The importance of gut health is becoming noticeably more prevalent as we are starting to understand the link between gut health or the “microbiome” and chronic disease. Current research shows that the gut environment or “microbiome” can affect our immune system, our mood, our energy levels, hormone levels, and much more. There is now the latest research linking brain health to gut health as we know there is a direct connection between the two. In fact, the philosophy of functional medicine is that it all starts in the gut.

When it comes to gut health, there are things that can cause a disruption in the microbiome such as poor sleep, too much stress, an inflammatory diet, excessive antibiotic use, chronic medications, and much more. We often see conditions such as “leaky gut” also called intestinal permeability that can manifest in different ways for different people. Excessive growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungus, and even parasites can also disrupt the gut microbiome and intestinal wall. Understanding if you may have intestinal permeability or leaky gut can be determined by a thorough history intake and a physical exam. Stool testing may be recommended. Oftentimes, gut health is a major priority when it comes to optimizing your overall health.