Welcome to part 2 of our Healthy Digestion series on how to heal gut naturally. In part 1, we delved into the critical role of proper stomach and small intestine function. Now, we’re shifting our focus to the health and function of the large intestine, also known as the colon, and its significance in maintaining overall well-being. Just like the stomach and small intestine, the large intestine plays a vital role in the digestive process, but its functions extend beyond digestion alone. From nutrient absorption to waste elimination, the large intestine performs several essential tasks that are integral to optimal health.

Throughout this discussion, we’ll explore the intricate workings of the large intestine, uncovering how its proper function contributes to various aspects of health. We’ll delve into the importance of a healthy gut microbiome, the role of fiber and hydration in supporting colon health, and the impact of lifestyle factors on digestive wellness. By understanding the crucial role of the large intestine in digestion and overall health, we can take proactive steps to support its function and promote optimal well-being. Join us as we embark on this journey to explore the importance of a healthy colon for vibrant health and vitality.  Learn more about how to heal your gut naturally with functional medicine now.

Healing The Gut Naturally with Functional Medicine

Functional medicine approaches gut healing by addressing the underlying factors contributing to gut dysfunction and inflammation. This involves a comprehensive and personalized approach that considers individual health history, lifestyle factors, dietary habits, and environmental influences. Functional medicine practitioners aim to restore balance to the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and promote optimal gut function through various strategies.  One key aspect of gut healing in functional medicine is identifying and removing potential triggers of gut inflammation, such as food sensitivities, infections, or environmental toxins. This may involve specialized testing to pinpoint specific triggers and eliminate them from the diet or environment.

Functional Medicine Practices Play A Role

Additionally, functional medicine emphasizes the importance of supporting gut health through dietary interventions. This includes incorporating whole, nutrient-dense foods rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients to nourish the gut lining and promote a healthy microbiome. Probiotics and prebiotics may also be recommended to restore beneficial bacteria in the gut and enhance digestive function.  Functional medicine emphasizes lifestyle factors that can impact gut health, such as stress management, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices. These lifestyle modifications can help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve overall gut function.  This is where functional medicine has a direct correlation with gut health.

Some Cases May Recommend Supplements

In some cases, targeted supplementation with vitamins, minerals, or herbs may be recommended to address specific deficiencies or support gut healing processes. However, the focus is always on addressing the root causes of gut dysfunction and promoting natural healing mechanisms within the body.  By taking a comprehensive and individualized approach to gut healing, functional medicine aims to restore balance and function to the digestive system, alleviate symptoms, and promote long-term gut health and overall well-being.

Large Intestine; Diarrhea and Constipation

The vital functions of the large intestine are quite different than those of the small intestine. While the large intestine does have some role in absorbing nutrients with the help of gut flora (beneficial organisms living in the digestive tract; primarily in the large intestine) the main function of the large intestine itself is to remove and absorb excess fluid / water from the intestinal contents and provide a route of elimination for stool.

If contents are moving too quickly through the colon, not enough water is reabsorbed, and diarrhea may occur but if the contents are moving too slowly constipation prevails. As you can see, the rate of speed at which intestinal contents are moving through the bowel will play a significant role causing conditions such as IBS, diarrhea and constipation. This movement of intestinal contents is determined by the motility of the digestive tract. Motility of both the small intestine and the large intestine are mostly controlled by the “second brain” of the body called the enteric nervous system. Two primary factors that influence the health and function of the enteric nervous system are gut flora and neurotransmitter (nerve chemical) levels.

Healing Symptoms Of IBS and IBD Naturally

Functional medicine approaches the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) by addressing the underlying factors contributing to gastrointestinal dysfunction and inflammation. This holistic approach focuses on restoring balance to the gut microbiome, reducing inflammation, and promoting optimal gut function through personalized interventions.

Healing IBS Naturally

In the case of IBS, which is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, functional medicine practitioners may begin by identifying and removing potential triggers such as food sensitivities, stress, or imbalances in gut bacteria. This may involve specialized testing to pinpoint specific triggers and eliminate them from the diet or environment. Dietary modifications, such as adopting a low-FODMAP diet or eliminating common trigger foods, may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms and reduce gut inflammation.  Naperville Integrated Wellness can help heal IBS naturally.  Don’t hesitate to reach out!

IBD and Gut Health

For individuals with IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis characterized by chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.  Naperville Integrated offers irritable bowel disease treatment.  Functional medicine takes a similar approach. In addition to identifying and removing triggers, functional medicine practitioners focus on reducing inflammation and supporting gut healing. This may involve targeted supplementation with anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, or glutamine, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the gut lining.

Furthermore, functional medicine emphasizes lifestyle modifications to support gut health and overall well-being. Stress management techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can all help reduce inflammation, support immune function, and improve gut function in individuals with IBS or IBD.

Overall, functional medicine takes a comprehensive and individualized approach to treating the symptoms of IBS and IBD, addressing the root causes of gut dysfunction and inflammation to promote natural healing and long-term gut health. By addressing underlying imbalances and promoting gut healing, functional medicine offers a holistic approach to managing gastrointestinal conditions and improving quality of life.

Gut Flora; Probiotics and Prebiotics

Gut flora are the organisms that are living in the digestive tract. Very large numbers of these beneficial organisms live and thrive in the large intestine. We continue to discover the many ways in which gut flora supports healthy digestion. The flora of the colon is very complex and is believed to contain at least 400 different species of bacteria alone. The precise balance of these different species tend to differ from one person to next. This means that there is no ideal number of the various bacteria living in the colon and it has even been referred to as a sort of “fingerprint” for the individual. This is yet another example utilizing a functional medicine approach to helping support ideal gut function. We are all unique and there is no single way to optimize gut flora balance. This healthy balance is achieved by restoring health to the entire digestive tract, not just the large intestine.

One of the major functions of this flora is to take dietary fiber (prebiotics) which cannot be utilized by your body and turn it into a fuel source for the cells that line the colon. This is how consuming appropriate amounts of dietary fiber / prebiotics can help improve digestive health. It feeds your flora and provides an energy source for the cells of the large intestine.

Breaking Down Gut Flora

ut flora aid in digestion and nutrient absorption by breaking down dietary fibers and other indigestible compounds that the human body cannot metabolize on its own. This process produces short-chain fatty acids, which serve as an energy source for the cells lining the gut and help maintain gut barrier function.  Furthermore, gut flora contribute to the synthesis of certain vitamins and neurotransmitters, such as vitamin K, vitamin B12, and serotonin, which play essential roles in various bodily functions including blood clotting, nerve signaling, and mood regulation.

Additionally, gut flora play a crucial role in regulating immune function and protecting against pathogens. They help educate the immune system, ensuring that it responds appropriately to harmful invaders while maintaining tolerance to beneficial microbes and harmless antigens.

Promoting Gut Flora with Functional Medicine

Moreover, a diverse and balanced gut microbiome has been associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health conditions. Conversely, imbalances or disruptions in gut flora, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to an increased risk of various health problems, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and depression.

Therefore, promoting the growth and diversity of beneficial gut flora through a healthy diet, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation can help improve gut health and support overall well-being. This includes consuming a diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and prebiotics to nourish beneficial microbes, managing stress, getting regular exercise, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, and considering probiotic supplementation when necessary. By nurturing a healthy gut microbiome, individuals can optimize digestion, support immune function, and enhance their overall health and vitality.

Gut motility; Gut Neurotransmitters

As I mentioned above, the enteric nervous system play a critical role in regulating gut motility. Sluggish motility can lead to SIBO in the small intestine and or constipation at the level of the colon. Excessive motility can lead to poor absorption of nutrients in the small intestine and diarrhea as intestinal contents reach the colon.

In addition to healthy levels of gut flora, neurotransmitter (NT) levels of the digestive tract have a significant impact on balanced gut motility. A NT imbalance in the brain can lead to conditions like anxiety or depression but a NT imbalance in the gut leads to poor motility and general gut health. I see many patients at our Naperville office that have tried to improve gut health through diet modification as well as probiotic and prebiotic use but have not been able to resolve motility issues. More often than not, utilizing functional medicine diagnostic testing, we have been able to isolate a neurotransmitter problem and correct their stubborn motility issues.

Learn How To Heal Your Gut Naturally With Naperville Integrated Wellness

The digestive tract plays a vital role in breaking down the food we consume into a form that our body can efficiently absorb, providing essential nutrients and energy for the proper functioning of every organ and system.   Consequently, any dysfunction in the digestive system can significantly impact one’s health and overall well-being. Correcting such functional disorders is often prioritized in functional medicine treatment programs due to the fundamental importance of good digestion to overall health. Optimal digestive health is paramount for maintaining good health and quality of life.  Healing gut naturally starts with you.  If you’re seeking a functional medicine doctor  for gut health in Mokena, Streeterville, St. Charles, Geneva, Frankfort, Orland Park, Chicago,  or surrounding areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. For more information on healthy digestion and functional medicine, or to learn about Dr. Sexton and Dr. Sharon Borkowski, visit www.napervilleintegratedwellness.com.

It is essential to conduct thorough research, educate oneself, and inquire extensively when gathering information, with a critical consideration of the source. In the healthcare landscape today, misinformation is prevalent, spanning from reputable sources to those driven by profit motives, making discernment imperative.

It’s crucial to note that this approach does not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. This adherence is due to FDA regulations, which restrict the use of such terms exclusively to pharmaceutical drugs. Instead, this methodology focuses on managing nutritional deficiencies. According to FDA guidelines, nutritional deficiency management cannot be equated with treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing disease.