Gut Health & Microbiome
Your gut is your second brain and the foundation of your immune system and mental health. A healthy digestive system means better nutrient absorption, stronger immunity, clearer thinking, and improved mood.
Why Gut Health Is the Foundation
Your gut does far more than digest food. It's home to trillions of bacteria that influence virtually every aspect of your health—from your mood and energy to your hormones and immune function. When this ecosystem is disrupted, the effects ripple throughout your body.
Many patients come to me after years of digestive symptoms, having tried elimination diets, probiotics, and medications without lasting relief. The conventional approach often focuses on managing symptoms rather than understanding why the gut became dysfunctional in the first place.
I take a different approach: comprehensive testing to identify exactly what's happening in your gut, followed by targeted treatment that addresses root causes—whether that's bacterial overgrowth, parasites, yeast, low digestive capacity, or damaged gut lining.
Conditions I Treat
My Approach: The 5R Protocol
I use a systematic approach to gut healing known as the 5R protocol, customized based on your testing results and clinical picture:
1. Remove
Eliminate factors damaging your gut: pathogens, food sensitivities, toxins, inflammatory foods, and medications when possible (PPIs, NSAIDs, unnecessary antibiotics).
2. Replace
Restore digestive capacity: stomach acid (betaine HCl), digestive enzymes, and bile support if testing shows deficiencies in digestive function.
3. Reinoculate
Restore beneficial bacteria with strain-specific probiotics, fermented foods, and prebiotic fibers that feed your good bacteria.
4. Repair
Heal the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, demulcent herbs (slippery elm, marshmallow root), and collagen.
5. Rebalance
Support long-term gut health through lifestyle factors: stress management (critical for gut-brain connection), sleep optimization, regular movement, and a diverse, fiber-rich diet.
Advanced Gut Testing
I use functional testing that goes far beyond standard GI work-up to understand exactly what's happening in your gut:
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
- • Bacterial balance & diversity
- • Parasites & pathogenic bacteria
- • Yeast & fungal overgrowth
- • Digestive function markers
- • Inflammation (calprotectin)
- • Beta-glucuronidase (estrogen metabolism)
Specialized Testing
- • SIBO breath testing (hydrogen & methane)
- • Food sensitivity panels (IgG)
- • Intestinal permeability (zonulin)
- • Organic acids testing
- • H. pylori testing
- • Celiac panel
What to Expect
Comprehensive History
We'll spend time understanding your digestive history, diet, symptoms patterns, and all the things you've already tried. I want the complete picture.
Targeted Testing
Based on your symptoms, we'll select the most appropriate tests. This might include comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO testing, or food sensitivity panels.
Personalized Protocol
We'll create a customized 5R protocol based on your results. This includes specific antimicrobials, healing nutrients, dietary guidance, and lifestyle recommendations.
Healing & Monitoring
Many patients experience significant improvement within 4-8 weeks. We'll monitor progress and adjust as needed, with retesting to confirm healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIBO and how do you test for it?
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, and digestive symptoms. I diagnose SIBO using a breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gases produced by these misplaced bacteria after you drink a sugar solution. Treatment typically involves antimicrobial protocols (herbal or pharmaceutical), dietary changes, and addressing the underlying cause of the overgrowth.
How long does it take to heal gut issues?
Healing timeline depends on the underlying problem and its severity. Many patients notice significant symptom improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment. However, fully restoring gut health—including healing the gut lining, rebalancing the microbiome, and addressing root causes—often takes 3-6 months. Some conditions, like longstanding autoimmune gut issues or severe SIBO, may require longer treatment. I set realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Should I do food sensitivity testing?
Food sensitivity testing can be helpful in some cases, but it's not always necessary. I typically recommend testing when symptoms are complex, when elimination diets haven't provided clear answers, or when there's suspected immune involvement. The most reliable approach is often a careful elimination and reintroduction protocol guided by symptom tracking. If we do test, I use IgG food sensitivity panels and interpret results in context—not all 'positive' results require lifelong elimination.
What's the connection between gut health and other conditions?
Your gut affects virtually every other system in your body. The gut microbiome influences hormone metabolism (including estrogen and thyroid), produces neurotransmitters affecting mood, regulates immune function, impacts metabolic health, and even affects skin conditions. This is why I always assess gut health as part of treating hormone imbalances, fatigue, autoimmune conditions, and mood disorders. Often, healing the gut is the key to resolving seemingly unrelated symptoms.
Do I need to take probiotics forever?
Not necessarily. Probiotics are often helpful during gut healing, but the goal is to create an environment where your own beneficial bacteria can thrive. This means feeding them properly with fiber and fermented foods, eliminating factors that disrupt them, and supporting overall gut health. Many patients eventually stop probiotic supplements while maintaining gut health through diet and lifestyle. However, some people benefit from ongoing probiotic support, especially after antibiotic use or during high-stress periods.
What testing do you use for gut health?
I use several types of testing depending on your symptoms and clinical picture. Comprehensive stool analysis (like GI-MAP or GI Effects) shows bacterial balance, parasites, yeast, inflammation markers, digestive function, and more. SIBO breath testing identifies small intestinal overgrowth. Food sensitivity panels assess immune reactions to foods. Organic acids testing can reveal bacterial metabolites. I also use standard labs like inflammatory markers and celiac testing when appropriate. Testing is always targeted to your specific needs—not everyone needs every test.
Ready to Heal Your Gut?
Stop managing symptoms and start addressing root causes with comprehensive gut testing and treatment.
Schedule Free CallThe Gut Connection
Your gut influences far more than digestion:
- • Hormones: Estrogen metabolism, thyroid function
- • Mood: 90% of serotonin made in gut
- • Immunity: 70% of immune system in gut
- • Energy: Nutrient absorption & inflammation
- • Skin: Acne, eczema, rosacea connection
Find the Root Cause of Your Digestive Issues
Whether you're dealing with bloating, SIBO, or years of unexplained symptoms, comprehensive testing can finally give you answers and a path forward.
Schedule Your Free Discovery Call