Healthy digestion and gut health is essential to overall wellness because it is literally the "in" and "out" of the body. When digestive and gut health are not optimal, other systems tend to falter. UC Davis defines gut health as the function and balance of bacteria within various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines; all work together to allow food consumption and digestion without discomfort.

If you are not careful, an already fragile gut ecosystem can be further compromised. Approximately 70 million Americans live with at least one digestive issue. Are you one of them?

When your gut's ecosystem is not balanced, the potential for serious problems occur that adversely impact healthy digestion and interrupt the body's homeostasis. The internal result is the body's limited ability or inability to produce vitamins, regulate hormones properly, remove toxins from the body, and release enzymes that aid in food breakdown. The production of naturally occurring healing compounds may also be impacted.

The external output typically manifests in weight gain, skin conditions such as acne and rash, acid reflux, hemorrhoids, constipation or diarrhea, and pancreatitis.

Fortunately, there is help by way of functional medicine. Functional medicine focuses on root cause analysis. By identifying why a digestive imbalance is occurring, action can be taken to address the cause and not just the symptoms. Healing can begin as a result.

If you are currently experiencing digestive challenges or would like to have your digestive health evaluated to ensure optimal health, call our office today to schedule a full assessment.

Dr. Christopher H. Roberts is a functional medicine doctor based in Joplin, Missouri, providing functional assessments and testing focused on addressing risk factors and root cause analysis for digestive and gut health-related problems. Dr. Roberts and his team will also help you make the best decisions about managing your risks, as well as treating active digestive and gut-related disorders. To learn more about our clinic or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online, in person, or by calling 417-622-0911.