Every part of our being comes from the food we eat, digest, absorb and assimilate. In today’s world it is becoming clearer that seemingly unrelated diseases have their origin in an unhealthy digestive system.

All disease begins in the gut – Hippocrates

Between the standard western diet, negative emotions and unhealthy environments; digestive imbalances are underlying many chronic degenerative diseases.

For over 5000 years traditional healing modalities like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have understood that correcting digestive issues is fundamental in assisting the entire body to heal.

Here are some interesting (and important) facts about your gut…

80% of your immune system is in your gut

This is largely due to the presence of trillions of different types of bacteria that make up the microbiome. Leaky gut syndrome, SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), Candida/yeast, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections all disrupt this delicate balance.

In other words, gut infections throw your immune system out of balance

This can manifest in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Celiac’s, ulcerative colitis, Hashimoto’s disease (thyroid), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and many other illnesses.

90% of serotonin is made in the gut

This is considered the ‘happy hormone’ and is a brain neurotransmitter that is involved in many body processes including mood regulation, gut motility, social behaviour, sleep and memory.

The gut is often referred to as the second brain

The gut and brain have a steady ability to communicate via the nervous system, hormones, and the immune system. Hidden in the walls of the digestive system, this “brain in your gut” is revolutionizing medicine’s understanding of the links between digestion, mood, health and even the way we think.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset are all have strong links with thoughts and emotions.

There are also studies showing that depression is rooted in chronic inflammation of the gut

Common signs that your digestive system is unbalanced

• gas and bloating
• abdominal pain and distention
• acid reflux, heartburn, GERD
• constipation
• diarrhea
• undigested food in the stool
• bad breath and body odor
• food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities
• food cravings
• if you suffer from any autoimmune condition
• skin issues – eczema, psoriasis, rashes and acne
• low energy

Useful functional medicine tests include (but are not limited to)

• Organic Acids Test
• GI Effects Stool Testing
• GI Map Stool Test
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)
• Food sensitivity testing
• Lactulose-mannitol test for leaky gut

Our Harmonic Health Program has successfully helped people overcome:

• Acid reflux, GERD, heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) – Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac
• Leaky gut
• Gut infections – parasites, bacteria, viruses, SIBO, SIFO, Candida, etc.

Once we have done a thorough evaluation and assessment of digestive function, a personalized functional medicine and lifestyle program integrates the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes along with customized supplementation to restore and optimize digestive and gut health

If you are suffering from digestive health issues and are looking for better answers, schedule a FREE discovery appointment with us today!