The conversion of food to substances that support healthy metabolism is a complex process involving interaction among the digestive, nervous, endocrine, immune, hepatobiliary, and microbiome systems. This represents a quintessential example of network systems activity which is a foundational concept underlying the Functional Medicine model. Over the past decade considerable progress has been made in the development of a more comprehensive understanding of this “supersystem” that regulates the processing of nutrients derived from the diet into cellular energy that controls both the structure and function of the individual.
This two-part educational series will focus on the advances in understanding as to how to assess alterations in the function of the gastrointestinal supersystem and develop personalized approach to managing clinical conditions associated with upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders including hypochlorhydria, pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, peptic ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), dysbiosis, bile acid insufficiency, intestinal permeability disorders, fat soluble nutrient malabsorption syndromes, incomplete protein digestion disorders, and chronic irritable bowel conditions presenting as both constipation and diarrhea.
Jeff Bland, PhD
Malisa Carullo BSC, MSC, ND
Dr. Kate Kregse
