Naturopathic Approaches to Gut Health

Your naturopathic provider wants you to have optimal gut health throughout your wellness journey. Believe it or not, gut health may lead to more positive mental health, better cognitive function, a healthier brain, a better mood, a stronger immune system, cardiovascular health, better sleep, more effective digestion, and even prevention of certain autoimmune diseases and cancers. In other words, your gut health is directly linked to your overall well-being. 

What is gut health?

The health of your gut is basically the functionality of your gastrointestinal tract, which runs all the way from your mouth down to your anus. Your gut is home to around 100 trillion microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria. The digestive system thrives when sufficient hormones, enzymes, and digestive substances are produced, and you have the proper balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria within. This balance allows your body to produce essential immune cells, neurotransmitters, and beneficial bacteria and enzymes.

Why is it so important? 

• Over 70% of your immune system is in the gut.
• A healthy GI system communicates with the brain through the vagus nerve, the enteric nervous system, neurotransmitters, and hormones.
• The GI system plays a pivotal role in the overall health of the body through incorporation of needed nutrients.
• It can affect the skin, the nervous system, inflammation, and mood.
• It also affects weight and stomach comfort. 

How can my Naturopathic provider help me assess and improve my gut health?

First, you and your provider will have an in-depth discussion about your current state of health, including diet, exercise, family medical history, sleep patterns, stress, anxiety, and any health concerns. It will help if you are already keeping a wellness tracker, even for just a few weeks prior to your appointment, in which you log food choices, exercise, sleep, and how you feel each day. You can also track “good” and “bad” symptoms each day. For example, make a note if you have a migraine, feel exceptionally bloated, or experience extra energy. This will allow your provider to determine the root causes of particular symptoms. 

Next, your naturopathic provider will be able to test multiple aspects of your gut health and come up with a customized treatment plan for your needs. A urine test can help your provider identify substances that are produced by “bad” gut bacteria that cause inflammation in the body. A breath test can evaluate the gases present in your exhalations and showcase a possible overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the GI tract. Elevated hydrogen levels can indicate SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which causes symptoms like nausea, bloating, loose stool, gas, and diarrhea, indicating the need for a rebalance to the microbiome. Stool tests can determine the presence of parasites, undesirable bacteria, and viruses. Your Naturopathic provider can also test vitamin and mineral levels in your blood.  

What can I do today to improve my gut health?

1. Increase your fiber intake. Fiber sweeps the system and moves waste through the intestinal tract. For most adults the recommended daily intake is 25-30 grams.  You can increase fiber intake by eating more whole foods like veggies, whole grains, and fruits. For example, the amount of fiber in a large carrot is 2g, a large apple 5g, and an avocado 10g.  Sometimes increasing fiber intake can worsen symptoms so let your provider know if this is occurring.
2. Avoid unnecessary antibiotics. Although they are sometimes necessary, antibiotics can damage a healthy gut microbiome. In fact, research shows that just one round of antibiotics eliminates multiple strains of beneficial bacteria for 6 to 12 months afterward.
3. Limit fried foods, excessive caffeine, and alcohol. Needless to say, you will find that reducing your intake of these types of food and drink will improve health and may reduce bloating, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort. Sleep quality, energy levels, and mental health will likely improve.
4. Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Of course, the recommended amount varies based on multiple factors, but eight 8-ounce cups of water per day are a great starting point for most people.
5. Incorporate GI-healthy foods and eliminate inflammatory foods. Get at least five portions of vegetables per day.  Your body loves a variety of foods; your bacterial balance depends on changing things up, swapping out your food choices each time you shop. If your Naturopathic provider determines, through testing, which foods are triggering an inflammatory response in your body, he or she may suggest an elimination diet to reset your system.
6. Do Naturopathic physiotherapy and colonics. Naturopathic physiotherapy activates digestive organs to function at a higher level bringing about improved digestion and nutrient levels.  Colonics, also known as colon hydrotherapy, cleanse and exercise the bowel for greater bowel regularity.   
7. Follow a regular supplement routine. Together, you and your Naturopathic provider will be able to determine your personal supplement needs. This regimen may include herbs, vitamins, minerals, and teas.

How can I sign up for a gut health assessment?

Book an appointment today with your naturopathic provider, either online or over the phone, to get started on your own personalized wellness plan! We can’t wait to get you back on track.

Build Health. Live Well