Refresh Your Soul

  The Rising Tide of Digestive Disorders: A Functional Perspective on Modern Root Causes Digestive disorders have become increasingly prevalent over the past decade, with rising rates of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer in younger adults, and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). While genetics play a role, the sharp increase in prevalence over a short period suggests significant environmental and lifestyle shifts as key drivers. From depleted soil nutrients to modern dietary patterns, chronic stress, trauma, and toxic exposures, a functional medicine lens helps us connect these dots in understanding why our collective gut health is under strain.   1. Decreased Mineral Density in Soil The modern industrialized food system emphasizes yield and efficiency, often at the expense of soil quality. Over time, the mineral content of soil has declined, reducing the nutritional value of produce. Hooda et al. (2004) highlight ho...

  A Functional Medicine Approach to SIBO and Methane Overgrowth Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and its methane-dominant form—now termed Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO)—are key contributors to chronic digestive complaints such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. While conventional treatment often relies on symptom suppression or singular pharmaceutical approaches, the functional medicine model aims to uncover the root causes behind these overgrowths and restore balance to the gut ecosystem. By integrating advanced testing, targeted nutrition, herbal antimicrobials, and motility support, this approach provides both relief and resilience.   Understanding SIBO and Methane Overgrowth SIBO is characterized by an abnormal increase in the population of bacteria in the small intestine, typically resulting from impaired motility, post-infectious changes, or structural anomalies. In contrast, IMO is caused by an overgrowth of archaea, such as Methan...