Alpha-Gal Syndrome Starts With a Tick… But Recovery May Begin in the Gut
Understanding the Gut – Immune Connection, Intestinal Permeability, and Why Optimizing Gut Health May Support Healing By J. Dette Avalon, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Important: This article discusses established science, emerging research, and my clinical perspective as a Family Nurse Practitioner living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome. While optimizing gut health may support overall...
Continue Reading
What to Do If Your GI-MAP Shows High Zonulin
By J. Dette Avalon, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC If you just got your GI-MAP results back and saw the word “elevated” next to zonulin, I want you to take a breath before you do anything else. I hear from people almost every week in this exact spot. They ordered the test because...
Continue Reading
H. pylori, Zonulin & Leaky Gut: What the Research Really Shows
By CJ Faucher, FNP-BC If you’ve been dealing with bloating, reflux, fatigue, food sensitivities, brain fog, or digestive symptoms that haven’t resolved with diet changes or supplements, it’s worth understanding a research area that’s still developing: the relationship between H. pylori, a protein called zonulin, and intestinal permeability sometimes called...
Continue Reading
15 Surprising Symptoms That Could Mean Your Gut Is Crying Out for Help: Why the GI-MAP + Zonulin Test May Hold the Answers
You’ve Been Told Everything Is “Normal”… So Why Don’t You Feel Normal? You’ve changed your diet. You’ve tried probiotics, digestive enzymes, supplements, and maybe even prescription medications. You’ve cut out gluten. You drank the green smoothies. You downloaded the meditation apps. You tried to get more sleep. And yet… You’re still bloated. Still...
Continue Reading
Brush Your Teeth, Wear Your Seatbelt, and Test for H. pylori
There are some things we do because they are just plain common sense. We brush our teeth. We wear our seatbelt. We try not to ignore chest pain. And in my opinion, we should also stop overlooking H. pylori. This tiny stomach bacterium does not get nearly enough attention for the trouble it can...
Continue Reading
Could Leaky Gut Be Sabotaging Your Body’s Ability to Make Natural Peptides?
Discover how intestinal permeability and bile acid dysfunction block your body’s natural peptide synthesis—and what to do about it. When I am asked about peptide therapy—whether it’s BPC-157 for gut healing or thymosin for immune support—I always ask the same question first: “Have we figured out why your body stopped...
Continue Reading
1-800-GI-MAP: What Your Gut Wants to Say to You
Ring, ring. You (groggily): “Hello?” Caller: “Yeah, hi, this is H. pylori. Sorry to call at 3 AM, but we need to talk about the burning sensation you’ve been ignoring. The acid reflux? The GERD symptoms? That’s ME trying to get your attention!” You: “Wait… who is this?” H. pylori: “Your stomach lining....
Continue Reading
“Is My Gut Really Leaky?” Understanding Zonulin Tests and What Your Results Actually Mean
You’ve probably heard someone mention “leaky gut” or maybe your practitioner suggested testing your zonulin levels. Now you’re wondering: is this real science or just another wellness trend? Here’s the truth: your gut health matters more than you might think, and understanding intestinal permeability can be genuinely helpful. But zonulin...
Continue Reading
Gut Health and Arthritis: Exploring the Link Between Gut Dysbiosis and Joint Pain
Gut Health and Arthritis: Exploring the Link Between Gut Dysbiosis and Joint Pain The connection between gut health and overall wellness has gained significant attention recently, particularly in chronic conditions like arthritis. While joint pain and inflammation might seem unrelated to gut health, emerging research suggests otherwise. Scientists are finding...
Continue Reading
What is Calprotectin and Why is it Important to Check Your Levels
What is Calprotectin, and Why is it Important to Check Your Levels? What Is Calprotectin, and Why Is It Necessary to Check Levels? Pinpointing its source can be tricky when something goes awry with our digestive tract (GI). Enter Calprotectin: an effective biomarker of inflammation released during times of inflammation...
Continue Reading