You have probably been hearing a lot about your gut microbiome lately. It is something of a buzzword in the health and wellness world, and for good reason. The human body is a complex, interconnected ecosystem in which microbes and bacteria live. The gut is where most of these bacteria reside, because it is the part of the body that most directly interacts with the outside world. It is constantly exposed to new microbes from the things we eat and drink, and it is closely tied to immune function. Researchers increasingly view the health of the digestive system as connected to the health of the body as a whole.
Our bodies rely on this bacteria, sometimes referred to as “good bacteria,” as part of normal immune function, metabolism, and digestive health.
The human gut microbiome has been the subject of extensive research for its role in both health and disease. It has been studied in connection with:
Imbalances in the normal gut microbiota have been associated in the research literature with many of the conditions mentioned above. For that reason, supporting a healthy and balanced gut is widely considered an important part of overall wellness.
Unfortunately, many of our guts have been affected by lifestyle choices and the foods we eat. The standard American diet is often lacking in the things our beneficial gut bacteria require. Toxins such as pesticides and food preservatives may compound the problem. Gut health can suffer when we eat a diet high in starch and sugar, when we do not eat enough fiber, and when we take medications that affect the gut lining or microbiome — including antibiotics, acid blockers, and anti-inflammatories.
It is our job to encourage the beneficial microbes in the gut by feeding them what they need, such as:
Taking a strong and diverse probiotic is another way many people choose to support the beneficial bacteria in their gut. The best way to determine which probiotic may work for you is to work with a practitioner who practices functional medicine. Our team in Jupiter, FL can help you sort through the options. In some cases, addressing gut health more broadly may be worth considering before starting a probiotic.
Certain vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are frequently discussed in the context of gut health. Zinc and L-Glutamine, for example, have been studied for their role in supporting intestinal barrier function and reducing intestinal permeability (often called “leaky gut”). These can be taken orally or administered intravenously.
The REPAIR: Healthy Gut IV combines nutrients that have been studied for their role in supporting the tight junctions between intestinal cells and helping the gut manage inflammation. Other ingredients, such as Vitamin C and Glutathione, are recognized antioxidants that may help protect the mucous layer and cells of the intestinal tract. Together, these nutrients are often used to support the gut against the everyday stresses of diet, alcohol, smoking, and more. You can see the full menu of options on our IV treatments page, and micronutrient testing can help identify where your own deficiencies may lie.
To learn more about your gut microbiome, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan Brown, DO at our Jupiter, FL clinic, convenient to patients in Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, and North Palm Beach.
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/
RevitalIV is located at 1317 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 100, Jupiter, FL 33458, serving patients from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Tequesta, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, and across Palm Beach County. Call (561) 406-2202 or book a consultation.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed healthcare provider about your individual health situation.
