Gut Health Specialist - LEAP Integrated Primary Care

Gut health is about the balance (or imbalance) of healthy bacteria (microbes) in your digestive tract. There are three very good reasons why you need to maintain a healthy gut:

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First, and maybe most obvious, a healthy gut is needed to break down the foods that you eat, in order for their nutritional qualities to be absorbed properly. Why eat healthy foods if you are not able to get the full benefit of them because you are not able to properly break down your food?

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Secondly, a healthy gut contains important “good bacteria” that are important in fighting off “bad bacteria” and viruses. Up to 80% of the cells you need for your immune system lives in your gut. A healthy gut leads to a healthy immune system!

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Finally, the Gut-Brain-Axis. There has been a lot of focus on the two-way relationship between your brain and your gut. An imbalance of gut microbes could lead to decreased mental clarity, behavioral concerns, depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue.

You might be surprised to know that skin rashes, weight changes, sleep disturbances, and so much more can be the result of an imbalance in your gut. Have you been living with symptoms for too long? Now is the time to let us help you!

Brooke Fields

MSPAS, PA-C, Chief Medical Director LEAP Integrated Health

Leaky Gut

The protective walls of your digestive tract are very important. Foods are broken down into nutrients in your gut and need to pass through the protective barrier into your bloodstream. However, if the walls of your gut are too “leaky,” then harmful bacteria and toxins can enter your bloodstream as well.

Symptoms of leaky gut include:

Chronic bloating/gas, nausea, diarrhea, constipation
Chronic fatigue
Joint pain
Decreased immune system/chronic infections
Inflammation
Nutritional deficiencies
Decreased mental clarity/brain fog
Skin rashes, eczema
Headaches, etc

Part of our work-up at LEAP includes testing for food sensitivities and intolerances as a likely culprit for these symptoms.

Food Allergies, Sensitivities & Intolerances

Food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities do not only cause respiratory distress (anaphylaxis), as historically thought. Oftentimes, patients present with other vague, yet chronic, symptoms that can trigger our providers to investigate food sources as a potential cause. We are here to help you get to the bottom of your health concerns and formulate a comprehensive plan to help you improve your overall health.

Brooke and Rachel have worked with several laboratories and will help you select the sensitivity testing that best fits your needs.

Heartburn & Indigestion

Heartburn and indigestion are extremely common in America and can lead to impaired sleep and decreased quality of life. Contributing factors include prescription medications, food sensitivities, poor diet, being overweight, pregnancy, and smoking.