Gut Health Testing at Evoke 5

Understanding Gut Health

The gut is a complex system that includes the digestive tract, microbiome and immune system. The microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms that live in the gut. It is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and overall health.

Gut health is influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures. These factors can either support or disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. 

In the simplest terms, a healthy gut means you have more good bacteria than harmful bacteria.

The Importance of Gut Health

The health of your gut can positively or negatively affect many other systems of your body. In fact, current research demonstrates that the gut microbiome can affect every single organ in our body! For example, gut health plays a key role in:

• Effectively breaking down the food you eat and absorbing essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• Defending against harmful pathogens and bacteria, helping to prevent infections and diseases
• Two-way communication with the brain, which influences mood, behavior, cognitive function and mental health
• Controlling inflammation and reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases, heart disease and cancer
• Weight management and metabolism
• Synthesizing vitamins, like B vitamins and vitamin K, which are essential for various bodily functions
• Maintaining regular and healthy bowel movements, preventing issues like constipation and diarrhea
• Reducing the risk of allergies and autoimmune diseases

Signs of Poor Gut Health

People with less-than-optimal gut health may experience a whole host of negative symptoms, such as:

Rather than simply treating the symptoms of poor gut health, at Evoke 5, we work with patients to identify and address the root causes of their health concerns. If we can help you, please get in touch.

Gut Health Testing

At Evoke 5, we utilize the most advanced gut health testing to diagnose issues in the gut. The two most common gut health tests we order are:

• The gut microbiome stool test, one of the most comprehensive digestive health tests available today. This test assesses bacteria, yeast, viruses and parasites in the gut microbiome, as well as relevant digestive and inflammatory markers.
• The food intolerance/sensitivity test, which assesses sensitivity to common foods in the Western diet, as well as food additives like preservatives, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, food dyes and pesticides.

The gut health test results come with a comprehensive, personalized report, which we review in detail with you. We then use the information to develop an individualized treatment plan to help you address your gut health concerns and reach your health goals.

Gut Health Testing Cost

We offer insurance billing for office visits only. All other services, including gut health testing, are to be paid for out of pocket at the time of service. We are happy to provide you with a quote prior to your appointment. Please contact us with any questions or for a cost estimate. 

Improving your gut health

Gut health is influenced by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, stress, medications and environmental exposures. Some common ways we work with patients to improve gut health include:

• Diet. A diet high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome and lead to inflammation and other health problems. On the other hand, a diet rich in whole foods, fiber and fermented foods can promote a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall health.
• Stress. Chronic stress can disrupt the gut-brain axis and lead to inflammation and other health problems. Stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing and exercise can help to reduce stress and improve gut health.
• Medications. Medications can disrupt gut health by altering the balance of the gut microbiome. Antibiotics, for example, can kill both harmful AND beneficial bacteria in the gut. Proton pump inhibitors used to treat acid reflux can also disrupt gut health by reducing stomach acid, which is essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Environmental exposures. Pollution, toxins and pesticides can also disrupt gut health by damaging the gut lining and altering the gut microbiome. Avoiding exposure to these environmental toxins and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes can help to promote a healthy gut.
• Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also important for maintaining a healthy gut.

Beyond Gut Health testing

Gut health testing is one of many advanced tools we utilize at Evoke 5 Medical Center to help our patients achieve their optimal health. In addition to gut health testing, other services available at Evoke 5 Medical Center include:

• Functional Medicine Primary Care
• Lab Testing
• Gut Testing
• Environmental Toxin Testing
• Micronutrient Testing
• Genetic Testing
• IV Therapy
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Peptide Therapy

In-Office and Virtual Appointments

There are several opportunities to collaborate with Evoke 5 on your health:

• We are seeing patients in-person at our functional medicine clinic in Oklahoma City.
• We also offer online functional medicine consultations for anyone looking to optimize their overall wellbeing – regardless of where you live.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule your appointment.