Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians in Douglas County, CO

Photo of Tori Taggart - Rooted Health & Wellness, LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Rooted Health & Wellness, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS
Castle Rock, CO 80104
I work with clients with a variety of conditions ranging from Autoimmune disease, cancer, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety and depression, ADHD/Autism, infertility, thyroid conditions, arthritis, weight loss concerns, sports nutrition.
Integrative Clinical nutrition is based on a scientific, evidence-based approach that considers the uniqueness of each person's biochemical individuality, in conjunction with genetic, environmental , lifestyle, mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship factors that impact the state of health. My personal story may be just like your own. Like many of you reading this, I suffered many years with health conditions that didn't fit into the mold of conventional medicine.
I work with clients with a variety of conditions ranging from Autoimmune disease, cancer, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, anxiety and depression, ADHD/Autism, infertility, thyroid conditions, arthritis, weight loss concerns, sports nutrition.
Integrative Clinical nutrition is based on a scientific, evidence-based approach that considers the uniqueness of each person's biochemical individuality, in conjunction with genetic, environmental , lifestyle, mental, emotional, spiritual and relationship factors that impact the state of health. My personal story may be just like your own. Like many of you reading this, I suffered many years with health conditions that didn't fit into the mold of conventional medicine.
(314) 310-4291 View (314) 310-4291
Photo of Debbie Lew - Created For Wellness Nutritional Therapy Llc, Nutritionist/Dietitian, FNTP
Debbie Lew - Created For Wellness Nutritional Therapy Llc
Nutritionist/Dietitian, FNTP
Serves Area
I utilize natural, evidence-based strategies that are effective such as targeted nutrients to support brain health, gut healing & restoration, detox, homeopathy and lifestyle changes.
My approach is functional, holistic, customized to your goals & valuing your bio-individuality. I will find the root cause of your symptoms, educate you to be empowered with your choices, & support your body to heal and function optimally every day. Experience your best health so that your true self can shine & your life can be lived to the fullest.
I utilize natural, evidence-based strategies that are effective such as targeted nutrients to support brain health, gut healing & restoration, detox, homeopathy and lifestyle changes.
My approach is functional, holistic, customized to your goals & valuing your bio-individuality. I will find the root cause of your symptoms, educate you to be empowered with your choices, & support your body to heal and function optimally every day. Experience your best health so that your true self can shine & your life can be lived to the fullest.
(720) 477-4684 View (720) 477-4684
Photo of Cassie Petro, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, CNS
Cassie Petro
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CN, CNS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with toddlers, children, teens, and adults with digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.
Our lives revolve around and depend on food, which is why nurturing your relationship to food is crucial to your health and something I strive to help strengthen. My approach to nutrition therapy is collaborative and personalized to optimize function within the whole body. Evidence-based nutrition science, health coaching, and trauma-informed care guide my practice to meet the needs of each individual I work with. I recognize the various challenges that can impact proper nutrition and aim to reduce internal and external limitations through nutrition education, empowerment, and behavior change.
I work with toddlers, children, teens, and adults with digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.
Our lives revolve around and depend on food, which is why nurturing your relationship to food is crucial to your health and something I strive to help strengthen. My approach to nutrition therapy is collaborative and personalized to optimize function within the whole body. Evidence-based nutrition science, health coaching, and trauma-informed care guide my practice to meet the needs of each individual I work with. I recognize the various challenges that can impact proper nutrition and aim to reduce internal and external limitations through nutrition education, empowerment, and behavior change.
(720) 580-4263 View (720) 580-4263
Photo of Jennifer H Anderson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Jennifer H Anderson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN
Littleton, CO 80129
Hello! Are you struggling with disordered eating like Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Yo-Yo Dieting or rigid food rules? I'm Jen and my team and I are passionate about helping people achieve genuine food freedom and dramatic health transformation. My specialty is helping clients discover a healthy relationship with food. I will teach you mindful and intuitive eating principles while thoughtfully addressing your health & weight concerns. Together we can get to the root & make sustainable lifestyle changes, all without sabotaging your joy of eating! My colleagues also address a broad range of health issues through this same lens!
Hello! Are you struggling with disordered eating like Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Yo-Yo Dieting or rigid food rules? I'm Jen and my team and I are passionate about helping people achieve genuine food freedom and dramatic health transformation. My specialty is helping clients discover a healthy relationship with food. I will teach you mindful and intuitive eating principles while thoughtfully addressing your health & weight concerns. Together we can get to the root & make sustainable lifestyle changes, all without sabotaging your joy of eating! My colleagues also address a broad range of health issues through this same lens!
(720) 729-2273 View (720) 729-2273
Photo of Tanya Goyette - Blooming Life Nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
Blooming Life Nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I help you blossom – to reclaim your fitness, vibrancy and well-being by getting to the root cause of your health challenges – addressing macro balances, micronutrients, food sensitivities, gut health, and inflammation.
As a functional nutrition, menopause nutrition and food sensitivities specialist, I empathize with the challenges you face during menopause – like low energy, body changes, mood swings and lowered vitality… Having navigated this journey personally and with countless clients, I bring a wealth of experience and proven nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
I help you blossom – to reclaim your fitness, vibrancy and well-being by getting to the root cause of your health challenges – addressing macro balances, micronutrients, food sensitivities, gut health, and inflammation.
As a functional nutrition, menopause nutrition and food sensitivities specialist, I empathize with the challenges you face during menopause – like low energy, body changes, mood swings and lowered vitality… Having navigated this journey personally and with countless clients, I bring a wealth of experience and proven nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
(720) 463-1200 View (720) 463-1200
Photo of Jerry Casados - Plant-Based Nutrition and Lifestyle, Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Plant-Based Nutrition and Lifestyle
Nutritionist/Dietitian, NTP
Serves Area
I provide counseling for people with a wide range of medical conditions to include Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Obesity, Food Allergies, and Digestive Disorders.
I work with clients to create nutrition plans based on their health goals and objectives. I will provide the personal coaching, nutritional information, tools, resources to guide and educate you to optimal health with a healthy lifestyle. I promote a dietary approach through whole foods and making the right dietary choices for optimal health by eliminating toxins in the diet. By adopting a plant-based diet that is based on decades of peer-reviewed scientific evidence in medical journals. In fact, it has been shown that 80 percent of chronic diseases are preventable, especially with a shift to a plant-based diet.
I provide counseling for people with a wide range of medical conditions to include Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Obesity, Food Allergies, and Digestive Disorders.
I work with clients to create nutrition plans based on their health goals and objectives. I will provide the personal coaching, nutritional information, tools, resources to guide and educate you to optimal health with a healthy lifestyle. I promote a dietary approach through whole foods and making the right dietary choices for optimal health by eliminating toxins in the diet. By adopting a plant-based diet that is based on decades of peer-reviewed scientific evidence in medical journals. In fact, it has been shown that 80 percent of chronic diseases are preventable, especially with a shift to a plant-based diet.
(303) 732-6155 View (303) 732-6155
Photo of Jenna Lenhart, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC
Jenna Lenhart
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, IBCLC
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian who has spent much of her nutrition career helping those in the pediatric/young adult population. While seeing a variety of nutrition concerns, she specializes in helping patients in eating disorder recovery and seeks to promote a safe space to pursue a new healthy relationship with food. Jenna uses a patient-centered approach to working with clients, prioritizing patient goals for their health journey. With disordered eating, she uses an intuitive eating framework of counseling in addition to family based therapy to promote a safe and effective environment for healing.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian who has spent much of her nutrition career helping those in the pediatric/young adult population. While seeing a variety of nutrition concerns, she specializes in helping patients in eating disorder recovery and seeks to promote a safe space to pursue a new healthy relationship with food. Jenna uses a patient-centered approach to working with clients, prioritizing patient goals for their health journey. With disordered eating, she uses an intuitive eating framework of counseling in addition to family based therapy to promote a safe and effective environment for healing.
(971) 449-1216 View (971) 449-1216
Photo of Kelly Josephine Calabrese - Optimal Wellness Solutions, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CCN
Optimal Wellness Solutions
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CCN
Serves Area
When reviewing a blood test, I look at the 4 main energy systems including the Endocrine, Immune, Neurological and Digestive systems.
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist focused on holistic care, I help patients achieve lasting results by addressing the root causes of their health concerns. Through a comprehensive 80-marker blood test—which I co-developed with Quest Diagnostics—I identify key issues such as nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, hormonal imbalances, and immune and neurological deficits. This personalized approach allows us to tackle stress, lifestyle factors, and overall wellness from the inside out. I provide real solutions to real health problems for those seeking a natural, sustainable approach to health.
When reviewing a blood test, I look at the 4 main energy systems including the Endocrine, Immune, Neurological and Digestive systems.
As a Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist focused on holistic care, I help patients achieve lasting results by addressing the root causes of their health concerns. Through a comprehensive 80-marker blood test—which I co-developed with Quest Diagnostics—I identify key issues such as nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposures, hormonal imbalances, and immune and neurological deficits. This personalized approach allows us to tackle stress, lifestyle factors, and overall wellness from the inside out. I provide real solutions to real health problems for those seeking a natural, sustainable approach to health.
(719) 259-1336 View (719) 259-1336

Online Dietitians and Nutritionists

Photo of Nell Harloe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Nell Harloe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDCES
Online Only
I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders.
In addition to receiving my B.S. in Dietetics from Baylor University, I completed my Masters in Dietetics from Sam Houston State, am a Board-Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and received my certification in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Dietetics. I am up to date with all weight loss medications on the market.
I’ve helped my patients manage various health conditions including weight management, diabetes, bariatric, gastrointestinal health, oncology, renal, cardiovascular, PCOS, menopause, thyroid health and autoimmune disorders.
In addition to receiving my B.S. in Dietetics from Baylor University, I completed my Masters in Dietetics from Sam Houston State, am a Board-Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and received my certification in Adult Weight Management from the Academy of Dietetics. I am up to date with all weight loss medications on the market.
(855) 624-5438 View (855) 624-5438
Photo of Marisa Faye - Marisa Faye Wellness - Hormone & Gut Specialists, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, FNTP, BCHN
Marisa Faye Wellness - Hormone & Gut Specialists
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, FNTP, BCHN
Online Only
Me and my team combine functional medicine strategies - such as functional labs like the GI Map Stool Test, DUTCH, adrenal saliva panels, HTMA Test, Bloodwork - with holistic nutrition to use data, as well as a deeper understanding of the mind/body connection to help clients transform their energy, mood and cravings.
Our clients are women just like you suffering with fatigue, moodiness, hormonal acne, bloating, and you probably suspect you've got a problem with your thyroid or cortisol or stress levels or hormones - but the same old diet and exercise aren't solving it. What's often worse, is that you've probably asked your doctor what tests you should run, or if there's anything you can do and they haven't had much to say or offer you aside from a prescription that doesn't really solve the problem.
Me and my team combine functional medicine strategies - such as functional labs like the GI Map Stool Test, DUTCH, adrenal saliva panels, HTMA Test, Bloodwork - with holistic nutrition to use data, as well as a deeper understanding of the mind/body connection to help clients transform their energy, mood and cravings.
Our clients are women just like you suffering with fatigue, moodiness, hormonal acne, bloating, and you probably suspect you've got a problem with your thyroid or cortisol or stress levels or hormones - but the same old diet and exercise aren't solving it. What's often worse, is that you've probably asked your doctor what tests you should run, or if there's anything you can do and they haven't had much to say or offer you aside from a prescription that doesn't really solve the problem.
(855) 525-8036 View (855) 525-8036
Photo of Catherine A. Layden, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MNT, BS, CGP, BCHN®
Catherine A. Layden
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MNT, BS, CGP, BCHN®
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I can help you heal leaky gut, digestive pain, food intolerances/ sensitivities, autoimmune conditions and celiac damage.
I serve clients anywhere, offering phone & virtual consultations. I welcome tough, mystery cases! I focus on the gut-brain connection to balance the digestive, nervous and immune systems. I specialize in gut health, celiac disease & non-celiac gluten sensitivity (Certified Gluten Practitioner) and create plans to clear painful, systemic food reactions.
I can help you heal leaky gut, digestive pain, food intolerances/ sensitivities, autoimmune conditions and celiac damage.
I serve clients anywhere, offering phone & virtual consultations. I welcome tough, mystery cases! I focus on the gut-brain connection to balance the digestive, nervous and immune systems. I specialize in gut health, celiac disease & non-celiac gluten sensitivity (Certified Gluten Practitioner) and create plans to clear painful, systemic food reactions.
(303) 622-5878 View (303) 622-5878
Photo of Taylor Craven, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Taylor Craven
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is transgender, queer, neurodivergent, and in long term recovery from my own eating disorders. I believe every client is truly unique and sees the world through their own lens. I strive to work from a weight inclusive and social justice stance. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work together toward lasting healing from disordered eating. Some of my core values include agency, informed consent, and intersectionality in understanding the roots of the eating disorder and the path to long term healing in a way that is authentic for each individual.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who is transgender, queer, neurodivergent, and in long term recovery from my own eating disorders. I believe every client is truly unique and sees the world through their own lens. I strive to work from a weight inclusive and social justice stance. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic alliance with each client to work together toward lasting healing from disordered eating. Some of my core values include agency, informed consent, and intersectionality in understanding the roots of the eating disorder and the path to long term healing in a way that is authentic for each individual.
(970) 900-2868 View (970) 900-2868
Photo of Francisco Antonio Padilla - Nutri-bol LLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSSD, CPT
Nutri-bol LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CSSD, CPT
Online Only
Hello, I'm Francisco A. Padilla, and I'm dedicated to supporting you in reaching your health and wellness objectives through the fundamental roles of nutrition and hydration. With extensive knowledge and experience, I'm equipped to assist you on your path to a healthier lifestyle, regardless of your background or goals. My educational background includes an M.S. in Sports Nutrition and I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD), committed to providing personalized, evidence-based advice to meet your specific needs.
Hello, I'm Francisco A. Padilla, and I'm dedicated to supporting you in reaching your health and wellness objectives through the fundamental roles of nutrition and hydration. With extensive knowledge and experience, I'm equipped to assist you on your path to a healthier lifestyle, regardless of your background or goals. My educational background includes an M.S. in Sports Nutrition and I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD), committed to providing personalized, evidence-based advice to meet your specific needs.
(720) 790-4913 View (720) 790-4913
Photo of Jessica Lechman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Jessica Lechman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Aurora, CO 80011
Jess is passionate Registered Dietitian who strives to help individuals foster a positive relationship with food that incorporates intuitive eating, listening to your body’s hunger/fullness cues, and learning flexible eating habits to support overall nutrition. She is committed to helping others overcome eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting, while providing a safe space to feel heard and understood while doing so. Jess believes in providing individualized, evidence-based care.
Jess is passionate Registered Dietitian who strives to help individuals foster a positive relationship with food that incorporates intuitive eating, listening to your body’s hunger/fullness cues, and learning flexible eating habits to support overall nutrition. She is committed to helping others overcome eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting, while providing a safe space to feel heard and understood while doing so. Jess believes in providing individualized, evidence-based care.
(872) 278-3254 View (872) 278-3254
Photo of Wellness Coaching And Nutrition Therapy - Wellness Coaching & Nutrition Therapy, PLLC, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CEDS-C
Wellness Coaching & Nutrition Therapy, PLLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD, CEDS-C
Online Only
In the throws of an eating disorder? Struggling with a poor relationship with food? Has every diet you have been on failed? We are here to stand along side you to help you make peace with food. Achieving a balance of nutrition, exercise, stress management & self-care can be a challenge. Our team of experienced dietitians have blended their skills in wellness coaching and nutrition therapy in order to help others find this balance and achieve wellness. We only use evidence based practices and standards or care with all clients. Please give us a call or visit our website to see which dietitian would be the best fit for you.
In the throws of an eating disorder? Struggling with a poor relationship with food? Has every diet you have been on failed? We are here to stand along side you to help you make peace with food. Achieving a balance of nutrition, exercise, stress management & self-care can be a challenge. Our team of experienced dietitians have blended their skills in wellness coaching and nutrition therapy in order to help others find this balance and achieve wellness. We only use evidence based practices and standards or care with all clients. Please give us a call or visit our website to see which dietitian would be the best fit for you.
(303) 963-9455 x1 View (303) 963-9455 x1
Photo of Nicole Eckman, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
Nicole Eckman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CLT
Fort Collins, CO 80526
This patient-centered approach looks at the root of your condition, rather than the symptoms alone, I will help you modify your diet and lifestyle to provide a supportive healing environment for chronic conditions such as Gut issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, food intolerances,
When I meet a new patient, I focus on meeting them where they are and making small changes to help build confidence. I stress the importance of using nutrition to PREVENT poor health and chronic illness. I teach clients how to modify their diet to include more clean, whole foods.
This patient-centered approach looks at the root of your condition, rather than the symptoms alone, I will help you modify your diet and lifestyle to provide a supportive healing environment for chronic conditions such as Gut issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, food intolerances,
When I meet a new patient, I focus on meeting them where they are and making small changes to help build confidence. I stress the importance of using nutrition to PREVENT poor health and chronic illness. I teach clients how to modify their diet to include more clean, whole foods.
(970) 237-3937 View (970) 237-3937
Photo of Kelley Magill, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
Kelley Magill
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a functional medicine dietitian, I help clients get to the root of chronic symptoms, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and fertility concerns by using evidence-based nutrition, advanced lab testing, and personalized lifestyle strategies.
I take the time to understand your full story and use cutting-edge tools like GI-MAP stool testing, DUTCH hormone panels, MRT food sensitivity testing, and detailed nutrition assessments to identify and address the underlying drivers of imbalance.
As a functional medicine dietitian, I help clients get to the root of chronic symptoms, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, and fertility concerns by using evidence-based nutrition, advanced lab testing, and personalized lifestyle strategies.
I take the time to understand your full story and use cutting-edge tools like GI-MAP stool testing, DUTCH hormone panels, MRT food sensitivity testing, and detailed nutrition assessments to identify and address the underlying drivers of imbalance.
(720) 912-8798 View (720) 912-8798
Photo of Patty McManamee, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN, CNS, INHC
Patty McManamee
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, LDN, CNS, INHC
Online Only
Most of my clients come to me to lose weight, but often we discover other health issues that are causing the weight issues, such as, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, toxic overload, and gastrointestinal issues, such as, poor digestion and absorption of foods.
I love to empower people to take charge of their own health outcomes through nutrition, stress management, sleep, movement, and mind-body connection. I believe in lifestyle-based therapies because it is the things we do everyday that make the greatest impact on our health. I offer support, guidance, education, and accountability for each one of my clients.
Most of my clients come to me to lose weight, but often we discover other health issues that are causing the weight issues, such as, chronic inflammation, chronic stress, toxic overload, and gastrointestinal issues, such as, poor digestion and absorption of foods.
I love to empower people to take charge of their own health outcomes through nutrition, stress management, sleep, movement, and mind-body connection. I believe in lifestyle-based therapies because it is the things we do everyday that make the greatest impact on our health. I offer support, guidance, education, and accountability for each one of my clients.
(301) 409-5247 View (301) 409-5247
Photo of Stephanie Sall Bulter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, CDN
Stephanie Sall Bulter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, CDN
Online Only
I work one-on-one with clients in a supportive, collaborative environment and utilize a totally customized approach that is specifically tailored towards each client’s individual needs. Unlike a fad diet or generic meal plan, my nutrition counseling program works because I get to know my clients on a personal level to really understand their unique challenges so that I can provide realistic, sustainable action plans to help them reach — and maintain — their long-term goals. I aim to empower my clients with the knowledge and tools they need to continue their health journey with confidence and clarity!
I work one-on-one with clients in a supportive, collaborative environment and utilize a totally customized approach that is specifically tailored towards each client’s individual needs. Unlike a fad diet or generic meal plan, my nutrition counseling program works because I get to know my clients on a personal level to really understand their unique challenges so that I can provide realistic, sustainable action plans to help them reach — and maintain — their long-term goals. I aim to empower my clients with the knowledge and tools they need to continue their health journey with confidence and clarity!
(303) 872-7578 View (303) 872-7578
Photo of Ashley Stoker, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, MA, RD, LPCC, NCC
Ashley Stoker
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, MA, RD, LPCC, NCC
Fort Collins, CO 80521
I specialize in neuronutrition by utilizing a mind-body, client-centered, collaborative, and holistic approach that integrates lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, sleep, mindfulness, and stress management, to promote overall well-being. Neuronutrition is the scientific study of how nutrients, supplements, dietary patterns, health behavior, and the social and environmental contexts of nutrition influence neurobiology, neurochemistry, nutrition-related behavior, and cognition. Neuronutrition investigates the two-way relationship between nutrition and brain function.
I specialize in neuronutrition by utilizing a mind-body, client-centered, collaborative, and holistic approach that integrates lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, sleep, mindfulness, and stress management, to promote overall well-being. Neuronutrition is the scientific study of how nutrients, supplements, dietary patterns, health behavior, and the social and environmental contexts of nutrition influence neurobiology, neurochemistry, nutrition-related behavior, and cognition. Neuronutrition investigates the two-way relationship between nutrition and brain function.
(970) 440-1634 View (970) 440-1634
Gastrointestinal (GI) Nutritionists and Dietitians

What is gut health?

Gut health refers to the overall functioning and well-being of the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Key to gut health is the gut microbiome, which is the collection of healthy bacteria living in the gut. These bacteria are essential for the digestion and breakdown of food, and their health significantly impacts digestion. Poor gut health can result in symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and general abdominal discomfort, which may indicate imbalances or issues with the gut microbiome.

Can diet help with GI issues?

Diet plays a major role in gut health, and changes in diet can often reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms associated with gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Often, GI distress is due to food intolerances or sensitivities, such as gluten sensitivity or lactose intolerance. In these cases, eliminating the problematic foods from the diet can resolve the issue. GI problems can also stem from a combination of environmental or genetic factors, such as in the case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Disruptions in the gut microbiome, such as those caused by taking antibiotics, can also lead to GI issues. In both scenarios, maintaining a balanced diet as much as possible with foods that support a healthy microbiome—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and probiotic foods—can often significantly reduce symptoms and improve gut health.

What are the best foods for gut health?

Maintaining a balanced microbiome is essential for gut health, and this is best achieved through a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and probiotic foods. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients and fiber, which nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic foods, which are those that contain live bacteria, are also great for gut health. Consuming probiotic foods and drinks, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and tempeh, can help support the microbiome by contributing to the diversity of bacteria within the gut.

When should I see a dietitian for GI issues?

Many people can benefit from seeing a dietitian for GI issues. In general, most dietitians are knowledgeable about what foods support gut health and may help clients choose foods that support a healthy GI system, such as fruits and vegetables high in fiber or foods high in probiotics. Dietitians may be especially beneficial to clients with known gastrointestinal concerns, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For clients diagnosed with these or similar conditions, dietitians can help clients identify food triggers and develop a meal plan for the client that minimizes symptoms. Dietitians may also work with clients who are having gastrointestinal distress (such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, etc.) but are not aware of the cause of their symptoms. In such cases, dietitians may be able to help the client identify the cause of the GI distress and coordinate with other medical professionals to help the client better manage their symptoms.