Digestive Health
The connection may not always be obvious, but digestive health can play a significant role in many chronic conditions and common health concerns. Even a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet does not necessarily guarantee that nutrients are being properly digested and absorbed. Healthy gastrointestinal function is also essential for processing and eliminating waste, maintaining the intestinal barrier, and helping protect the body from harmful substances and infections.
A growing body of research continues to reveal the intricate relationship between the gastrointestinal system and other systems throughout the body, particularly the nervous and immune systems. This connection is so significant that the gut is often referred to as the “second brain.”
Harvard Health: The Gut-Brain Connection explores the relationship between digestive health and the brain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Immune System Cells in the Gut Linked to Stress-Induced Depression examines the connection between the gut, immune system, and emotional health.
An imbalance in the gut microbiome, including an overgrowth of yeast such as Candida or certain bacteria, may contribute to digestive discomfort and other symptoms. Researchers are also exploring how substances produced by microorganisms in the gut may influence neurological function, potentially contributing to concerns such as brain fog, fatigue, and changes in mood or concentration.
The bacteria that make up our gut microbiome have also been linked to metabolism, growth and development, aging, and various disease processes. More than 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, and research continues to investigate the relationship between gut bacteria, serotonin signaling, and conditions such as depression.
Although many of these conditions involve complex factors beyond the gut microbiome alone, evaluating digestive function and microbial balance can be an important part of understanding a patient's overall health.
Symptoms that may occur alongside digestive imbalances include:
Insomnia
Migraines
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Depression
Anxiety
Fatigue
At Alaska Functional Medicine & Spa, we believe that understanding digestive health is an important part of evaluating the body as a whole. By identifying potential imbalances and addressing underlying gastrointestinal concerns, we aim to relieve digestive discomfort while exploring factors that may contribute to seemingly unrelated symptoms.