I am sure you have heard that a healthy digestive system is essential for your well being and that it goes way beyond feeling bloated or having unpredictable bowel habits. The fact is, an unhealthy gastrointestinal tract can affect many seemingly unrelated areas of your body from autoimmune disease, skin problems, to brain and heart issues.
In Functional Medicine we call our approach the “5R Framework for Gut Restoration.” It is a starting place that often clears the landscape and reveals a deeper path forward into wellness.
Those 5Rs are an acronym for Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, and Rebalance. It sounds simple, but it can be challenging, and you might need the help of a trained Functional Medicine provider. Nevertheless, there is so much you can do on your own to get started.
We begin by removing stressors. Whether they be specific foods, or foreign invaders like chronic infections, we want them gone. Some testing may be required to identify the suspects.
As we work we may replace digestive support like enzymes and hydrochloric acid to ensure the proper breakdown of the foods we eat… those healthy, carefully chosen foods that are the underpinning of your microbiome. The part of your system that is “you but not you!” The healthy microbes that depend on the quality of your dietary fiber to create a healthy environment. A well chosen probiotic might make all the difference. This is the reinoculation phase.
The last piece of the puzzle is the rebalance component. While listed last, it is front and center of your success. It is the daily decisions you make to manage your sleep, exercise, and stress. If you include your chiropractic adjustments or acupuncture treatments to assist in restoring balance, make sure they are on the calendar. I cannot tell you how many times I hear “I should have been here a month ago.”
It sounds so simple. It is work, but also a pleasurable discovery as you learn to be in control of your health. As you pay attention, you will notice that some foods just don’t work for you… or late nights throw off your game. Make some notes, learn from your mistakes and keep going.
If you need help, schedule a visit with us to dive a bit deeper. We look forward to seeing you in the practice.