Monica Williams - Healthier By Choice

The Enteric Nervous System

Often referred to as the "second brain," the gut is a complex system that plays a critical role in regulating various bodily functions beyond digestion. It contains millions of neurons that communicate with the brain through the vagus nerve, forming the gut-brain axis.

This intricate network allows for bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system, influencing emotions, mood, and even cognitive functions. Moreover, the gut houses a vast ecosystem of microbes known as the gut microbiota, which produce neurotransmitters and metabolites that can impact brain function.

This symbiotic relationship underscores the significant influence of gut health on mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and thriving gut environment for overall health and cognitive function.

Seat of the Immune System

The gut serves as the seat of the immune system due to its role in housing a large portion of the body's immune cells and its constant interaction with the external environment through the food we consume. Within the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), a significant portion of the body's immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and antigen-presenting cells, are concentrated, actively surveilling for pathogens and foreign invaders.

Additionally, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in educating and modulating the immune system, helping to distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. This intricate interplay between immune cells, the gut microbiota, and the gut epithelium forms a dynamic barrier that defends against pathogens while maintaining immune tolerance to harmless antigens, highlighting the pivotal role of the gut in immune function and overall health.

Tummy Trouble

When it comes to tummy trouble we need to understand the intricate relationship between gut health, overall well-being, and the diverse ecosystem of microorganisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract that make up the human microbiome. Tummy trouble tends to always come alongside issues with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, stress and food allergies/intolerances. 

• Bloating, wind, colic pain
• Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO_
• Inflammatory bowel disorders - Crohns, IBD, Colitis, etc
• Leaky Gut
• Parasites, dysbiosis
• Digestive slowness, lack of appetite or big appetite
• Bulimia, anorexia, picky eating
• Constipation, diarrohea
• Stool incontinence 

The Microbiome

When the body's microbiome is disrupted, it can lead to a great many things - immune dysregulation, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune conditions. Moreover, the gut microbiome produces various metabolites and compounds that influence immune cell activity and inflammation levels throughout the body. Therefore, addressing tummy troubles often involves restoring harmony to the microbiome, which in turn supports a robust immune system and overall gut health.

Functional Testing

Offering:

• Microbiome mapping
• Food IgE, IgG, and IgA testing
• Oral microbiome mapping
• Parasite screening
• and more