Digestive Issues

Did you know... IBS is a functional disorder – an ailment that doesn’t have physical signs of damage such as inflammation or ulceration – many people do not take IBS as seriously as they would other health challenges. It can be tough for those with IBS to obtain adequate help and care for their chronic health challenge, in addition it can cause disruption to social interactions, work, and overall quality of life.

Digestive Health Quiz

Approximately one billion people worldwide suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is a catch-all term for digestive problems or distress. Yet, due to the taboo of talking about it or lack of understanding the important role our gut has in overall health, many people suffer in silence.

Overlooked Symptoms

Signs of inadequate digestion can include bloating, acid reflux, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, thick yellow coating on the tongue, foul odor to stool, urine and/or breath, itching around the rectum, abnormal fullness or discomfort after eating, anxiety, depression, insomnia, food (allergies, intolerances or sensitivities), joint pain, muscle aches, skin problems or other symptoms and issues…

When a common “belly ache” becomes a regular weekly event, it could mean a serious gut imbalance that can have far reaching consequences for the entire health of your body. Don’t just chalk it up to having a “sensitive” stomach. Even if you don’t experience a regular “belly ache” or don’t have digestive problems, that doesn’t rule out that your gut is healthy because it’s where the majority of problems start.

Why Good Health Starts in the Gut

Up to 80% of our immune system is in our gut (gastro-intestinal GI tract).
Up to 80% of serotonin – the neurotransmitter of happiness – is made in our gut.
The saying goes “You Are What You Eat”, but it’s what nutrients our body absorbs that count.
B-vitamins and other important nutrients rely on a healthy gut to be absorbed.
Our gut health is critical for our brain to function.
We have about 10 times as many microbial bacteria as human cells – a 10 to1 ratio.
Up to 80% of chronic health problems are linked to nutrient deficiencies.
The small & large intestines measured together and laid flat equal about 25 feet in length; the total surface area of the villi & microvilli in the intestines that is capable of absorbing nutrients is about the size of a tennis court…

Gut-Brain Axis

Millions of nerves and neurons run between our gut and brain. Neurotransmitters and other chemicals produced in our gut also affect our brain known as the gut-brain axis. Our gut really is our second brain!

Signs of inadequate digestion can include bloating, acid reflux, sour or bitter taste in the mouth, thick yellow coating on the tongue, foul odor to stool, urine and/or breath, itching around the rectum, abnormal fullness or discomfort after eating, hair thinning, anxiety, depression, insomnia, food (allergies, intolerances or sensitivities), joint pain, muscle aches, skin problems and/or other symptoms and problems.

More examples of digestive issues that often get missed yet still need attention are...

Hair Loss, Alopecia

Diverticulitis

Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Celiac Disease & Gluten Sensitivity

Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)

GERD, Acid-reflux

Candida, H.Pylori and other imbalances

Recent Medical Breakthroughs!

Studies have shown that the balance of friendly gut microbes or bacteria that live in our digestive system rules the entire health of our body.

These human digestive-tract associated microbes are referred to as the gut microbiome and their role in both health and disease has been the subject of extensive research, establishing its involvement in metabolism, nutrition, physiology, and immune function.

The health of our gut or microbiome and the state of its good gut “bugs” or bacteria are our first line-of-defense against harmful viruses and bad bacteria that also safeguard proper communication from our brain to our body, not only for proper digestion but also to regulate mood and manage stress levels.

A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart and brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, effective digestion, and it may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases. An unhealthy imbalance of gut microbes may contribute to weight gain, hair loss, skin problems, anxiety, high blood glucose, high LDL cholesterol, and other disorders.

Fortitude Functional Nutrition takes gut health very seriously. Different gut problems have different root causes and different steps to conquer them.

Fortitude Functional Nutrition Does Not Use a One-Size-Fits-All Protocol

Finding Solutions for Your Gut Issues Can
Mean Vibrant Health for a Lifetime

The fact is...

The gut or microbiome has many crucial roles in protecting our overall health and wellness since it controls everything from immune function to nutrient absorption and hormone production to metabolic functions and cognitive processes.

Perhaps you are uncertain about how your vitamin and mineral status may be playing a role in affecting your gut health, then simply click the link below to start your journey to conquering your health!

If you have been experiencing digestive problems or distress and are looking for answers, schedule an appointment with Fortitude Functional Nutrition.

How we can help

Like other health challenges, there are so many protocols, nutritional and supplement plans online that all this information can be overwhelming and paralyzing. Our approach figures out which one is best for you. By incorporating our detailed intake questionnaire, nutrient assessment, personalized protocol, customized food plan and targeted supplement program, we’ll provide you with actionable steps you can take to support and rebalance your immune system to get your body’s defense force back into action.

Labwork

Functional lab testing to dig deeper to understand exactly what is contributing to your body's dysregulation linked to your gut issues.

5-R Program

Determine your imbalances and work together to strengthen your body’s recovery by completing each phase successfully.

Personalized Protocol

Connecting the dots between your symptoms, history and lab results is key to creating the best protocol tailored to your body, needs and goals.

Finding Solutions for Your Gut Issues Can
Mean Vibrant Health for a Lifetime!

Schedule Now

"Good health starts in the gut!"

~Hippocrates