When was the last time that your health care provider recommended a complete digestive analysis? Many people do not realize how crucial a properly functioning digestive system is to maintaining proper health and alleviating chronic illnesses. Poor digestive function can play a role in a variety of seemingly unrelated health conditions such as heart disease, eczema, psoriasis, acne, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even cancer.
Often, the symptoms of a digestive imbalance are relatively easy to identify such as heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or changes in bowel habits. The symptoms can also be more subtle such as chronic skin rashes, widespread joint pain, or persistent fatigue. Sometimes a person may not exhibit any classic symptoms at all, but is still at an increased risk for diminished digestive function due to history of antibiotic use, acid-blocking medications, bone density drugs, chemotherapy, as well as chronic inflammation related to food allergies and sensitivities.
A digestive analysis can provide information about inflammatory markers associated with food sensitivities. The incidence of food sensitivities is definitely on the rise. It is estimated that roughly 20 percent of the population has adverse reactions to foods, and many do not even realize it. It is important to know that there is a difference between a true food allergy and a food sensitivity. A specific blood test is available to differentiate between the two. In some cases, knowing whether or not a person has food sensitivities can be just as important as screening for high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes.
A digestive analysis will also provide information about how well food is being broken down and absorbed. The test examines stomach acid production and how well the pancreas is functioning. A disruption in either one of these can lead to nutritional deficiencies because the body is unable to break down and absorb food and nutrients properly. This can also interfere with the absorption of prescription drugs and vitamins.
One of the most crucial components includes a direct measurement of the “good” gut bacteria. Many people think that they get enough good bacteria from things such as yogurt or drinks with live active cultures. Truth be told, there is not way to measure the amount of good bacteria from these food sources, and likely the amounts are much lower than what the body needs. Other useful information includes the identification of opportunistic bacteria, intestinal parasites, and whether or not there is any yeast overgrowth. Metabolic markers are also examined which may provide additional information for long-term risk of breast and colon cancer.
If you would like to discuss any of this information, please call Gretchen N. Fleischmann, who is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner at Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan. The phone number is 586-727-7500.
