Gastrointestinal Problems
Digestive organ insufficiency, microbial imbalance, food sensitivities, and pathogens
More than a trillion, mostly good, microbes live within our gastrointestinal tract and are responsible for vital metabolic, immune, and nutritional functions. The human gut contains over 3 million different genes, while the human genome contains only 23,000 genes. This is due to the fact that we contain about ten times the number of bacterial cells in our bodies as compared to human cells. Our health depends on a diverse, balanced, and healthy microbial ecology. Dysbiosis, a maladaptive imbalance of the microbiome, is associated with many, if not most common diseases.
Besides microbial imbalance, many Americans suffer from digestive organ dysfunction. Digestive enzyme insufficiency, poor stomach acid production, and sluggish bile are all common reasons for health problems. After age 40, the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach wanes, which has several implications. First off, sufficient hydrochloric acid is our first line of defense, keeping ingested pathogens at bay. Secondly, with insufficient stomach acid, we can't break down proteins or liberate minerals from food. Insufficient digestive enzymes coming from the pancreas create similar problems with nutrient breakdown and assimilation. Poor bile flow not only makes it hard to break down fat, but bile flow is also crucial for the elimination of most toxins. When we don't have enough bile flow, or if it's too viscous, toxins get stuck in the body and are re-circulated instead of being eliminated. Luckily, each of these digestive organ problems is treatable.
Food allergies and sensitivities are also a driver of many health problems, and not just in the gut. Certain foods can cause inflammation, intestinal hyperpermeability, which is when the lining of your gut becomes compromised and loses its barrier function, and even autoimmunity. By eliminating potential culprit foods and/or testing for food sensitivities, we can provide the opportunity for the gut to heal.
Pathogens are another potential underlying cause of many health issues. Pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites are all too common and can create a cycle of inflammation and dysfunction in the entire body. By running a comprehensive stool profile, we can identify hidden pathogens that could be at the root of your health complaints.
Most people don't realize that digestive organ insufficiency, microbial imbalance, food sensitivities, and pathogens are quite common. What's more, many people have significant digestive problems without any digestive symptoms. Many seemingly disparate symptoms can be directly linked back to GI issues. Evaluating GI health using functional labs can help determine if your symptoms can be explained by GI imbalances. Since GI issues can cause everything from fatigue to depression to headaches, it's important to not overlook the digestive system as a potential source of health problems.
