Your gut plays an essential role in keeping you healthy. In addition to digestion and absorption of nutrients, your gut is home to microorganisms that may protect you from diseases. At TrueCARE Integrative Medicine in Glenview, Illinois, Renuka Patel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, specializes in gut health. Ms. Patel recognizes the importance of helping her patients develop habits that improve gut health to benefit overall well-being. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is gut health?

Gut health refers to the general structure and function of your gut and digestive tract. Your gut helps you digest and absorb nutrients from the food you eat. The structure and function of our gut may affect how well it digests and absorbs these vital nutrients.

Gut health also refers to the microorganisms that live in your large intestine. These microorganisms support gut and overall health by making vitamins, protecting you from chronic diseases, and ensuring your immune system functions at its best.  Imbalances in microorganism or over growth of unhealthy microorganism can lead to leaky gut which can cause inflammation and contribute to diseases.

Why is gut health important?

Gut health is important because it affects your whole-body health. When you have a digestive disorder like heartburn or Crohn’s disease, you may have symptoms that affect your quality of life. These digestive disorders may affect how your body breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Additionally, gut health is important because of the microorganisms. Researchers are learning more about these microorganisms, noting that the balance of microorganisms in your gut may influence many health conditions, including mental health, autoimmune diseases, weight struggles, and diabetes.

Ms. Patel takes an integrative approach to health, focusing on how your whole body influences health and disease, including your gut.

What happens during a gut health evaluation?

Ms. Patel conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about gut health. She focuses on gathering information about all the factors that affect your overall health and well-being.

In addition to reviewing your health concerns and symptoms, Ms. Patel asks about your usual diet and exercise habits, daily routine, and stressors. She performs a physical exam and runs lab tests to look for diagnostic data to explain your symptoms.

For gut health, lab testing might include blood work and stool testing.

What can I do to improve gut health?

Ms. Patel works closely with you, designing a gut health treatment plan that eases your symptoms and improves overall health and well-being. To improve your gut health, Ms. Patel recommends.

Ms. Patel partners with you, helping you design a plan so you can achieve your health goals.

To schedule your gut health appointment at TrueCARE Integrative Medicine, call or book online today.