Gut Health

Knowing what’s going on in your gut is essential to maintaining good health. At Bridge City Family Medical Clinic, the experienced medical specialists offer comprehensive health evaluations to learn more about your gut’s microbiome and its effect on your overall wellness. The team provides in-office stool tests to measure the levels of different microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract and can recommend personalized strategies you can use to optimize your gut health. Call the Portland, Oregon, office to schedule a gut health consultation or book an evaluation online today. 

Why is gut health important?

Your gut plays a vital role in your overall wellness. The bacteria and microbes within your gut aid your digestive processes and also support your immune system, brain function, and heart health. When your gut health is poor, you may be more susceptible to acute illness and chronic disease.

Bridge City Family Medical Clinic offers comprehensive care plans to improve your gut health and reduce your risk for gut-related complications. The providers use evidence-based strategies to optimize healthy bacteria in your gut to support your long-term wellness.

How do I know my gut health is poor?

Many people experience a few occasions when their stomach is upset after eating certain foods or traveling. These gut issues are usually temporary and resolve on their own in a few days.

You should schedule a gut health evaluation at Bridge City Family Medical Clinic if you experience ongoing gut issues like:

• Gas
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Loose stools

These issues can indicate that you have more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in your gut. Harmful bacteria can result from a lack of good nutrition, the use of antibiotics, and other lifestyle factors.

What can I expect during a gut health evaluation?

During your gut health evaluation at Bridge City Family Medical Clinic, the team provides microbiome tests to measure your gastrointestinal tract's bacteria and other microorganisms.

Testing requires that you provide a stool sample. The team tests the sample to learn more about the microorganisms in your gut and at what levels. Certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can be present in your gastrointestinal tract can increase your risk for chronic health issues like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Colorectal cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Based on the results of your microbiome test, the medical team can recommend lifestyle and diet changes you can make to improve your gut health. They can discuss any supplements you might need to support your body’s nutritional needs and also offer medically supervised weight loss services to help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Call Bridge City Family Medical Clinic to schedule a gut health evaluation or book an appointment online today.