Gut Health: The Unsuspected Key to Wellness
Years ago, I was caught in a web of health issues that felt impossible to untangle. Despite eating a wholesome diet and doing all the “right” things, I was constantly running on empty—nutrient deficiencies, fatigue, and a heartbreaking struggle with infertility. On top of that, my digestive system seemed to have a mind of its own. Just a couple of drinks or a slightly indulgent meal could leave me doubled over with abdominal pain and unpredictable bathroom trips. And it wasn’t just my gut that suffered—these episodes left me emotionally depleted, sometimes sinking into sadness that lingered for days.
It took years to piece together what was happening. I turned to elimination diets, trial-and-error supplementation, and countless research and consultations with my naturopath to slowly restore balance. My recovery was anything but fast, and looking back, I realise how much easier it could have been.
The Power of Microbiome Testing
If I had known about tools like the Complete Microbiome Mapping Test, I could have saved myself so much time and energy. Instead of guessing what might be wrong, I could have uncovered the root causes of my issues in one comprehensive test. Coulda, shoulda, woulda!
The Microbiome Map goes beyond just identifying gut bugs. It reveals the delicate ecosystem of your gastrointestinal microbiome, shedding light on both beneficial bacteria that support health (commensal) and the problematic ones (opportunistic) that disrupt it. It also assesses key markers that can reveal so much about your overall health:
Zonulin, to detect leaky gut
Beta-glucuronidase, which affects hormone detoxification
Elastase, a marker of digestive enzyme production
Steatocrit, to check fat absorption
Secreatory IgA, a measure of immune function
Sample Test Results
Let’s look at some common findings and how they might impact your health:
Elevated Calprotectin
What it means: Inflammation in the gut, possibly linked to IBD or chronic irritation.
Approach: Anti-inflammatory support with omega-3s, turmeric, zinc-L-carnosine, and slippery elm. Consider dietary adjustments to remove inflammatory triggers.
Low Secretory IgA
What it means: Weakened gut immunity, often linked to stress or chronic infections.
Approach: Probiotics like Saccharomyces boulardii, along with glutamine and zinc to strengthen the gut barrier. Support stress response using adaptogens and lifestyle strategies. Replenish beneficial bacteria with prebiotics and probiotics.
Elevated Zonulin
What it means: Increased intestinal permeability (aka, leaky gut).
Approach: Remove dietary irritants (e.g. gluten, processed food and alcohol) and support gut lining integrity with glutamine, marshmallow root, slippery elm, and aloe vera. Address dysbiosis with targeted probiotics and herbal antimicrobials if necessary.
Why Your Gut Health Matters
Your gut is the unsung hero of your body:
95% of your serotonin (your happiness hormone) is produced there
50% of dopamine, critical for motivation and mood, originates in the gut
70% of your immune system resides in the gut.
When your gut is out of balance, it’s like pulling a thread that unravels your entire system. Symptoms like bloating, fatigue, hormonal issues, nutrient deficiencies, mood swings, infertility and even poor sleep are linked to an unhappy gut.
Don’t Guess—Test
I learned the hard way how much time can be wasted trying to guess what’s wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I still had a positive outcome—it just took a little longer. Functional testing like the Microbiome Map provides clarity, helping you connect the dots between symptoms and their root causes. It empowers you to take targeted steps to repair your gut with tailored probiotics, prebiotics, herbal medicine and nutrition instead of fumbling in the dark.
Ready to Take The Next Step?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in a cycle of unexplained symptoms or unresolved health challenges, I can help. Together, we’ll get to the root of what’s going on and use tools like functional testing if needed to uncover the hidden imbalances holding you back.
DISCLAIMER
This content is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease or health illness. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any information presented here.
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