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

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.