Gut Health Testing
at Evoke 5
The functional medicine approach believes that the gut is the foundation of overall
health and wellbeing. It plays a critical role in digestion, absorption of nutrients,
elimination of waste, and even immune defense. It also communicates with the brain,
influencing mood, behavior and cognitive function. At Evoke 5 Medical Center, we
offer gut health testing and treatment plans to optimize gut health – and the wellbeing
of your entire body.
Understanding Gut Health
The gut is a complex system that includes the digestive tract, microbiome and immune system. The microbiome is a complex
ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that live in the gut. It is essential for maintaining a healthy
gut and overall health.
Gut health is influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures.
These factors can either support or disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome.
In the simplest terms, a healthy gut means you have more good bacteria than harmful bacteria.
The Importance of Gut Health
The health of your gut can positively or negatively affect many other systems of your body. In fact, current research
demonstrates that the gut microbiome can affect every single organ in our body! For example, gut health plays a key role in:
- Effectively breaking down the food you eat and absorbing essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
- Defending against harmful pathogens and bacteria, helping to prevent infections and diseases
- Two-way communication with the brain, which influences mood, behavior, cognitive function and mental health
- Controlling inflammation and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases, heart disease and cancer
- Weight management and metabolism
- Synthesizing vitamins, like B vitamins and vitamin K, which are essential for various bodily functions
- Maintaining regular and healthy bowel movements, preventing issues like constipation and diarrhea
- Reducing the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases
Signs of Poor Gut Health
People with less-than-optimal gut health may experience a whole host of negative symptoms, such as:
- Chronic bloating or gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Frequent indigestion
- Food intolerances
- Weight changes
- Fatigue and low energy
- Skin issues, such as acne,
eczema or rosacea - Frequent infections, colds and
other illnesses - Mood swings, anxiety, depression
or poor mental health - Autoimmune conditions
- Joint pain
- Allergies
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Bad breath
- Cravings for unhealthy foods
Gut Health Testing
At Evoke 5, we utilize the most advanced gut health testing to diagnose issues in the gut. The two most common gut health
tests we order are:
The gut microbiome stool test, one of the most comprehensive digestive health tests available today. This test assesses
bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites in the gut microbiome, as well as relevant digestive and inflammatory markers.
The food intolerance/sensitivity test, which assesses sensitivity to common foods in the Western diet, as well as food
additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, food dyes and pesticides.
The gut health test results come with a comprehensive, personalized report, which we review in detail with you. We then
use the information to develop an individualized treatment plan to help you address your gut health concerns and reach
your health goals.
Improving Your Gut Health
Gut health is influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures.
Some common ways we work with patients to improve gut health include:
- Diet. A diet high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to
inflammation and other health problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, fiber and fermented foods can
promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall health. - Stress. Chronic stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis and lead to inflammation and other health problems. Stress
management techniques like meditation, deep breathing and exercise can help to reduce stress and improve gut health. - Medications. Medications can disrupt gut health by altering the balance of the gut microbiome. Antibiotics, for example,
can kill both harmful AND beneficial bacteria in the gut. Proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux can also disrupt
gut health by reducing stomach acid, which is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients. - Environmental exposures. Pollution, toxins and pesticides can also disrupt gut health by damaging the gut lining and
altering the gut microbiome. Avoiding exposure to these environmental toxins and supporting the body’s natural
detoxification processes can help to promote a healthy gut. - Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important
for maintaining a healthy gut.
