The Gut Check: A Functional Medicine Approach to Stomach Pain
If you've ever had a stomachache, you know how disruptive it can be. Whether it’s an occasional nuisance or a chronic issue, digestive discomfort is a signal from your body that something isn’t right. Instead of masking symptoms with antacids or painkillers, functional medicine focuses on uncovering the root cause, restoring gut health, and promoting long-term wellness.
At O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we take a personalized, science-based approach to digestive issues. Dr. Shannon O'Keefe, a Functional Medicine expert and Board-Certified Clinical Nutritionist, specializes in gastrointestinal disorders and provides customized treatment plans to help patients heal from the inside out.
Understanding the Physiology Behind Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can stem from various factors, including inflammation, infections, food intolerances, dysbiosis (microbial imbalances), or even stress-related gut-brain axis dysfunction. The digestive system is a complex network involving:
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Stomach Acid Production – Too much or too little acid can cause discomfort, bloating, and reflux.
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Enzymatic Breakdown of Food – Inefficient digestion can lead to malabsorption, gas, and cramping.
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Gut Lining Integrity – A compromised gut lining ("leaky gut") can trigger immune responses, leading to systemic inflammation.
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Microbiome Balance – An imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria can lead to digestive distress and other health issues.
Functional Medicine Approach to Stomach Pain
Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats symptoms, functional medicine seeks to identify and correct the underlying dysfunctions causing stomach pain. Here’s how:
1. Comprehensive Lab Testing
To pinpoint the root cause, we use advanced diagnostic testing, such as:
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Comprehensive stool analysis to assess gut bacteria, parasites, and digestive enzyme levels.
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Food sensitivity and allergy testing to identify triggers.
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SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) breath tests.
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Functional blood panels to check for inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and metabolic imbalances.
2. Healing the Gut Lining
If inflammation or permeability issues (leaky gut) are present, we focus on:
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Soothing nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, and aloe vera.
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Anti-inflammatory protocols, including elimination diets to remove common irritants.
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Bone broth and collagen to support gut repair.
3. Restoring a Healthy Microbiome
Balancing gut flora is critical for digestive and overall health. We use:
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Probiotics & Prebiotics to replenish beneficial bacteria.
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Herbal antimicrobials or targeted antibiotics (if necessary) to reduce overgrowth of harmful microbes.
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Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to introduce beneficial strains naturally.
4. Addressing Stomach Acid & Enzymes
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If acid is too low, we may recommend betaine HCl or digestive bitters.
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If enzymes are deficient, digestive enzymes can be supplemented to aid in food breakdown and nutrient absorption.
5. Nutritional & Lifestyle Adjustments
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Personalized Diet Plans – Tailored to individual needs, whether it's low-FODMAP, gluten-free, or an anti-inflammatory approach.
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Stress Management – Since stress directly impacts gut function, we incorporate breathing exercises, mindfulness, and adaptogenic herbs.
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Hydration & Movement – Proper water intake and regular physical activity help keep the digestive system running smoothly.
Don’t Guess—Work with an Expert
Your gut health is too important to leave to trial and error. Guessing about your health can lead to frustration, prolonged discomfort, and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Instead, work with an expert who can streamline the process and get to the bottom of your digestive issues efficiently. At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we take the guesswork out of gut health by using science-backed testing and personalized treatment plans.
A Holistic Approach to Digestive Wellness
Dr. Shannon O'Keefe and our team at O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic believe that true healing comes from addressing the root cause, not just managing symptoms. If you're struggling with stomach pain, bloating, or other digestive concerns, we can help you find lasting relief through functional medicine.
Visit us at O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to start your journey to optimal gut health today!
