How To Assess Your Digestion

Dr Marc Bubbs ND, CSCS, ART

Your intestinal tract hosts a complex and vast array of bacteria.  Some just stop by for a visit, while others are found in large numbers and play key roles in maintaining optimal health. These friendly probiotic bacteria help to assimilate nutrients, produce essential vitamins, balance immune function, cool inflammation and assist in detoxifying toxins.  It is a symbiotic relationship between you and these billions of ‘good’ gut bacteria.

Intestinal dysbiosis is the term used to describe an imbalance of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ intestinal microflora, where pathogenic or ‘bad’ gut bacteria accumulate and compromise the efficiency of the digestive system. How do ‘bad’ gut bacteria take over in the intestinal tract?  There are several important factors; stress, diets high in refined sugar, alcohol, processed carbohydrates, coffee, unhealthy fats, and the overuse of anti-biotics can all contribute to intestinal dysbiosis.

Symptoms of dysbiosis include gas, bloating, intestinal discomfort or pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, food sensitivities, and chronic joint or muscle pain. The best way to assess your digestive function is to perform a CSA test (Complete Stool Analysis). The CSA is a battery of tests that will assess the balance of ‘good’ to ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut, as well as critical immune factors in the gut that are important for your recovery and performance.

If your energy levels are low or you feel like your performance or recovery is sub-optimal, then contact NSM today to get your CSA tested and get your energy and performance back on track.

Dr. Marc Bubbs N.D. has been working with athletes and active people for almost a decade. As a Naturopathic Doctor and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Marc focuses on the integration of health and exercise, believing that movement is the best medicine. He focuses on a holistic approach, using a combination of traditional Eastern and cutting-edge Western medicine to meet his client’s health and performance goals. To book an appointment with Dr. Bubbs, please contact the Integrative Health Institute at 416 260 6038.