Understanding Gut Health

Healthcare services imageYour gut is the foundation of your health. When digestion is compromised, it can affect energy, immunity, hormones, inflammation, mood, skin, and even pain levels throughout the body.

At Harding Holistics, we take a root-cause, whole-person approach to gut health—helping your body restore balance rather than masking symptoms.

Instead of chasing diagnoses, we focus on removing interference, reducing inflammation, and supporting healing so your body can do what it was designed to do.

Our Holistic Approach to Gut Healing

Gut dysfunction rarely has just one cause. It often involves a combination of:

  1. Food sensitivities
  2. Chronic inflammation
  3. Impaired digestion
  4. Stress and nervous system imbalance
  5. Disrupted gut lining and immune responses

That’s why we use targeted testing, whole-food nutrition, herbal support, and gentle cold laser therapy to address gut issues from multiple angles.

In our Clark County community, the stressors of modern life often lead to a state of chronic internal tension that can manifest as bloating, irregularity, or food sensitivities. At Harding Holistics, our chiropractic care focuses on the vital relationship between the spine and the digestive organs. We understand that if the pathways between your brain and your GI tract are experiencing interference, your body cannot maintain its natural equilibrium. By prioritizing a holistic perspective, we help patients address the source of their discomfort rather than just the outward signs. Our goal is to foster an internal environment where your body can efficiently absorb nutrients and protect itself, allowing you to return to the activities you love with a renewed sense of comfort.

Our Holistic Approach to Gut Healing

Identifying Food Sensitivities with FIT Testing. One of the most common—but often overlooked—drivers of gut inflammation is food sensitivity. The Food Inflammatory Test (FIT) measures immune reactions (IgG-based responses) to common foods. Unlike food allergies, sensitivities can cause delayed symptoms, making them difficult to identify without testing.

  • Detailed Health History Exploration: Your first visit involves a comprehensive discussion regarding your lifestyle, dietary habits, and the specific ways your digestive symptoms affect your daily routine. We take the time to listen to your concerns, ensuring we have a complete picture of your health journey.
  • Structural and Neurological Assessment: Dr. John or Dr. Shanna will conduct a thorough physical and nutrition examination. This includes evaluating your spinal alignment and neurological function, as these are the primary drivers for how your brain communicates with your digestive system.
  • Specialized Lab Testing: Depending on your unique needs. Harding Holistics may utilize specialized lab testing, such as food inflammatory testing (FIT) or heart sound recordings. These tests provide objective data about your body's specific biological requirements and sensitivities.
  • Whole-Food Nutrition with Standard Process Supplements. Once inflammatory triggers are removed, the gut must be nourished and rebuilt. We use Standard Process whole-food supplements, which are made from organic, nutrient-dense foods and designed to work with your body—not override it.
  • Herbal Gut Support with MediHerb. Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to support digestion, soothe inflammation, and promote gut resilience.
  • Cold Laser Therapy for Gut and Nervous System Support. In addition to nutritional and herbal care, we use low-level cold laser therapy as a powerful, non-invasive tool to support healing.
  • Consistent Progress Monitoring: Healing is a gradual process that requires regular attention. We schedule periodic check-ins to monitor your improvement, adjust your care plan as your body changes, and provide the ongoing support necessary to help you achieve lasting wellness in Clark County.

Potential Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Gut Health

Pursuing a natural, holistic, chiropractic-led approach to gut health at Harding Holistics can lead to a variety of positive shifts in your daily life. By focusing on the "whole person" rather than isolated symptoms, our care may help unlock your body’s inherent ability to maintain balance. Patients in Springfield often find that as their digestive health stabilizes, other aspects of their physical and emotional health begin to improve as well.

  • Support for Natural Digestive Flow: Targeted chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the tension that may interfere with the nerves controlling the intestines. This often leads to more regular bowel movements and a reduction in the physical pressure associated with bloating.
  • Improved Nutritional Absorption: When your digestive system functions more efficiently, your body is better able to extract vital vitamins and minerals from your food. This can lead to naturally higher energy levels and a more resilient immune system for you and your family.
  • Reduced Internal Sensitivity: By identifying food triggers through our specialized testing and supporting the nervous system, Harding Holistics may help reduce the frequency and severity of inflammatory responses to common foods.
  • Enhanced Emotional Well-being: There is a significant biological link between gut comfort and mood. Many of our patients report feeling less irritable and more mentally "light" as their digestive discomfort begins to fade, allowing for better sleep and focus.
  • Sustainable Wellness Without Heavy Reliance on Medication: Our drug-free, non-invasive methods aim to address the root causes of gut imbalance. This offers a path toward health that avoids the potential side effects of over-the-counter digestive aids.
  • Greater Participation in Community Life: Ultimately, the greatest benefit is the ability to live your life in Springfield without being tethered to your symptoms. Whether it’s attending local festivals or enjoying a hike at Clifton Gorge, improved gut health may give you the freedom to be present in every moment.
Why Gut Symptoms Improve When You Remove Sensitivities and Support Healing
When inflammatory foods are removed and the gut is properly supported, several things happen:

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  1. Immune activation decreases
  2. The gut lining has a chance to repair
  3. Nutrient absorption improves
  4. Microbial balance stabilizes
  5. Systemic inflammation drops

Patients often notice improvements not just in digestion, but in:

  1. Energy levels
  2. Skin health
  3. Joint pain
  4. Mood and focus
  5. Hormonal balance

The gut doesn’t exist in isolation—it influences nearly every system in the body.