Microbiome Analysis
Frequently asked questions about gut microbiome analysis and gastrointestinal disorders
Believe it or not, we have more bacteria, viruses, and fungi in and on our bodies than total cells. Our “microbiome” helps define how our body functions and our long-term well-being. Our doctors at the New York Center for Integrative Medicine of Manhattan, New York offer microbiome analysis in New York, New York, to help patients get a snapshot of their gut health and guide their treatment options. Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about the microbiome and the gut microbiome analysis for gastrointestinal disorders.
Understanding the microbiome
For the most part, microflora lives in balance within your body. In fact, a large number of them are beneficial. They play an essential role in the function of our digestive system, helping us absorb and assimilate essential nutrients. They also play a vital role in your immune system by making your body less hospitable to pathogens. Unfortunately, there are quite a few factors that can negatively impact the health of our microbiome, which can have long-term health consequences.
Treatments available for Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Dr. Robert Kachko
Dr. Robert Kachko here. I have put together a cutting-edge program to help people dealing with digestive disorders.
We specialize in patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel Syndrome can manifest in many different ways for different people.
Some people present with pain, bloating, or gas fluctuations between diarrhea and constipation and sensitivity to almost any food.
How can Irritable Bowel Syndrome be diagnosed?
The challenge with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is it can take years for people to get diagnosed. It is a diagnosis of exclusion.
It means we do a couple of testing based on gastrointestinal perspective, and if there are no other digestive disorders diagnosed, you might get a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
What are the treatment options available for IBS?
At our practice, we take a completely different approach. While we help you rule out all those common digestive disorders, we will also do functional medicine testing.
This might include stool tests, breath tests, more comprehensive blood work to assess things like your microbiome, likelihood of having a condition called SIBO, which is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
We will also test for any likelihood that you have inflammation, difficulty absorbing your food, or assimilating nutrients.
Why should someone visit NY Center For Integrative Health for IBS treatments?
We are an Integrative Medicine Clinic that combines the best from functional medicine and invests in conventional gastroenterology alongside naturopathic medicine and acupuncture.
This will give you the tools that you need to find relief both now and long into the future. Some of those ways might include IV therapy to replace the nutrients that you might be deficient in.
We might recommend prescription medications or botanical medicines to help you with your symptoms. We take a comprehensive approach that honors who you are as a person, treating you, your mind, body, and spirit.
Digestive disorders affect a large number of people throughout the world. Book a consultation with us today.
The importance of having a healthy digestive system - Dr. Robert Kachko
Hi, this is Dr. Robert Kachko. In our practice, we see a lot of patients with chronic digestive conditions.
Having worked with thousands of patients with digestive conditions, we understand that long term and whole-body health often starts in the digestive tract.
The nervous system, the immune system, and our body’s likelihood of being inflamed all correlate to the digestive system’s health.
How can the health of the digestive system be measured?
To understand the health of each person’s digestion, in addition to their symptoms, we can do truly comprehensive testing.
At the New York Center for Integrative Health, we do stool testing to assess the microbiome. We can do breath-testing to look for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
We also do stool testing to look for inflammation, absorption, and assimilation of essential nutrients, overgrowth of parasites, bacteria, viruses, etc.
What is included in a treatment plan for a healthy digestive system?
Once we have a thorough understanding of each individual’s digestive health, we can create a customized treatment plan.
When it comes to a customized treatment plan, we are always taking a holistic, integrative approach. Some of our patients will be recommended to receive IV nutrient therapy.
Other patients might do well with acupuncture, mind-body medicine, botanicals, targeted nutraceuticals, and sometimes pharmaceutical medications to help each individual in a personalized and precise way.
What can happen if my microbiome is not in balance?
A microbiome out of balance can contribute to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, allergies and asthma, diabetes, depression and anxiety, acne and skin issues, and cancer. It is also linked to obesity, and many people trying to lose weight have a much harder time if they do not address the health of their microbiome. Additionally, you may be present with nutrient deficiencies when you don’t have the gut bacteria to help you absorb your food.
Who can I call to learn more about gut microbiome analysis and gastrointestinal disorders?
If you are looking for a naturopathic doctor “near me” in the area of New York, we invite you to contact our office for more information. At the New York Center for Integrative Health, we practice functional medicine that harnesses your body’s natural ability to heal. Our clinical team can use microbiome analysis to tell you about the health of your gut and your risk of various microbiome-related disorders. Contact us at (917) 477-3538 today to set an appointment and start your path to a healthier life. If you are interested in more information about gut microbiome analysis in Manhattan, New York, request an appointment today
Dr. Robert Kachko, Founder and Director of the NY Center for Integrative Health, is a pioneer in Naturopathic and Integrative Medicine and has developed an extensive bio-psychosocial methodology for people living with chronic diseases. As Immediate Past President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Kachko advocates for healthcare reform to allow everyone accesses to the kind of care our clinic provides.
