Digestive Health

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL

Digestive health is crucial for ensuring proper nutrient absorption. If your body can’t absorb the key nutrients it needs to survive and thrive, every organ system is negatively affected. This includes hormone production, thyroid function, brain cognition, and even your immune system just to name a few.

Digestive health requires you to maintain a balanced Gut Microbiome which describes the global community of all microorganisms (good and bad) living in your GI tract. When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced (dysbiosis), your digestive health suffers. This can present with a multitude of different symptoms from constipation, diarrhea, and bloating, to fatigue, brain fog, hormone deficiencies, and even interrupted sleep for example.

According to a 2022 survey by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), almost 40% of Americans have experienced bowel symptoms that have disrupted their daily lives in the past year. (1)

“Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is the key to disease prevention.”

– Dr. Shapiro

At TribecaMed, Dr. Shapiro has helped his patients improve their gut health with personalized, integrative treatments. Contact our office or call (305) 763-8832 to learn more about how we can restore your health and optimize your digestive function.

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Symptoms of Poor Digestion

Chronic digestive diseases affect more than 40 million people in the United States. (2) Digestive dysfunction can manifest in various ways, affecting overall health and quality of life. These symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and bowel incontinence. Approximately 100 million ambulatory care visits in the United States are the result of digestive diseases. (3)

Signs and symptoms of digestive dysfunction include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping: Persistent or recurrent pain and cramping in the abdomen, which may be related to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, or peptic ulcers.
  • Bloating and gas: Excessive gas production and a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, often due to food intolerances, IBS, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
  • Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools, which can be caused by infections, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Constipation: Infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, often associated with a low-fiber diet, dehydration, IBS, or certain medications.
  • Heartburn and acid reflux: A burning sensation in the chest or throat and the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, commonly due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
  • Nausea and vomiting: Feeling of sickness and the urge to vomit, which can be triggered by infections, food poisoning, gastritis, or migraines.
  • Unintended weight loss: Losing weight without trying, which may be a sign of malabsorption, celiac disease, IBD, or other serious conditions.
  • Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat, which can be associated with digestive disorders, chronic illnesses, stress, or depression.
  • Food intolerances and sensitivities: Adverse reactions to specific foods, such as lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity, leading to symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
  • Fatigue and weakness: Feeling unusually tired or weak, which can result from nutrient deficiencies, malabsorption, or chronic conditions affecting the digestive system.

Digestive Health and Metabolism

Poor digestive health strongly impacts your metabolism. Imbalances in your metabolism can lead to a multitude of health issues:

  • Weight gain and obesity
  • Insulin resistance and Diabetes
  • Low testosterone
  • Eczema, acne, and other skin disorders
  • Heart disease and high blood pressure
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Sleep disorders
  • Thyroid disease
  • Chronic Inflammation
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Digestive Health and Weight Loss

For patients who are struggling with weight gain due to a “slow metabolism”, Dr. Shapiro can help identify the root cause of the symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to resolve these issues.

An important treatment used by Dr. Shapiro to help overweight or obese people may include prescribed weight loss injections like: 

  • Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist that triggers insulin production to help your body lose weight more efficiently.
  • Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist that triggers insulin production and promotes glucagon secretion for effective weight loss.

Benefits of a Personalized Digestive Health Treatment Plan:

  • Weight Loss: Resolving the root cause of your gut issues will speed up your metabolism resulting in weight loss.
  • Reduce abdominal discomfort: You can improve the quality of your daily life by preventing or reversing digestive issues that disrupt your daily routine.
  • Improve nutrient absorption: You can help your body obtain more essential nutrients from your food to improve your overall health.
  • Lower systemic inflammation: Chronic inflammation can stem from digestive tract issues, affecting every organ system, and leading to preventable metabolic diseases that can impact overall health and longevity.
  • Reduce the risk of chronic disease: Persistent inflammation due to digestive tract issues can increase your risk of developing chronic conditions often triggered by your diet. For example, western diets have been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even itchy, inflamed skin (atopic dermatitis) just to name a few. (4)
  • Maintain a healthy digestive tract: Correcting digestive tract issues can help you maintain regular bowel movements and healthy digestive function in general.

Ideal Candidates for Digestive Health Consultations

Dr. Shapiro integrates important clinical strategies of functional medicine to improve the digestive health of his patients by identifying and treating the root cause of their symptoms. 

“The best candidates for a digestive health consultation with me are not only those with abdominal symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. Gut dysfunction is often the root cause of nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, eczema, depressed mood, and even symptoms of low T.” 

-Dr. Shapiro

Dr. Shapiro’s initial diagnostic approach to optimizing digestive health:

  • GI MAP microbiome stool test
  • InBody composition analysis
  • Fasting blood work
  • Food allergy testing (if recommended)
  • Medical Evaluation (in-office or telemedicine)

Before your consultation, you may need to complete comprehensive fasting blood work to assess your metabolic health which includes:

  • Various metabolic markers
  • Important micronutrient levels
  • Inflammation markers
  • Multiple hormone levels

Integrating these findings with InBody composition analysis and specialized stool or food allergy testing allows Dr. Shapiro to create a personalized and targeted treatment plan for your digestive health concern.

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“Microbiome stool testing, like the GI MAP, is essential to understanding the root cause of digestive health issues coming from the GI tract.”

– Dr. Shapiro

Gut Microbiome Testing: GI-Map Stool Test

Poor Gut Health Miami, FL

Dr. Shapiro has created a comprehensive, data-driven approach to helping his patients identify the root cause of their digestive issues with the use of the GI MAP microbiome stool test. The GI MAP is a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that uses quantitative PCR technology to analyze the DNA of your gut microbiota. This test helps us understand the balance of bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses in your digestive tract. 

The GI-Map stool test can provide insights into various aspects of your gut health, including:

  • Pathogenic bacteria and parasites: Identifies harmful organisms that could be causing symptoms
  • Beneficial bacteria levels: Assesses the levels of good bacteria necessary for a healthy gut
  • Markers of inflammation: Detects inflammatory markers that might indicate underlying conditions
  • Gut immune function: Determines how well your innate gut immune system (secretory IgA) is responding

Personalized Treatment Plans

The detailed information from the GI-Map stool test allows Dr. Shapiro to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific gut health needs. These plans may include:

  • Targeted anti-microbial plans: Personalized medications or supplements designed to eradicate the overgrowth of pro-inflammatory bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition plans: Customized, dietary recommendations to support gut health and address imbalances
  • Probiotics and prebiotics: Supplements to restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria
  • Lifestyle modifications: Guidance on exercise, stress management, and sleep to enhance digestive health
  • Medical interventions: When necessary, prescribed medications to address specific gut conditions identified by the test

Personalized Nutritional Support & Supplements

To complement your recommended gut protocol, Dr. Shapiro will create anti-inflammatory nutritional programs and personalized supplement programs to support your body, providing it with vital nutrients for optimal health.

Dr. Shapiro can also create nutritional and supplement program recommendations for patients interested in fertility treatments or weight loss programs. He takes an integrative approach to digestive health and will consider all of your goals before developing a treatment plan. Dr. Shapiro may also recommend lifestyle changes involving specific diet and exercise to help your body recover.

During your consultation, he can discuss your symptoms to determine which supplements are a good fit for you.

Ready to improve your gut health? Take the first step towards a healthier gut and better overall health. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shapiro, and let his expert team guide you with personalized care.

The Cost of Digestive Health Treatments in Miami Beach

The cost of your digestive health treatment can vary depending on your individualized treatment plan. Dr. Shapiro’s patients have been able to improve their daily lives by resolving digestive symptoms that disrupt their daily routine.

Contact our office or call (305) 763-8832 to learn more about how we can provide relief with integrative digestive treatments.

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FAQ

How do you integrate functional medicine strategies to improve digestive health?         

Dr. Shapiro integrates functional medicine by focusing on identifying and treating the underlying causes of digestive issues rather than just managing symptoms. His approach includes personalized treatment plans based on comprehensive diagnostic testing (like the GI-Map stool test) and addressing metabolic factors through nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and targeted therapies.

How can insulin resistance affect gut health? 

Insulin resistance can disrupt gut microbiota composition, increase gut permeability (leaky gut), and promote inflammation in the digestive tract. These factors contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Are there dietary recommendations or lifestyle changes that can support digestive health? 

Yes, we provide customized dietary recommendations tailored to your specific digestive issues and metabolic health. Additionally, adopting lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can significantly support digestive wellness.

What are the common symptoms of digestive issues linked to metabolic imbalances? 

Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Metabolic imbalances like obesity or thyroid dysfunction can exacerbate these symptoms by disrupting gut function and microbiota balance.

References

  1. Reed C. New survey finds forty percent of Americans’ daily lives are disrupted by digestive troubles. American Gastroenterological Association. Published September 14, 2022. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://gastro.org/press-releases/new-survey-finds-forty-percent-of-americans-daily-lives-are-disrupted-by-digestive-troubles/#:~:text=As%20part%20of%20the%20campaign 
  2. Wang R, Li Z, Liu S, Zhang D. Global, regional, and national burden of 10 digestive diseases in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. Front Public Health. 2023;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1061453 
  3. Almario CV, Ballal ML, Chey WD, Nordstrom C, Khanna D, Spiegel BMR. Burden of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the United States: Results of a Nationally Representative Survey of Over 71,000 Americans. The American journal of gastroenterology. 2018;113(11):1701-1710. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41395-018-0256-8
  4. Utay NS, Somasunderam A, Hinkle JE, et al. Serum Bovine Immunoglobulins Improve Inflammation and Gut Barrier Function in Persons with HIV and Enteropathy on Suppressive ART. Pathogens and Immunity. 2019;4(1):124-146. doi:https://doi.org/10.20411/pai.v4i1.276

Contact TribecaMed Today

Request a virtual or in-office consultation with Dr. Shapiro.

305-203-3120
305-763-8832
@tribecamed
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