The Role of Functional Nutrition and Gut Health

There’s been a lot of talk about gut health these days, and for good reason. A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being, as it plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

A balanced gut microbiome helps reduce inflammation, supports mental health through the gut-brain axis, and improves energy levels. A healthy gut can also prevent chronic diseases and enhance the body’s ability to detoxify.

At motus HEALTH, our nutritionist Monica Moniz has recently completed a functional nutrition course, enhancing our ability to address gut health along with other health issues. Ideal candidates for this service are those with autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease or inflammatory conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Getting to the Root Cause With Function Nutrition

While the conventional medical approach treats symptoms, functional nutrition seeks to identify and treat the underlying causes of health problems. It comprehensively analyzes a patient’s lifestyle, diet, and health history. Monica now sends intake forms 48-72 hours before appointments, allowing her to investigate and start formulating strategies even before her initial meeting with patients.

What Is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, is an increasingly common gut disorder. It occurs when the lining of the gut becomes compromised. This allows bacteria and toxins to “leak” into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and potentially contributing to conditions ranging from autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia to skin conditions and even mental health issues.

Monica can help address this disorder by providing personalized nutrition recommendations.

Tips for Better Belly Health

Here are Monica’s recommendations to improve gut health:

• Eat Balanced Meals: Include protein, fat, and fiber in every meal to support digestion and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
• Consume Prebiotic Foods: Incorporate onions, garlic, and leeks into your diet to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote a healthy microbiome.
• Choose Probiotic-rich Foods: Consume kombucha, yogurt, and kefir regularly to introduce beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion and improve gut health.
• Introduce Probiotics Slowly: If you’re new to probiotics, start slowly to avoid digestive discomfort and give your body time to adjust to the new bacteria.

More About Monica

Possessing considerable expertise in nutrition, Monica enhances our patients’ care by identifying potential nutritional issues contributing to their existing conditions. With her up-to-date knowledge of best practices, she provides nutritional advice to support treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Her expertise adds a valuable tool to our patient-centered approach, aiding in better diet management and overall healing.