In a recent blog post, I delved into the difference between functional medicine and “regular” medicine (aka allopathic, conventional or Western medicine). The takeaway: Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on the underlying causes of disease rather than simply treating the symptoms. It recognizes that each person is unique and that your health is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
One of the key focus areas of functional medicine is gut health. Functional medicine practitioners (including myself!) believe that gut health is the foundation of overall health and wellbeing.
What is “gut health”?
The gut (aka the gastrointestinal or G.I. system) is a complex system that includes the digestive tract, microbiome and immune system. It plays a critical role in digestion, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste, and even immune defense.
In addition, the gut also communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis. (In fact, the gut is sometimes referred to as the “second brain!”) This two-way communication pathway between the gut and the brain influences mood, behavior and cognitive function.
Gut health is influenced by a variety of factors. Not surprisingly, diet tops the list, but lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures also affect gut health. These factors can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, which is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that live in the gut. The gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and overall health.
Common gut health conditions
Common gut health conditions you may have heard of include leaky gut, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that can arise from a number of factors including diet, stress, medications and environmental exposures. It occurs when the gut lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins, bacteria and other harmful substances to leak into the bloodstream. (I compare leaky gut syndrome to having paper cuts all over your skin.) This can lead to inflammation and other health problems throughout the body.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is another condition that can arise from disrupted gut health. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms like bloating, gas and diarrhea.
There are also many conditions that can be caused by chronic inflammation in the gut, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and autoimmune disorders.
Treating these conditions using a functional medicine approach involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes. Common treatments include reducing stress, eliminating food sensitivities, improving diet, and supporting the gut microbiome with probiotics and prebiotics.
Diet tips for a healthy gut
Diet is one of the most important factors influencing gut health. A diet high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation and other health problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, fiber and fermented foods can promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall health.
You’ve probably heard the terms “prebiotic” and “probiotic.” Let’s take a minute to explain the difference:
- Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the “good” bacteria in the body.
- Prebiotics are foods that act as food for that good bacteria. Prebiotics are used to improve the balance of these microorganisms.
Fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and kefir contain probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can colonize the gut and promote a healthy microbiome.
Fiber is particularly important for gut health because it is a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. It also helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.
Other factors affecting gut health
Stress is another important factor that can influence gut health. Chronic stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis and lead to inflammation and other health problems. Stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing and exercise can help to reduce stress and improve gut health. Here are some resources to explore that can help you manage your stress.
Medications can also disrupt gut health by altering the balance of the gut microbiome. Antibiotics, for example, can kill both harmful AND beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to dysbiosis and other health problems.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat acid reflux (examples include Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium) can also disrupt gut health by reducing stomach acid, which is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients. So be sure to talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of using these types of medications.
Environmental exposures like pollution, toxins and pesticides can also disrupt gut health by damaging the gut lining and altering the gut microbiome. Avoiding exposure to these environmental toxins and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes can help to promote a healthy gut.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other lifestyle practices that can promote gut health. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all important for maintaining a healthy gut.
Check out my blog post “How to Fix Leaky Gut in 5 Steps” to learn more about my approach to gut health.
Get started on your journey to gut health
I believe gut health is a critical component of overall health and wellbeing. By identifying underlying causes and improving factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures, you can achieve optimal gut health.
If you’re interested in a functional medicine approach to gut health, get in touch. I’m currently accepting new patients at Evoke5, my functional family medicine clinic in Oklahoma City. I also work with clients across the country via online consultation.