Gluten-free for gut health: should you try it?

If you're experiencing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, reflux, or unexplained fatigue, you’ve probably been told by a loved one, a friend, or a professional that you should eliminate gluten. If this sounds like you and you’re wondering whether or not eliminating gluten might help heal your gut, this article is for you. 

Let’s dive in together.

Hi there, I’m Kari Natwick, an integrative and functional dietitian specializing in improving women's gut health. If you are a women who is confused and overwhelmed by your health issues, I'm here to help you determine the root cause of your gut, energy, and hormonal imbalances. My goal is for you to move beyond temporary and band-aid solutions by implementing customized and personalized interventions to support and guide you in your journey to healing. By doing so, you can focus on the things that matter most in your life rather...

When I first discovered functional medicine, I felt like I had found my home in how I served clients.  

Finally, a realm where the entirety of an individual—mind, body, and spirit—was acknowledged and addressed. However, amidst the promising landscape, there's a shadow side that's hard to ignore.

More and more, I see practitioners who present themselves as integrative or functional providers but lack proper training, expertise, experience, and credentials.  

Hi, I'm Kari, a functional gut health dietitian. I am dedicated to helping women break free from gut dysfunction and empowering them to live with energy, radiance, and purpose, free from digestive symptoms.

In this article, I will explain what functional medicine means and provide information to help you find the right functional medicine practitioner for your needs. It is important to understand that we’re not all the same!

The dark side of functional medicine

Functional medicine is...

Just mentioning the word parasites (eeks!) can draw a reaction from anyone.  

If you are someone who feels like you have tried everything to heal and improve your health through testing, supplements, and diet changes, but you’re still feeling sick, fatigued, and have GI symptoms, listen up.  Parasites may be the reason.

I’m Kari, an integrative and functional dietitian who specializes in working with people with GI-related conditions such as IBS, chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, reflux, and nausea.  

In this article, we’ll explore what parasites are, where they come from, how to test for parasites, and everything you need to know if you do have them. 

Am I at risk of a parasitic infection?

Some of the key system imbalances in the body that can make you vulnerable to infections in the gut, such as parasites, include immune dysregulation, inflammation, impaired detoxification, hormonal imbalances, GI...