From the Guidelines
A functional medicine gut healing protocol should prioritize gut-directed hypnotherapy as a key component, given its strong evidence base for short-term and long-term efficacy in managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, as demonstrated in a meta-analysis of 6 RCTs recruiting 639 patients 1.
Key Components of the Protocol
- Diet: An elimination diet for 4-6 weeks, removing common inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, processed sugar, alcohol, and artificial additives, while focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods including vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fermented foods.
- Supplements: Incorporate gut-supporting supplements such as a high-quality probiotic (25-50 billion CFU daily), L-glutamine (5-10g daily), digestive enzymes with meals, and zinc carnosine (75mg twice daily) to support the intestinal lining and restore beneficial gut bacteria.
- Stress Management: Address stress through daily mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing for 10-15 minutes, and consider gut-directed hypnotherapy, which has been shown to modulate the gut-brain axis and improve symptoms in patients with IBS 1.
- Lifestyle: Ensure adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly) and regular moderate exercise (30 minutes most days), and stay hydrated with 2-3 liters of filtered water daily.
Implementation and Monitoring
- Start with the elimination diet and supplement regimen, and gradually introduce gut-directed hypnotherapy sessions, which can be individualized or group-based, depending on the patient's needs and preferences.
- Monitor symptoms and adjust the protocol as needed, with regular follow-up appointments to assess progress and make any necessary changes.
- After the initial healing phase, gradually reintroduce eliminated foods one at a time to identify specific triggers, and maintain a personalized diet that continues to support gut health long-term.
From the Research
Functional Medicine Gut Healing Protocol
The functional medicine approach to gut healing involves a combination of lifestyle interventions, dietary changes, and supplementation. Some key components of this protocol include:
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support gut health 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These have been shown to have prebiotic effects and can help alter the gut microbiome composition 3, 4, 5, 6
- Prebiotics: Non-digestible fibers that can help feed the good bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy gut microbiome 3, 4
- Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that can help support gut health and boost the immune system 4
- Stress reduction: High levels of stress can negatively impact gut health, making stress reduction techniques like meditation and yoga important components of a gut healing protocol 2
- Supplements: Certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics can be useful in supporting gut health, but it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen 3, 4, 5, 6
Key Nutrients for Gut Health
Some key nutrients that can support gut health include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Specifically EPA and DHA, which have been shown to have prebiotic effects and support gut health 3, 4, 5, 6
- Fiber: A high-fiber diet can help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria 2, 4
- Polyphenols: These compounds, found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help support gut health and reduce inflammation 4
Supplementation Guidelines
When it comes to supplementation, it's essential to follow guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional. Some general guidelines include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Aim for 1,000-1,500 mg per day of combined EPA and DHA, in the form of triglycerides, for at least 12 weeks 6
- Prebiotics: Choose a well-characterized prebiotic like inulin, and follow the recommended dosage 3
- Probiotics: Select a probiotic supplement with multiple strains and follow the recommended dosage 4