Achieve Peak Digestive Health in Boerne, TX

DrCherylWinter_Digestive_Health

Nearly all healthcare researchers and practitioners agree that digestive health is central to most bodily functions. In addition to the typical symptoms of cramps, nausea, and intestinal issues, digestive health affects your daily energy levels, emotions, and sleep.

If you suffer from unidentifiable illnesses, you should consult with a functional medicine doctor who specializes in digestive health. Dr. Cheryl Winter, DCN, FNP-BC, APRN, RDN provides these services to patients in Boerne, TX. She is able to provide medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment that will help you to understand what is going with your system. She aims to get at the root cause of your digestive issues and, unlike traditional doctors, won't focus on only surface-level symptoms.

New patients, continue reading. Find out how Dr. Cheryl Winter draws inspiration from a functional medicine approach to assist you in comprehensive digestive care in Boerne, TX.

Struggling with Digestive Health? You're Not Alone.

It will surprise you that an estimated 70 million Americans have digestive diseases. What's more, the greater Houston area sees a higher number of digestive diseases given its high obesity rate. Thankfully, proper education and diet can drastically reduce symptoms related to stomach and intestine issues.

Did you know that 70% of your body's immune system relies on your digestive health? Yes, your immune system and digestive tracts are closely linked. This is why physicians and diet counselors emphasize the relationship between patients' digestion and overall well-being.

Remember, digestive health refers to the function and balance of the many types of bacteria that occupy different parts of your gastrointestinal tract. In addition, your digestive system is comprised of essential organs like the intestines, stomach, and esophagus, and when these organs don't work properly, you'll experience discomfort while eating and using the bathroom.

The Key Benefits to Promoting Digestive Health Through Functional Medicine

Functional health is able to provide better care compared to a typical hospital doctor. For example, alternative treatments for irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcerative colitis, and more can produce astounding results. Not only will you escape extreme discomfort, but you'll also feel more energized and upbeat during the day. From celiac disease to liver diseases and abdominal pain, here are a few benefits to think about as you think about optimizing your health in Boerne, TX.

Proper digestive health leads to proper nutrition

Your gut plays a crucial role in breaking down all food that enters your body. The different acids and bacteria in the gut transform food into a form that can be absorbed by your bloodstream and delivered to different body parts as energy and essential nutrients.

However, this absorption and assimilation process will only be possible if you maintain a healthy digestive system. In essence, a healthy digestive system promotes healthy bacteria and cells that will help your body ward off disease-causing agents like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. A trained nutritionist can educate you on the proper way to restore your gut and boost nutrition.

Good digestive health will help you maintain your body fluids

A good gastrointestinal tract can digest food properly. Otherwise, you may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Both bodily reactions can wreak havoc on your bodily fluid levels. Moreover, a functional medicine doctor can provide insight into which food and drinks promote proper hydration levels throughout the day.

Healthy digestion will help your body eliminate poisonous waste materials

Your stomach and intestines break down food materials into the nutrients your body needs. However, this process always results in waste. Waste materials like ammonia, feces, and other toxic gases accumulate after digestion.

Your gastrointestinal system plays a crucial role in ensuring that all these waste materials are eliminated from your body.

Remember, waste materials could be poisonous if left to accumulate in large amounts. Your digestive system aids in striking a state of balance by ensuring that your body only gets what it needs for effective functioning.

Proper digestive health promotes effective metabolism

Your gastrointestinal system is your body's powerhouse. It breaks down complex food materials into components that your body can absorb and use. Remember, your digestive system measures the portions of nutrients to be supplied to each organ in the body. So, technically speaking, your body systems would be compromised if you didn't put a lot of consideration into your digestive health.

Signs that you are experiencing digestive health issues must have experienced some form of digestive health issues at one point in your life. For example, running into experiences like constipation, abdominal pain, a bloated stomach, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, or loose stool could indicate that you are experiencing a digestive health issue and need a dire medical checkup.

Similarly, other issues like unexplained weight loss, black stool, fever, severe vomiting, profound stomach pain, pain in the throat, jaundice (yellowed eyes and skin), and other warning signs.

It would be best to appreciate that even though some of these issues may come and go (at times unnoticed), others could lead to severe consequences that must be addressed quickly.

Even with these issues, you may take the following steps to maintain proper digestive health:

  • Consume a range of grains and lentils
  • Don't overeat
  • Get fresh fruits and vegetables regularly
  • Insist on homemade meals
  • Eat nuts everyday
  • Drink water throughout the day
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners and diet drinks

Now, let us talk about other aspects of your digestive health.

Are you ready to talk about your poop? Yeah, you heard me right. The color and consistency of your poop are two of the first signs about what is happening inside your body. There are 7 different types of poop consistencies, according to the Bristol Stool Chart.

This tool is a helpful resource to help you describe your poop to a healthcare practitioner and help them diagnose any health issues, if present.

The 7 different consistencies are displayed here.

We want you to have the most optimal bowel movements, EVERY day, and to do this you need to have a healthy digestive tract, which is the cornerstone of health.

So, how is your digestion?

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

  • gas
  • bloating
  • stomach aches/cramps
  • acid reflux
  • diarrhea
  • constipation

If you said yes to one or more of these symptoms, you likely need a gut restoration program. This is foundational! If your gut is not functioning optimally, you won’t achieve optimal health. It just won’t happen.

To find the underlying cause of your discomfort, we offer a variety of gastrointestinal tests, which may include:

  • Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
  • Food allergies/sensitivities
  • Gluten sensitivity
  • SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
  • H. Pylori
  • Fructose sensitivity
  • Candida/yeast overgrowth
  • Parasites
  • Enzyme deficiencies

We can help design for you a customized and individualized gut restoration program.  Don’t wait another minute. Let’s get you having some glorious poops you will be proud of!