The gastrointestinal tract is one of the most sophisticated systems of the human body. We often think of the GI tract for its primary role in digesting and breaking down food, but that is only a small part of a much larger role that the GI tract plays in overall health and disease.

The GI tract is truly the gateway to the rest of the body; if our GI health is compromised, our overall health is compromised. That is why it is so often the best place to start when evaluating treatment strategies.

GI disorders affect more people in the United States than those who suffer from heart disease, AIDS and cancer combined. Over 74% of Americans have lived with some type of GI-related symptoms for more than six months. These illnesses can range from occasional heartburn to severe, terminal illnesses. Next to the common cold, GI discomfort is the most common reason people seek medical advice or turn to over-the-counter remedies.

Here are examples of symptoms and conditions associated with impaired GI function:

• Heart Burn

• Bloating & Gassiness

• Constipation/Diarrhea

• IBS/IBD

• SIBO/Dysbiosis

• Brain Fog

• Stress, Anxiety, Depression

• Food Sensitivities

• Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis

 As in most systems of the body, the quality of GI health is highly influenced by lifestyle choices such as diet, physical activity and sleep.

Convenient and inexpensive food choices often contain little nutritional value and promote an increase of toxic burden.

In addition, many people cope with daily stresses by turning to alcohol, tobacco, sugar and caffeine.

Over time, these lifestyle choices impair the basic functions of the GI tract and create an environment for disease development.

Perhaps the most obvious of all its functions, the GI tract is tasked with digesting and absorbing the nutrients within the food and beverages we consume.

Through a complex coordination of enzymes, acids, bile salts, peristaltic action, transporters, and microbial biotransformation, our GI tract must take complex foodstuffs and deconstruct them into macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fat) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, etc.) that can be transported into the body.

Each step in the processes of digestion is important, as it only requires a deficiency in one or a few micronutrients to lead to a metabolic dysfunction.

 The GI tract has core functions, which we call the Pillars of GI Health. The health of the entire gastrointestinal system is built upon these pillars and their interrelationship.

When all pillars are working properly and in harmony with one another, few symptoms are likely to occur. However, when one area is compromised, it places strain upon the other components. It can be difficult to determine which area triggered the downfall, since the relationship between each of these functions is interdependent.

Understanding the role each pillar plays in gastrointestinal health will help us determine the root cause of dysfunction and make appropriate recommendations for you.

The Pillars of GI Health Program provides a specialized lifestyle plan to help you begin the journey of regaining and maintaining optimal GI function.

To be as clear as we can - our goal is to find the dysfunction, remove it, and focusing on all aspects of the GI system to function at their best.