Why is my gut health important?
Your digestive tract contains an enormous amount of bacteria that are vital to our health. This is called the microbiome, and it is responsible for countless activities.
People are learning more every day about how this system regulates everything people do, from the food they crave to causing distress, bloating, pain, period issues, hormonal problems, and brain inflammation, among others.
If the microbiome of your digestive tract, and your small intestine, in particular, is disturbed, you can develop a wide range of troubling symptoms that affect your overall health.
When it is, you may be diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or just general discomfort and pain.
Addressing the gut is the best way to reverse chronic disease as inflammation and immune dysfunction begins in the gut. Dr. Guy’s passion is to educate people and doctors on the role this vital system plays in our overall health.
What are the common gut health problems?
IBS, GERD, and recently SIBO are the most common gut health issues. All of these are due to abnormal bacteria in the gut which causes symptoms that may include heartburn, indigestion, poor bowels, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, nausea, and vomiting, among others.
Food sensitivities, often unknown ones, along with the history of antibiotic use and foods harvested with Round Up can lead to significant inflammation and disruption in the gut. Sometimes parasitic infection interferes with your gut health.
When the gut has issues, it generally moves to the rest of the body. Targeting this is of primary importance for longevity and health.
What are the signs of a gut health problem?
In addition to digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain, poor gut health contributes to a wide range of other health issues such as:
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anxiety/depression/irritability
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disease
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Chronic Disease & Pain
- Chronic Fatigue
- Hormonal Issues (premenstrual syndrome and hot flashes)
- Inflammation
- Poor immune health and frequent illness
- Skin rashes
- Sugar cravings
- Weight Gain
Additionally, poor gut health interferes with nutrient absorption, which can contribute to weight gain, and various health problems affecting your heart, brain, and other body systems.
How can a doctor improve my gut health?
As a naturopathic doctor, Dr. Guy takes a gentle and natural approach to address your gut health issues. He provides a thorough exam and testing to identify the specific problem causing your symptoms and to identify any nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to your symptoms.
Dr. Guy usually begins with allergy testing to see the condition of leaky gut and the immune relationship with food. They will often recommend a specialized diet plan to reduce inflammation and then begin to address any bacterial or fungal disturbances.
Patients are generally asked to follow a tailored dietary program that will help your good bacteria begin to thrive while killing your bad or overgrown bacteria.
Fortunately, you don’t have to follow this diet forever, just enough time to allow for true healing. Dr. Guy is under the assumption that people are versatile creatures who should be able to tolerate all foods (in moderation) when the gut is healthy.
If you’re concerned about your gut health or are living with symptoms that may be caused by a digestive problem, call Doctor Guy or make an appointment online today.
Doctor Guy
Naturopathic Doctor & Hormone Specialist located in Los Angeles, CA
If you’re always bloated, fatigued, or have digestive issues, you should talk to Guy Citrin, ND, about your gut health. At Doctor Guy, in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles, Dr. Guy’s main specialty is gut health and lectures around the country to various doctor groups about the role the microbiome has in gut healing. In his office, he offers customized programs that address the dysfunction behind your gut issues. Call Doctor Guy or make an appointment online today to optimize your gut health.