Natural Medicine for Gut Health

Summer is fast approaching and that means more travel. The last thing you want to be dealing with while on vacation is digestive issues. Unfortunately, some people have to know where all the bathrooms are before leaving their home. Imagine what that must be like if you have to go on vacation to an unknown place!?

I've had some patients who have been debilitated by their digestive concerns, while others silently deal with their acid reflux, bloated feeling, or other unsavory things. Either way, #naturopathicdoctors can offer insight into what's going on and create a plan that helps to restore a healthy gut.

Take Kelly's story for example:

"If you have digestive issues that impact your daily life (like I DID) and don’t want to just take medicine to “cure” the symptoms, Dr. Lexi is your person! Her approach is client-centered. She listens, is thorough, informative, and available to me/her clients. Dr. Lexi created a plan for me that started with ordering a series of tests to help uncover the root of my digestive issues. The test kit was easy to implement and the additional testing process went smoothly. Dr. Lexi reviewed the results with me clearly and concisely and found the reasons behind my digestive issues through the IGg test. After two days, my symptoms were gone and that’s without medication!! One and a half months later, I am free of digestive issues and basically all that accompany them (heartburn, gas, hemorrhoids, intestinal pressure, allergy symptoms, low energy, frequent bathroom trips, most of my bloating)!! I am so grateful for Dr. Lexi and highly recommend her."

Like Kelly has mentioned, when you don't look after your gut health, it can lead to other problems like fatigue, allergies, and while she didn't mention it, an increase in perceived STRESS.

That's right! There is an intricate balance between how happy your gut is and how optimal your brain is performing. Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, brain fog, and even headaches are all signs of an inflamed brain. If you take a closer look, most of these folks will also have gut issues.

Your #guthealth is foundational to your overall #wellbeing, which is why all #functionaldoctors , #naturopathicdoctors, and #integrative doctors start with HEALING YOUR GUT.

So, here's the low down:

1. Stop. Doing. It. Alone!

   For those DIY's out there who go off and run your own food sensitivity tests and stool cultures - whose helping you interpret those? Whose helping you building an appropriate plan of action?

   
   

   People are making mistakes out there and misinterpreting labs. When you've spent years looking at these results, you'll learn how to see patters that are not obvious to the laymen's eyes. Also, not all supplements and probiotics are created equal. Navigating the world of supplements take a level of expertise in itself.

   
   

2. Be prepared to make dietary changes.

   The food we eat matters when it comes to your gut health and 99.9% of the cases that walk through my door will see improvement in their symptoms with this change alone.

   
   

   Don't believe me? See what Marsha says:

   "Dr. Lexi is a gem! She's helped me with two separate issues now...gut and hormone health. She listens, makes feasible, attainable, and wise suggestions. She is always available for questions and concerns. I couldn't recommend her more!"

3. Yes! You are going to have do a stool culture!

   We need to see what's growing in your gut from a good perspective as well as the bad and ugly. These comprehensive stool cultures can also measure inflammation in the gut, as well see if you are need of digestive enzymes.

   
   

   I value testing when it comes to #guthealth and not guessing. In the beginning of a care plan, we will get you started on a foundational gut healing protocol, but these test help to navigate next steps or reveal missing pieces that need to be addressed.

   
   
   
   

If you are traveling, concerned about your digestion, here are a few quick tips to help you have a more comfortable trip.

You can take an #enzyme to help you digest foods that your body is not used to. It helps cut down the heavy bloated feeling of eating foreign food while you are travelling.

A good #probiotic is helpful in holding the fort and keeping the environment strong with the "good bacteria."

Some may need to take activated charcoal with them to help bind up toxins and other invasions that may cause diarrhea. A reminder with charcoal and bentonite clay is that they are BINDERS. This means you must take them AWAY from all medications and supplements.

My final tip is never to drink untreated water! Boil it for a tea or hot beverage first. Even brushing your teeth boil the water or brush with hot tea.

Travelling is something that we all love to do and with these tips, you can make your trips more enjoyable and keep your gut happy and healthy.

Want more help with your gut health and overall well-being?

Let’s talk!

I invite you to schedule a free, no obligation discovery conversation here.

Has your family ever struggled with the Noravirus or other stomach bugs in your family? The biggest is concern is dehydration. For resources on how to take care of yourself and your family when vomiting and diarrhea plaque your household, please see this blog: Noravirus: How to stay hydrated when all you want to do is puke.