you ever notice undigested food in your stool? 

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you could benefit from our functional medicine program.

Functional Medicine in Naples FL

As a functional medicine practitioner in Naples FL, I work with patients to optimize their digestion by focusing on the two biggest factors which manifest in a whole range of symptoms. We work to improve bile flow and HCL production.

Too little of either HCL or Bile flow and you may end up with:

  • Frequent diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Gas 
  • Burping
  • Indigestion
  • Food cravings
  • Acid reflux
  • Skin issues
  • Digestive conditions like Chrohn's, IBS, IBD, SIBO
  • Pain or nausea after eating
  • Low blood pressure 
  • High blood pressure 
  • High cholesterol levels
  • High triglycerides 
  • Nutrient deficiencies
  • Gallbladder attacks
  • Inability to digest fats
  • Inability to digest proteins
  • H. pylori and other bacterial infections
  • Lowered immunity and frequent infections
  • Inability to absorb nutrients from food 
  • Kidney stones
  • Leaky gut
  • Reduced ability of liver to remove toxins
  • Reduced function of kidneys and CKD
  • and many more.

Functional Medicine Testing Can Be Pricey $$$

Unlike most functional medicine practitioners, I focus on providing education to my clients by showing them to look at their own unique bio-chemistry using simple at-home self tests, in order to determine what foods and supplements will work best for them. The cost of these self-tests is far less than traditional functional medicine tests, which run anywhere from $200-$1,000 for each appointment.

Functional Medicine Testing Doesn't Have To Be Expensive or Complicated To Be Effective

Contrast this to our Functional Medicine program where you would need to purchase a few small pieces of medical equipment for only about $75 in total and you learn to do these tests from the comfort of your home. If you're ready to learn more about how we do this, take our free Digestive Jumpstart Course and you can get started testing and learning what works for your unique bio-individuality today!

If you are struggling with digestion issues, consider booking a discovery call by filling our our application here to discuss how working with me may be a benefit to your health . By addressing the root cause of your symptoms and developing a personalized treatment plan, you can improve your gut health and overall well-being. Don't let digestion issues hold you back any longer – take control of your health and start feeling better today.

rapha' raphah

Remedy and cure from the Bible come from the same Hebrew and Greek root word according to Strong's Concorance  (H7495)

Definition: 

A primitive root; properly to mend (by stitching), that is, (figuratively) to cure: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, make whole. 

Written and Reviewed By:

Jennifer Smith, BA, NMP, CHN, FBCC

Jennifer Smith is a Natural Medicine Practitioner and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner. She has a Bachelor's degree in Christian Counseling. She has completed advanced training in Functional Nutrition, Functional Medicine, Natural Health Consultant diploma, Biblical natural medicine, and Biblical Eating and Clinical Nutrition. Jennifer has a Functional Medicine virtual clinic in Naples, FL called Fx Remedies Virtual Care. 

Learn more . . .

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