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Functional Medicine Treatment

Gut Health Restoration

Bloating that builds through the day. A “safe foods” list that keeps shrinking. The label of IBS or “leaky gut” without a real plan to resolve it.

You may also notice symptoms most people don’t connect to the gut. Skin breakouts, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, joint pain, autoimmune flares, weight that won’t shift, hormone symptoms that worsen around your cycle.

The gut is central command for inflammation, immunity, hormone clearance, neurotransmitter production, and nutrient absorption. When the gut is off, the rest of your body feels it. We restore the gut so the rest can settle.

Dr Hehmeyer explaining test and results to patient

What's Actually Happening

“Leaky gut” and “IBS” are descriptions of what you feel, not explanations of why. The actual root cause is one or more of the following.

We test to find which of these are driving your symptoms. Then we treat the root cause, not a generic “gut healing” protocol.

Dysbiosis

The wrong bacteria in the wrong amounts. Too few protective species, too many opportunistic ones. Drives bloating, food reactivity, and mood symptoms.

Pathogens

H. pylori in the stomach, parasites in the small intestine, candida overgrowth, or chronic infections that conventional doctors don’t routinely test for.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

Bacteria living in the small intestine where they shouldn’t be. Causes immediate bloating after meals, gas, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and growing food intolerance.

Intestinal Permeability

Often called “leaky gut.” The lining loosens, undigested particles cross into the bloodstream, and the immune system reacts. Drives autoimmunity, food sensitivity, and chronic inflammation.

Inflammation

Calprotectin, secretory IgA, and zonulin tell us how inflamed the gut is right now and why.

Our Approach: A Clinical Version of 5R

The 5R framework (Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance) is the standard in functional gut medicine. We use it as a sequencing logic that adapts to your specific results, not a one-size template.

Remove

Pathogens, problem foods, and irritants. Targeted herbal antimicrobials or prescription antibiotics if SIBO is severe. Always informed by your GI-MAP, never guessed.

Replace

Stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile if testing shows you need them. Most people with chronic gut issues are under-secreting somewhere.

Reinoculate

Targeted probiotic strains and prebiotic foods, sequenced after the remove phase so we’re not feeding what we just cleared.

Repair

L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, mucilaginous herbs, and a food plan that lets the lining heal.

Rebalance

Stress, sleep, meal patterns, and nervous system work. The gut won’t stay healed in a body running on cortisol.

What's Included

Comprehensive testing (GI-MAP, SIBO breath test if symptoms call for it, blood panel that picks up gut-driven inflammation and nutrient depletion). A specific protocol with supplements, dosing, and food sequencing across 12 to 16 weeks. Clinical visits including initial review (60 minutes), follow-up at 6 weeks, and follow-up at 12 weeks. Direct messaging support between visits in higher-tier programs. Retesting at 12 to 16 weeks to confirm the work is done.

You're a strong fit if any of these apply.

Bloating, gas, or pain that comes and goes with no clear pattern
A diagnosis of IBS, SIBO, or GERD that you've managed with PPIs or antispasmodics for years
Hashimoto's, eczema, psoriasis, or another autoimmune condition (gut work is often central to autoimmune protocols)
Food sensitivities that keep growing
Skin symptoms that haven't responded to topical treatment
Anxiety, depression, or brain fog that worsens after meals
Chronic constipation or diarrhea

You're not the right fit if:

  • You have an active GI bleed, suspected obstruction, or any acute condition that needs urgent care first
  • You've recently started biologic therapy and your GI specialist hasn't cleared functional work alongside

Most gut cases work cleanly inside one of our two main programs. We choose with you on the discovery call.

Foundation

Most straightforward gut cases. GI-MAP, blood panel, two clinical visits, 90-day protocol.

Restoration

Complex cases involving SIBO, autoimmunity, or multi-system involvement. Adds SIBO testing, expanded blood work, and 6-month support.
Please note specialty laboratory testing, insurance-related copays, and supplements are not included and vary based on individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most clients feel meaningful change in 4 to 8 weeks. Full restoration of the lining takes 3 to 6 months in most cases. Severe cases (chronic SIBO, long-standing autoimmunity) can take 9 to 12 months.

Probably not. We use elimination strategically to calm inflammation, then reintroduce foods systematically. Most clients return to a wider diet than they had at the start.

You'll take more than you do now during the active protocol. Most clients run 5 to 9 targeted supplements during this phase. The stack reduces once the work is done.

Usually, yes. We don't ask for sacrifices that aren't medically necessary.

Most retail cleanses don't address the actual root cause. Our protocol is built from your specific GI-MAP findings, not a generic template, which is what makes the difference.

Why Well Empowered?

25 years of devotion to people thriving
IFM Certified Practitioner
Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine
Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)
Masters of Science in Nutrition & Functional Medicine
Personalized, root-cause approach
Virtual consultations available

Start the Restoration

Free 15-minute call to confirm fit and outline the path forward.
Providing you with the information, inspiration + strategies you need to feel your best, look your best + be your best. Don't just get educated. Get Well Empowered!