Rooted Health
Dr. Matt Altman
If you've been told "it's just IBS" or "try more fiber" — you know how frustrating it is when nothing works.
Here's the truth: IBS isn't a diagnosis. It's a symptom. Something is wrong — SIBO, leaky gut, dysbiosis, food intolerances, inflammation — and most doctors never look for it.
At Rooted Health Clinic, we don't stop at "your colonoscopy is normal." We test what matters:
• Comprehensive stool analysis (GI-MAP) — bacteria, parasites, inflammation markers
• SIBO breath testing — hydrogen and methane
• Food sensitivity panels — IgG reactions causing chronic inflammation
• Organic acids testing — gut metabolites, yeast overgrowth, nutrient absorption
Then we build a plan that actually fixes the problem — not just masks symptoms.
Gut health is Tier 1 in our 3-tier framework. Why? Because when your gut is broken, everything else breaks: hormones, mood, energy, skin, immune system, brain function.
WHAT WE TREAT
BS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Bloating, gas, alternating diarrhea/constipation — IBS is a label, not an answer. We find the real cause: SIBO, dysbiosis, food intolerances, stress-induced gut dysfunction.
SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
Bacteria growing where they shouldn't. Causes bloating (especially after meals), gas, brain fog, nutrient malabsorption. Diagnosed with breath testing, treated with targeted antimicrobials or antibiotics + root-cause work.
Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)
Your gut lining is supposed to be a tight barrier. When it breaks down, undigested food particles and toxins leak into your bloodstream. Result: food sensitivities, autoimmune flares, brain fog, skin issues, chronic fatigue.
Food Sensitivities & Intolerances
Not true allergies — delayed inflammatory reactions. Gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn are common culprits. Symptoms show up hours or days later: bloating, joint pain, headaches, skin issues, brain fog.
Reflux / GERD
Most people with reflux have too little stomach acid, not too much. PPIs (Prilosec, Nexium) make it worse long-term. We test stomach acid levels, address H. pylori if present, optimize digestion.
Chronic Constipation
Less than one bowel movement per day? Causes: low stomach acid, sluggish bile flow, dysbiosis, magnesium deficiency, thyroid dysfunction. We fix the root cause — not just prescribe Miralax.
Candida / Yeast Overgrowth
Sugar cravings, brain fog, bloating, fatigue, recurrent yeast infections. Diagnosed via stool testing or organic acids. Treated with antifungals, probiotics, and diet changes.
Parasites
Yes, in the U.S. Blastocystis, Giardia, Dientamoeba — they cause chronic diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, fatigue. GI-MAP catches them. Conventional stool tests often miss them.
OUR 3-STEP GUT HEALING PROCESS
Step 1: Test (Don't Guess)
• GI-MAP stool test — bacteria, parasites, H. pylori, yeast, inflammation markers, digestive function
• SIBO breath test — hydrogen and methane levels
• Food sensitivity panel (IgG) — 96-200 foods tested
• Organic acids test (if indicated) — gut metabolites, yeast markers
• Celiac panel (if gluten is a concern)
Step 2: Treat the Root Cause
Remove: Infections (antimicrobial herbs, targeted antibiotics/antifungals), inflammatory foods, toxin exposure
Replace: Digestive support (HCl, digestive enzymes, bile salts), nutrient deficiencies (zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins)
Reinoculate: Targeted probiotics based on your stool test, prebiotics, fermented foods
Repair: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, DGL licorice, aloe vera, collagen peptides, omega-3s, curcumin
Step 3: Retest & Maintain
THE GUT-EVERYTHING CONNECTION
Gut → Brain: 90% of serotonin is made in your gut. Dysbiosis and leaky gut cause anxiety, depression, brain fog, ADHD symptoms.
Gut → Hormones: Your gut metabolizes estrogen. Dysbiosis causes estrogen dominance (PMS, fibroids, breast tenderness).
Gut → Immune System: 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. Leaky gut triggers autoimmune flares.
Gut → Skin: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea — all gut-driven.
Gut → Energy: Nutrient malabsorption means you can't make energy. Fix absorption, energy returns.
Gut → Weight: Certain bacterial overgrowths promote fat storage and insulin resistance. Fixing gut health often unlocks weight loss.
WHO THIS IS FOR
You might need gut health work if you're experiencing:
• Bloating (especially after meals)
• Gas, belching, reflux
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Food sensitivities that keep expanding
• Brain fog, poor focus
• Fatigue despite adequate sleep
• Skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea)
• Mood issues that don't respond to typical treatment
• Autoimmune conditions
• Hormone imbalances
• Weight gain despite clean eating
FAQ
How long does gut healing take?
SIBO treatment: 4-12 weeks. Leaky gut repair: 3-6 months. Severe cases: 6-12 months. You'll feel improvements within weeks.
Do I have to avoid foods forever?
No. Once the gut is healed, most people can reintroduce foods strategically. Most restrictions are temporary.
What's the cost?
Membership: $185-245/month (unlimited visits).