Introduction: It All Starts in the Gut

Symptoms like bloating, constipation, loose stools, acid reflux, chronic fatigue, skin issues, anxiety, and brain fog may not seem related—but they often originate from the same place: the gut.

Your gut is home to:

• 70% of your immune system
• 500+ species of beneficial bacteria
• 90% of your serotonin
• The majority of your inflammatory signaling pathways

When the gut is imbalanced, the entire body feels it.

Common Gut Problems We See in Our St. Louis Clinic

1. Dysbiosis (Bacterial Imbalance)

Too much bad bacteria + not enough good bacteria.

2. Low Commensal Bacteria

Low beneficial flora = weakened immunity + inflammation.

3. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gas, bloating, constipation/diarrhea.

4. Candida Overgrowth

Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, sugar cravings.

5. Food Sensitivities

Especially dairy, gluten, and soy.

6. Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

Triggers inflammation and autoimmune reactions.

7. Post-Infection Gut Dysfunction

After food poisoning, antibiotics, or viral illness.

8. Elevated Secretory IgA (sIgA)

Often a sign of immune activation.

9. High EDN (Eosinophil-Derived Neurotoxin)

Often related to:

• Allergies
• Parasitic presence
• Mast cell activation

Why Gut Health Affects the Entire Body

1. Brain–Gut Axis

Inflammation or dysbiosis → brain fog, anxiety, depression.

2. Hormone Regulation

The gut metabolizes estrogen and regulates cortisol.

3. Immune System Balance

70% of your immune activity begins here.

4. Metabolism & Weight

The gut influences GLP-1, insulin, and blood sugar.

Our Functional Medicine Gut-Healing Process

Step 1 — Testing (Not Guessing)

We use:

• GI-MAP stool analysis
• Food sensitivity testing
• Micronutrient testing
• Inflammation markers

Step 2 — Remove Irritants

Based on your results, we may eliminate:

• Processed foods
• Gluten
• Dairy
• High-histamine foods
• Sugar
• Trigger foods identified on testing

Step 3 — Restore the Microbiome

We often use:

• Probiotics
• Prebiotics (inulin, FOS)
• Butyrate
• Polyphenols
• Digestive enzymes

Step 4 — Repair the Gut Lining

With:

• L-glutamine
• Collagen
• Zinc carnosine
• Omega-3
• Herbal anti-inflammatory support

Step 5 — Rebalance the Nervous System

Chronic stress prevents gut healing—so we treat both simultaneously.

Why Patients Across St. Louis Choose Our Approach

Because we explain what’s happening.

Patients finally understand their symptoms.

Because we test deeply—not superficially.

Because we treat the whole person—not one symptom.

Because the results are life-changing.

You Deserve a Healthy, Strong, and Balanced Gut

If you’re ready to get to the root of your symptoms, we are here to help.

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Schedule your gut health evaluation at Sheen Vein Aesthetics & Functional Medicine in St. Louis.

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