Give your patients a gut health check

The connection between nutrition, gut health and overall wellness

By understanding the intricate connections between gut function and overall health, you can offer your patients solutions that go beyond symptom management and address root causes.

As a 16-year-old diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), I received what I now recognize as overly simplistic advice: Avoid spicy foods. Despite following this guidance, my symptoms persisted, leaving me feeling lousy for years. It wasn’t until chiropractic school that I discovered the profound connection between nutrition, gut health and overall wellness.

This revelation wasn’t just about managing symptoms—it opened my eyes to how much more could be done beyond the standard approach of colonoscopies and anti-inflammatory medications. This personal journey has shaped my approach to patient care and deepened my understanding of how gut health influences virtually every aspect of our well-being.

Today, as I see patients in my practice, I’m struck by how many arrive with unaddressed gut issues. The scope of this problem is staggering. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic digestive diseases are among the leading causes of doctor visits in the US, with more than 35.4 million visits for digestive system symptoms annually. Even more telling, a study from the American Gastroenterological Association reports that functional gastrointestinal disorders disrupt the daily lives of 40% of the general population.

Approximately 70-80% of the body’s immune cells are located in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, making the digestive system a crucial component of our immune function, yet patients often normalize concerning symptoms – irregular bowel movements, chronic diarrhea, excessive gas or undigested food in their stool. They rarely connect these issues to their presenting complaints, whether they’re seeking treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, autoimmune diseases or metabolic syndrome.

When we address gut health, the transformations can be remarkable. Headaches dissipate, brain fog lifts and chronic muscle pain improves–often in patients who never suspected their digestive system might be the root cause. This holistic improvement aligns with traditional medicine’s wisdom that overall health depends on gut health, a principle increasingly supported by modern research.

Key areas for gut-health assessment

When evaluating patients’ gut health, I focus on several crucial areas that often require supplementation support:

Microbiome balance. The foundation of gut health lies in maintaining a diverse and balanced microbiome. Key probiotic strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum play a vital role in supporting intestinal barrier function and reducing inflammation. For patients with chronic gut issues, I also recommend beneficial yeast like Saccharomyces boulardii.

Inflammation management. Chronic gut inflammation can manifest as various symptoms throughout the body. I’ve found success using supplements like lactoferrin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps modulate the immune system. Additional anti-inflammatory support can include N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), turmeric and resveratrol, which work synergistically to reduce inflammation and support gut healing.

Digestion and absorption. Many patients benefit from digestive enzyme supplementation, particularly those showing signs of incomplete digestion or nutrient malabsorption. A comprehensive enzyme blend containing protease, amylase and lipase can significantly improve digestion and reduce common complaints, like bloating and gas. For patients specifically struggling with heartburn, I often recommend natural support, such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), peppermint, ginseng, turmeric, fennel, aloe vera and marshmallow root, which can help soothe and protect the digestive tract.

Bile support. Proper bile production and flow are crucial for fat digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. For patients with gallbladder issues or those showing signs of poor fat digestion, supplements like ox bile extract or artichoke extract can make a significant difference.

Short-chain fatty acid support. The health of our gut lining depends heavily on short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. I often recommend prebiotics/fiber, such as inulin, arabinogalactan and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Additional fiber support can include apple pectin and psyllium husk, which help promote SCFA production. These fiber supplements, combined with specific SCFA-supporting nutrients like L-glutamine, enhance the production of beneficial compounds essential for gut health.

Immune regulation. Supporting the gut’s immune function is crucial for overall health. Bovine colostrum and lactoferrin are particularly effective supplements for enhancing gut immunity. These natural compounds help strengthen the gut’s immune response while promoting a balanced inflammatory response.

Constipation support. For patients struggling with constipation, I recommend a comprehensive approach using natural supplements. This may include magnesium citrate for gentle support, along with herbs like aloe vera, slippery elm bark and marshmallow root for their soothing properties. Additional support can come from vitamin C, senna, rhubarb and ginger, though it’s important to note some of these should be used short-term and under guidance.

Motility support. Proper gut motility is essential for optimal digestion and elimination. I often recommend a combination of herbs known to support healthy gut movement, including ginger, artichoke extract, peppermint, fennel and chamomile. These natural supplements can help regulate gut motility while reducing digestive discomfort.

Implementation strategy

• When implementing gut-health protocols, I emphasize the importance of a systematic approach:
• Begin with a thorough assessment of current symptoms and dietary habits.
• Address immediate concerns, such as inflammation or digestion issues.
• Gradually introduce beneficial bacteria through probiotic supplementation.
• Support the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine and zinc.
• Maintain improvements through ongoing prebiotic and probiotic support.

Note: Dosages are dependent upon the patients and their conditions.

The key is to start slowly and build gradually, monitoring the patient’s response and adjusting protocols as needed. Many patients see significant improvements within four to six weeks of starting a comprehensive gut-health program.

Final thoughts

My personal journey from IBS patient to practitioner has taught me that gut health isn’t just about digestion; it’s about creating a foundation for overall wellness. When we help our patients achieve optimal gut health, we’re not just resolving digestive issues; we’re opening the door to improved health across all systems of the body.

The future of chiropractic care increasingly recognizes the gut-brain-body connection. By incorporating gut health assessments and targeted supplementation into our practices, you can better serve your patients and achieve more comprehensive, lasting results.

Cindy M. Howard, DC, DABCI, DACBN, FIAMA, FICC, is a board-certified chiropractic internist and nutritionist specializing in finding the root cause of symptoms and diseases. She earned her doctorate in chiropractic from the National University of Health Sciences and is in private practice in Orland Park, Illinois, where she focuses on individualized care. For more information, visit innovativehwc.com. If you’d like any information about nutritional testing or need a consult on patient supplement dosages, please call Howard at 708-479-0020 or email her at drcindymhoward@gmail.com.