GI Function

Background: What Is GI Dysfunction?

GI dysfunction refers to abnormalities in the structure or function of the digestive system, from the esophagus to the colon. These conditions can impair:

• Digestive enzyme secretion
  
• Nutrient breakdown and absorption
  
• Gut motility and elimination
  
• Microbiome balance
  
• Mucosal barrier integrity
  
• Immune response regulation
  
  

Dysfunction may present acutely (e.g., foodborne illness), chronically (e.g., IBS, IBD), or intermittently, often affected by stress, diet, infection, and lifestyle.

Signs and Symptoms of GI Dysfunction

Because the gastrointestinal system interfaces with nearly every major body system, symptoms can range from local digestive issues to systemic complaints:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
  
• Bloating and excessive gas
  
• Constipation, diarrhea, or alternating bowel patterns
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Acid reflux or heartburn
  
• Fatigue and brain fog
  
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
  
• Undigested food in stool
  
• Intolerance to specific foods
  
• Mucus in stool or urgency with bowel movements
  
  

Diagnostic Evaluation: Functional Assessment of GI Health

A comprehensive GI evaluation involves both conventional testing and advanced biomarker analysis:

• Medical History and Physical Examination
  
• Blood-Based Biomarkers:
  
  • Globulin – Total
    
  • Albumin
    
  • GGT
    
  • Gastrin
    
  • Total WBCs
    
• Stool Testing: Microbiome, pathogens, calprotectin
  
• Breath Testing: SIBO detection
  
• Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: When clinically indicated
  
  

Underlying Causes of GI Dysfunction

Root causes include:

• Poor Diet and Food Triggers: Processed foods, low fiber
  
• Infections and Dysbiosis: H. pylori, parasites
  
• Chronic Stress and Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Vagal nerve dysregulation
  
• Autoimmune and Inflammatory Disorders: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  
• Functional GI Disorders: IBS, functional dyspepsia
  
• Medication Effects: Antibiotics, NSAIDs, PPIs
  
  

Clinical Conditions Associated with GI Dysfunction

GI dysfunction contributes to:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
  
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  
• Celiac Disease and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
  
• Leaky Gut Syndrome (Intestinal Hyperpermeability)
  
  

Interfering Factors in Interpretation

Testing accuracy can be affected by:

• Recent antibiotic or probiotic use
  
• Incomplete stool sampling
  
• Hidden nutrient deficiencies
  
• Stress-induced autonomic dysregulation

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

We build individualized care plans:

1. Therapeutic Nutrition

• Anti-inflammatory, whole-food diets tailored to sensitivities
  
• Low-FODMAP or autoimmune protocols when indicated
  

2. Microbiome Rebalancing

• Targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobials
  

3. Digestive Support

• Pancreatic enzymes, bile salts, or betaine HCl
  
• Mucosal repair nutrients like glutathione
  

4. Stress and Lifestyle Optimization

• Vagal nerve support, mindfulness, breathwork
  

5. Ongoing Monitoring

• Track biomarkers, symptoms, and adjust therapies as needed

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal function is foundational to health. Disruptions can manifest locally and systemically. By identifying root causes and restoring mucosal integrity and microbial balance, functional medicine offers a regenerative approach to digestive health.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving cardiometabolic dysfunction. By integrating evidence-based therapies with IV therapy and longevity medicine services—where gut health is pivotal—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to rebuild resilience and optimize wellness. Call tel:(904) 799‑2531 or schedule online to request your personalized digestive health assessment.

Further Reading

• The Gut Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Health
  
• Role of Dysbiosis in Gastrointestinal Disease
  
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Diagnosis and Treatment
  
• Intestinal Barrier Function in Health and Disease
  
• Gut-Brain Axis and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders