Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1526712
Health Matters: Providence St. Jude Medical Center | 3 'Tis the Season for Pomegranates The impressive array of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols in pomegranates help protect your cells from oxidative stress, inflammation and free radicals that contribute to every condition from arthritis and heart disease to cancer. Its benefits may include reducing or slowing cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Add it to a fruit smoothie, enjoy a pomegranate mocktail, use it to sweeten tea or simply sip a glass—just make certain to purchase 100% juice with no sugar or additives. More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates—the father of modern medicine—suggested that all diseases begin in the gut. With mounting evidence showing a connection between gut health and ever y thing from autoimmune conditions to anxiety to neurodegenerative diseases, Hippocrates may have been on to something. Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut and parasites are among a long list of gut issues that frequently go undiagnosed. Yet their effect on your health and well-being can be substantial. The Providence St. Jude Wellness Center has created an innovative GI Revive Program that includes two key elements: first, comprehensive stool analysis (GI-MAP™) to identify disease-causing pathogens, imbalances in bacteria and other gut microbiome issues. Second, help from a registered dietitian and nutrition expert to optimize gut health through foods and supplements. "GI mapping can be invaluable in finding the underlying cause of symptoms," says Lynne Romancia, MS, registered dietitian nutritionist, explaining that the molecular stool test offers insight into a broad range of markers for GI health, including pancreatic function, immune function and inflammation. "If you've been to one or more doctors and haven't gotten answers, this could be an important next step." GI Revive is not covered by insurance, and no physician referral is needed. The cost, $500, includes the GI-MAP testing and a one-on-one session with a nutrition expert to go over your results and a personalized plan to optimize your gut health. To get started, call 714-578-8770. Restoring Your Gut Health Health Matters: Providence St. Jude Medical Center | 3