Gut Health
A Holistic Approach to Addressing Gut Health
Gut health is an integral part of overall health. “A healthy microbiome contains a balance of beneficial bacteria. In fact, most humans have between 10-100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells. Additionally, a huge portion of our immune system is in our gut. The gut microbiome plays a key role in communicating with the nervous system (“gut-brain axis”), which means proper digestion also plays a massive role in our daily mood balance. A healthy microbiome supports a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, systemic circulation, liver function, and optimal digestive health.
Gut Health Conditions Dr. Lana & the DLW Team Specialize In
Candida overgrowth is an imbalance caused by candida albicans yeast, which naturally occurs on our skin and in our mouth, gut, and vaginal microbiome, yet when it is found in excess, it causes a variety of symptoms. Candida overgrowth can lead to skin issues, digestive distress, recurrent yeast infections, oral thrush, brain fog, irritability, and more. Typical causes of candida overgrowth are poor diet, stress, birth control pills, dysbiosis, and antibiotic use. Team DLW tackles candida using potent antimicrobials, nutritional interventions, and stress reduction practices.
Leaky Gut
Intestinal hyperpermeability occurs when the junctions that make up the GI tract are inflamed and become more permeable, allowing food, bacteria, parasites, and/or toxins to pass through the compromised intestinal mucosa into the bloodstream. Some factors that can lead to impaired gut permeability are antibiotic and medication use, poor or repetitive dietary choices, stress, and other medical conditions. Both stool and food sensitivity kits can be helpful tools to assess the severity of your gut permeability, and nutrition and supplements can be very helpful in repairing the gut lining and intestinal tight junctions.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that impacts about 11% of the global population. IBS is commonly associated with abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between the two, bloating, flatulence, and acid reflux. Team DLW supports individuals with IBS by taking a multi-layered approach. We use functional stool and breath analysis, review food sensitivity kits and lab work, and assess patients' symptoms to develop individualized nutrition and supplementation plans.
IBD (Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s)
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, is a generalized term for chronic inflammatory bowel disorders; the two major categories that fall under IBD are Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). IBD is categorized by recurrent periods of gastrointestinal inflammation, which commonly result in the development of lesions. At Team DLW, we support our patients with IBD by helping to lower inflammation and support GI health.
Dysbiosis
Gut dysbiosis is a result of an imbalanced gut microbiota, generally characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacteria and a lack of microbial diversity. Dysbiosis can be caused by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to a decrease in the consumption of dietary fiber, a diet lacking in variety, antibiotic and medication use, stress, and lack of exposure to microbial diversity. Seeking a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria and creating a robust microbiome is what we focus on through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplementation.
SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is when bacteria generally found in the large intestine have colonized the small intestine at problematic levels. Individuals with SIBO/IMO can have issues with bloating, malabsorption, maldigestion, irregular bowel movements, gas, distension, and abdominal pain. The most effective way to address SIBO/IMO is a joint approach of both supplemental and nutritional interventions, with acupuncture supporting the symptoms and flare-ups.
A food sensitivity is a reaction to food caused by increased levels of particular antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, which are reactive to that particular food. Due to symptoms presenting as vague, seemingly unrelated issues and with the potential for delayed reaction times, many people discover food sensitivities after having gone their entire lifetime without ever knowing they have them. Our team nutritionist can help by analyzing these antibodies to identify any allergies, sensitivity, or intolerances and curate a nutritional plan to strategically limit intake and live the most enjoyable life possible within your dietary requirements.
Celiac
Celiac is an autoimmune disease. Individuals with Celiac generally struggle to properly absorb fat, have multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and are unable to digest gluten (which is composed of two proteins: gliadin and glutenin). Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye and needs to be avoided in all forms. At Team DLW, we can support you as you navigate life being gluten-free and will focus on ways to enhance absorption and overall gut health.
The DWL Approach
In our approach to holistic gut health, Team DLW uses a variety of naturopathic treatments, functional stool and breath analysis, supplementation, acupuncture, and nutritional interventions to holistically optimize digestive health.
Nutrition is a key component in improving gut health. Team DLW utilizes functional kit analysis and a thorough intake and health history assessment to make appropriate nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation suggestions. Gut health is foundational to feeling your best, and we are here to create an individualized plan to get you back to feeling your best.