The key to good health lies within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. It is this system that has the ability to impact not only digestion, but mood and immunity, as well. We typically underestimate the influence it can have on our daily lives. We tend to minimize our symptoms, especially if they seem minor and don’t significantly impact our lives.
Truth be told, many people have lowered their expectations on what it means to actually feel good, or they forget what “good” feels like. Our bodies can face a daily onslaught of poor nutrition, toxins, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and inadequate physical activity. It’s no wonder that after a period of years living like this that our body begins to show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, this situation can be reversed with digestive (GI) diagnostic testing. It is one of the tools that can reveal where the deficiencies are that are causing the symptoms. By providing this insight, the proper course of action can be taken to improve not only overall digestion, but mental and emotional health, and immunity.
Our GI system contains significant amounts of bacteria. Ideally, the bacteria remains in balance, working in harmony with our body. However, the scales can tip in favor of the bacteria if we become sick or deny our body the essentials it needs to thrive. When this imbalance occurs, we open the door for disfunction in the form of an illness such as:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
We also become more susceptible to developing allergies and joint disease, in addition to inflammation, poor digestion, and malabsorption. Other consequences of an imbalanced digestive tract include:
- gas
- bloating
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- anemia
- malnutrition
- impaired metabolism
- hormone imbalance
A simple test, taken at home, provides the data necessary for the diagnostic testing. The most common tests require between 1 and 3 days of samples. The lab that performs the analysis provides the results to your Doctor so that he or she can determine the best course of action to return balance to your gastrointestinal system.
The clues to our overall health can be found. They may not be obvious or visible, but they are there. We may need a little extra help to find them, but it is worth it if it means living a higher quality life, without pain, discomfort, or imbalances.