The Importance of Gut Health

We have no choice but to pay more attention to our stomach on days when it aches and has us down. Researchers have found that your gut health is actually tied to many other issues like fatigue, insomnia, skin issues, moodiness, cravings, stress management, and more. When they say what you eat matters, they aren’t kidding! In this blog we will dive into more of that and find out the best foods for gut health using a functional medicine doctor in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City. 

Gut Health Using a Functional Medicine Doctor in Overland Park

A functional medicine approach (also known as integrative medicine approach) to gut health allows you to personalize the process rather than guessing, spending a bunch of extra money, and possibly causing more issues. This approach includes sitting down with your functional health doctor in Overland Park to review your habits, symptoms, and routines. Testing will likely be prescribed to find out exactly where you’re at right now and the best steps to heal your gut naturally (also why you may here a functional health doctor referred to as a naturopathic, alternative or holistic doctor). A lot of this can be done through the foods you eat.

functional medicine doctor in Overland Park. 

Top Ten Gut-Healthy Foods

We all love to eat. Why not eat foods that taste good AND help improve our body? We’re not talking about just getting the benefit of weight loss from healthier foods. Putting the right foods in will give you better focus, sleep, moods, and more! When you look good AND feel good we know you will be happier. So let’s dive into the top ten gut-healthy foods your functional health doctor in Overland Park might suggest:

  • Yogurt
  • Kefir
  • Banana
  • Mango
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Walnuts
  • Chickpeas
  • Seaweed
  • Broccoli

Prebiotics: The Secret Ingredient

Prebiotics, to put it simply, are known for helping your body to create “good bacteria”. Bananas are a popular option low in calories, as well as good for heart health, blood pressure and skin. 

functional medicine doctor in Overland Park. 

Probiotics: The Good Bacteria

Now that you’ve created the good bacteria, let’s talk about it! Probiotics are good bacteria in your digestive system. These can help your body absorb the vitamins and minerals it needs instead of just passing them through the system. Here are a few foods/drinks high in probiotics: kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, mangoes, and chickpeas.

Fermented Foods: The Powerhouses for Gut Health

Another term you may hear from your functional medicine practitioner is a fermented food. Fermented foods are seen as good for some people and bad for others. The benefit of working with a professional to improve your health is that they can help you determine if these are right for you. A few of these food/beverages include sauerkraut and kefir. These foods are meant to increase microorganisms, but for immune-compromised people, they could have a negative impact. See your practitioner for more information. 

Maintaining Optimal Gut Health: Consistency is Key

The main goal you and your doctor will discuss is how to make this a habit and a lifestyle change. Understanding the variety of foods, and any other vitamins you should take to complement them will help you to balance out your gut health and make you feel better overall. 

Functional Medicine Cost of Care

Now that you have a better understanding of things you might discuss with your functional medicine doctor in the Kansas City area, let’s look at what it costs to see Dr. Melinda Griffin in her Overland Park office:

  • New Patient Consultation – $300
  • Review of Findings and Treatment Plan Appointment – $300
  • Follow Up Phone Consultations to monitor treatment progress will be billed at $300 per hour. Follow-up appointments are typically between 15-30 minutes. A follow-up phone call is recommended 2 weeks after beginning supplements, 4 weeks after beginning supplements, then monthly while the active treatment plan is taking place (approximately 6 months).
  • Patients should budget $500-$850 for Functional Medicine laboratory testing and $200-$300 per month for supplements.
  • Lab interpretation fee of $40 per laboratory test performed.**6 Month Package Available

Integrated Care with Chiropractic and Functional Medicine

Combining the expertise of chiropractic care and functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to health that significantly benefits patients. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, providing relief from issues such as back pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. Functional medicine, on the other hand, dives deeper to address the root causes of diseases, such as digestive issues and chronic fatigue, by considering the patient’s lifestyle, diet, and overall well-being.

Having a doctor trained in both disciplines means patients receive personalized treatment plans that not only alleviate symptoms but enhance their overall health. This integrated approach leads to more thorough evaluations and tailored therapies that align with each patient’s unique needs. Furthermore, patients gain valuable insights through enhanced education on maintaining long-term health via lifestyle changes and effective rehabilitation programs.

The synergy of chiropractic and functional medicine ensures improved communication and coordination within the patient’s care team, streamlined under one knowledgeable provider. This holistic, patient-centered approach not only targets immediate health concerns but also implements preventive measures, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction.

Book an Appointment With Your Local Functional Medicine Doctor in Kansas City

Whichever route you choose, Dr. Melinda Griffin at Functional Health KC is here to help you with your gut health issues every step of the way. In addition to being able to help with functional medicine, you can schedule chiropractic and acupuncture visits in the same office. Dr. Mike and Dr. Melinda Griffin have a true passion for holistic wellness and are excited to help you with your health journey. To get started, contact us by filling out our contact form and setting an appointment. 

How do Chiropractic Care and Functional Health Come Together as the Perfect Approach to Holistic Healthcare?

Functional Health KC offers chiropractic care in areas like KC, Overland Park, and Leawood offers a holistic approach to health and wellness by focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Chiropractic practitioners, such as Dr. Mike and Dr. Melinda Griffin, in Johnson County emphasize personalized treatment plans tailored to alleviate pain and improve function through spinal adjustments and other non-invasive techniques. These holistic methods not only address immediate discomfort but also foster long-term health by promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Seeking the best chiropractic services near me becomes easier with the availability of a reputable clinic in Johnson County. Patients often look for personalized care that addresses their specific needs, whether it involves back pain, prenatal pain, headaches, neck pain, TMJ, TMDD, foot pain, hand or wrist pain, rib, arthritis or gut and stomach issues, posture correction, or stress relief. Booking an appointment with a professional chiropractor in the Kansas City metropolitan area can be a pivotal step toward achieving optimal health. Embracing chiropractic care means choosing a path that nurtures overall well-being, making it a preferred option for many individuals in the region.