Gut Health
Discover integrative solutions to achieve optimal digestion, immune strength, and overall well-being with personalized care at Capital Integrative Health.
About Gut Health
Hippocrates famously said, “All disease begins in the gut.” And for good reason—the gut plays a central role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and shaping the immune system’s strength and resilience.
Poor gut health can lead to chronic digestive issues, mental health concerns, autoimmune diseases, and even heart disease or cancer.
Common Symptoms and Conditions:
Digestive issues
Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux
Brain fog, anxiety, or depression
Chronic infections, fatigue, or inflammatory bowel disease
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Skin problems
Acne, eczema, psoriasis
The Nutrition-Gut Connection:
Every meal is an opportunity to nourish or disrupt your gut. It’s not just what you eat but what your body absorbs. Maintaining a healthy gut lining and microbiome ensures optimal nutrient absorption, immune resilience, and vitality.
Common Causes of Poor Gut Health
Poor gut health can result from various underlying conditions:
Imbalance in gut microbiota (gut dysbiosis)
Low dietary fiber, high processed food intake, and inflammatory seed oils
Chronic stress, disrupting gut-brain communication
Overuse of antibiotics or exposure to environmental toxins
Hormonal imbalances and enzyme deficiencies
CIH’s Comprehensive Gut Health Approach
At CIH, we understand that no two digestive systems are the same. We provide personalized, science-based care that connects your unique history, microbiome, and symptoms to tailor a plan for lasting gut health.
What Sets CIH Apart?
Holistic Assessment
We map your personal biology through a detailed timeline, advanced tests, and nutritional analysis.
Science Meets Compassion
Every recommendation is evidence-based and aligned with your individual goals.
Total Body Healing
We combine functional medicine, nutrition, IV therapy, and wellness services to support long-term gut health.
Advanced Testing Offered:
Microbiome analysis with the DSL Gi-MAP test
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) breath testing
Food allergy and sensitivity testing (F.A.S.T.)
Comprehensive bloodwork for vitamins, hormones, and inflammation markers
Trio Smart Test for IBS biomarkers
We offer a range of evidence-based services to support gut health:
Functional Nutrition Counseling
Personalized meal plans to nourish your digestive system.
Acupuncture for Gut Health
Balance your gut-brain connection and reduce inflammation.
Advanced Testing
Comprehensive analysis to guide treatment plans.
Patient Success Stories
Explore the life-changing results achieved by patients at CIH:
35-year-old with IBS symptoms for 20 years: Treatment resolved bloating and constipation by re-establishing her gut-brain connection.
43-year-old with chronic diarrhea: Restored gut health allowed her to enjoy her favorite foods again.
21-year-old with nausea and abdominal pain: Healed his gut to improve his diet and social life.
55-year-old with chronic gastritis: Found relief after detecting and treating Helicobacter pylori.
Our Expert Integrative Team
Our collaborative team incorporates and coordinates many modalities of healing to bring you the best healthcare possible. Meet some of them here.
Araceli Benavides, MS, CNS, LDN, IFMCP
Integrative and Functional Nutrition, Director of Functional Nutrition
Patty McManamee, MS, CNS, LDN, INHC
Integrative and Functional Nutrition
Dr. Claudia Bustamante, ND, MScN
Naturopathic Doctor and MScN
Dr. Andrew Wong, MD, IFMCP
Integrative and Functional Medicine, CEO and Medical Director
Dr. Denia Tapscott, MD
Internal Medicine, Functional Medicine
Elizabeth (EJ) Schaefer, MPAS, PA-C, IFMCP
Integrative and Functional Medicine
Jenessa Mayer, PA-C
Integrative and Functional Medicine
Katie Ritchie, MS, PA-C
Integrative and Functional Medicine
Additional Resources
- Digestive Wellness by Liz Lipski
Rediscover the joy of feeling healthy and whole—starting with your gut.
Reclaim Your Health. Reignite Your Life.
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