THE BEST FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINIC FOR GUT HEALTH 
Edina, Minnesota
 (Comprehensive Functional Medicine Gut Protocols) 

Understanding Your Gut Microbiome and its impact on Your Overall Health

After 15+ years helping the most complex gut cases, Dr. Paul reveals why gut symptoms often persist and keep returning. He shares his testing insights and the comprehensive approach that actually works.

Click Play to Watch Video: Q&A with Dr. Paul on Gut Microbiome, Why Gut Issues Persist, and what can be done about it:

Dr. Paul's Method: Why It Works

Test, Don't Guess

Comprehensive Stool Testing and Organic Acids Testing help reveal what's happening in YOUR gut - not generic protocols.

Weed Before You Seed

Remove overgrowth (H. Pylori, yeast, bacteria, parasites) BEFORE adding probiotics. The order matters!

Address ALL Root Causes

Low stomach acid, enzyme deficiencies, gallbladder dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, immune dysfunction and toxins are commonly missed. We investigate every avenue affecting your gut.

Stop Guessing and Start Knowing:

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Article Q&A with Dr. Paul: Gut Microbiome and Gut Issues 

Why the following article and video from Dr. Paul matter?

Dr. Paul, a functional medicine practitioner in Minneapolis-St. Paul with over 20 years of experience, reveals why conventional digestive approaches often fail and what actually works for lasting gut health. With 70-80% of your immune system in your gut, his comprehensive testing approach addresses the multiple root causes that others miss—helping even the most persistent cases often find real relief.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why everything starts with the gut
  • Why probiotics and supplements work for some people but not others
  • The "weed before you seed" principle that changes everything
  • ​Hidden environmental factors sabotaging your gut health
  • ​Why addressing only one issue almost always leads to problems returning
  • ​How to stop masking discomfort and start real recovery
  • ​The specific markers that reveal what's actually happening in your gut
  • ​The right order for addressing bacterial overgrowth, yeast, and parasites
  • ​Real answers for those who've "tried everything" without success

Why Test the Gut First?

Question: Dr. Paul, no matter what health issue someone comes to you with, why do you test the gut first? Why is it so important?

Dr. Paul: Look, what's the root cause of every single chronic disease? Inflammation. And what regulates the inflammatory response? The immune system. 

Here's the key: 70-80% of your immune system lives in your gut. That's why we always look at the gut, no matter what someone comes in with. Stool tests are pretty much mandatory in our practice—there are very few exceptions to that rule.
For desktop Educational infographic titled 'Why Test the Gut First? Understanding the Root Cause Connection.' The content is presented as a three-step logical flow chart with numbered purple boxes connected by downward-pointing arrows: Step 1 asks 'What's the root cause of every chronic disease?' with the answer 'INFLAMMATION.' Step 2 asks 'What regulates the inflammatory response?' with the answer 'THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.' Step 3 asks 'Where does most of the immune system live?' with the answer 'IN THE GUT.' Each step flows logically into the next with gray arrows pointing downward, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Below the flow chart, a prominent pink-highlighted box displays the key statistic: '70-80% of your immune system is located in your gut,' emphasizing the critical connection between gut health and overall immune function. The infographic uses a clean design with purple numbering circles (1, 2, 3) and demonstrates why testing gut health is fundamental to understanding the root causes of chronic disease and inflammation. Source: guthealthdrs.com
For iPhone Educational infographic titled 'Why Test the Gut First? Understanding the Root Cause Connection.' The content is presented as a three-step logical flow chart with numbered purple boxes connected by downward-pointing arrows: Step 1 asks 'What's the root cause of every chronic disease?' with the answer 'INFLAMMATION.' Step 2 asks 'What regulates the inflammatory response?' with the answer 'THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.' Step 3 asks 'Where does most of the immune system live?' with the answer 'IN THE GUT.' Each step flows logically into the next with gray arrows pointing downward, creating a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Below the flow chart, a prominent pink-highlighted box displays the key statistic: '70-80% of your immune system is located in your gut,' emphasizing the critical connection between gut health and overall immune function. The infographic uses a clean design with purple numbering circles (1, 2, 3) and demonstrates why testing gut health is fundamental to understanding the root causes of chronic disease and inflammation. Source: guthealthdrs.com

Understanding Your Gut Microbiome

Question: In our gut, there's good bacteria and bad bacteria; is there a third kind? What is actually living in our gut?

Dr. Paul: Great question. There are three categories: good bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, and dysbiotic bacteria.
Your beneficial bacteria—what we call probiotics or keystone bacteria—include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium. These healthy bugs make up the vast majority of your microbiome.

Pathogenic bugs are the obvious troublemakers: E. coli, salmonella, C. diff, giardia. These cause acute issues like food poisoning, traveler's diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

But here's what's interesting: dysbiotic bugs exist in a gray area. Bacteria like morganella, pseudomonas, and Klebsiella are actually okay in small amounts, as long as there's balance in the microbiome. It's when they overgrow that problems arise—they start creating histamine and inflammation that can really affect the gut.

The same principle applies to yeast and candida. A little bit of yeast in the gut? Usually not a problem. But when yeast, candida, and other fungi become overgrown, that's when we see issues. It's all about maintaining balance within the gut ecosystem.
Educational infographic titled 'What Lives in Your Gut Microbiome: Understanding the Complete Ecosystem.' The content is divided into two main sections: BACTERIA section with three categories: GOOD BACTERIA (Beneficial) - Green box with smiley face, checkmark indicating they support immunity and aid digestion. Examples: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium. BAD BACTERIA (Pathogenic) - Red box with sad face, X mark indicating they cause acute illness and food poisoning. Examples: E. coli, Salmonella, C. diff. DYSBIOTIC (Opportunistic) - Orange box with neutral face, balance scale icon indicating they're OK in small amounts but harmful when overgrown. Examples: Morganella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella. OTHER BUGS section with two categories: YEAST & CANDIDA (Fungal) - Purple box with exclamation mark, noting small amounts are OK but overgrowth is problematic, causes inflammation when overgrown. PARASITES (Unwanted Organisms) - Gray box with X mark, indicating they're generally unwanted and ideally none should be present, removal often necessary. Bottom message in dark gray box: 'Most chronic gut problems come from dysbiosis - normal bugs growing out of control' with a warning icon. Source: guthealthdrs.com for desktop
For iPhone Educational infographic titled 'What Lives in Your Gut Microbiome: Understanding the Complete Ecosystem.' The content is divided into two main sections: BACTERIA section with three categories: GOOD BACTERIA (Beneficial) - Green box with smiley face, checkmark indicating they support immunity and aid digestion. Examples: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium. BAD BACTERIA (Pathogenic) - Red box with sad face, X mark indicating they cause acute illness and food poisoning. Examples: E. coli, Salmonella, C. diff. DYSBIOTIC (Opportunistic) - Orange box with neutral face, balance scale icon indicating they're OK in small amounts but harmful when overgrown. Examples: Morganella, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella. OTHER BUGS section with two categories: YEAST & CANDIDA (Fungal) - Purple box with exclamation mark, noting small amounts are OK but overgrowth is problematic, causes inflammation when overgrown. PARASITES (Unwanted Organisms) - Gray box with X mark, indicating they're generally unwanted and ideally none should be present, removal often necessary. Bottom message in dark gray box: 'Most chronic gut problems come from dysbiosis - normal bugs growing out of control' with a warning icon. Source: guthealthdrs.com

Addressing Gut Inflammation

Question: This is a three-part question on gut inflammation. First, when someone says they have an inflamed gut, what's your first question? Second, what triggers inflammation? And third, how do you handle it?

Dr. Paul: My first question is always: what exactly do you mean by inflammation? Is it bloating and indigestion? Actual pain? I need to understand what they're experiencing.

Gut inflammation typically falls into three main categories of triggers:
 1- Food-related inflammation
 2- Microbial imbalances or infections
 3- Toxins

My approach is straightforward: remove the inflammatory culprits first. That might mean eliminating problematic foods, addressing yeast or bacterial overgrowth, tackling parasites or H. pylori. Then we add back what's missing—beneficial flora, essential nutrients that you might be deficient in. We take away what's triggering inflammation and add back what supports healing.

desktop Educational infographic titled 'Gut Inflammation: Understanding Triggers & Treatment Approach.' The slide presents three main inflammation triggers in red-bordered boxes: FOOD (burger icon) - Lists inflammatory foods, food sensitivities, and poor dietary choices MICROBIAL IMBALANCE (microbe icon) - Lists bacterial overgrowth, parasites/H. pylori, and yeast overgrowth TOXINS (radiation symbol) - Lists environmental toxins, chemical exposure, and heavy metals Below this, 'The Two-Step Treatment Approach' is displayed with two columns: REMOVE (red box with minus sign): Remove inflammatory foods, yeast overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth, parasites, H. pylori infections, and environmental toxins ADD BACK (green box with plus sign): Add beneficial probiotics, essential nutrients, healing foods, digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-healing supplements At the bottom, 'The Healing Formula' states: Remove the players creating inflammation + Add back what's needed for healing = Regulated inflammation & restored gut health Source: guthealthdrs.com
iPhone Educational infographic titled 'Gut Inflammation: Understanding Triggers & Treatment Approach.' The slide presents three main inflammation triggers in red-bordered boxes: FOOD (burger icon) - Lists inflammatory foods, food sensitivities, and poor dietary choices MICROBIAL IMBALANCE (microbe icon) - Lists bacterial overgrowth, parasites/H. pylori, and yeast overgrowth TOXINS (radiation symbol) - Lists environmental toxins, chemical exposure, and heavy metals Below this, 'The Two-Step Treatment Approach' is displayed with two columns: REMOVE (red box with minus sign): Remove inflammatory foods, yeast overgrowth, bacterial overgrowth, parasites, H. pylori infections, and environmental toxins ADD BACK (green box with plus sign): Add beneficial probiotics, essential nutrients, healing foods, digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-healing supplements At the bottom, 'The Healing Formula' states: Remove the players creating inflammation + Add back what's needed for healing = Regulated inflammation & restored gut health Source: guthealthdrs.com

Book a free phone consultation with Dr. Paul

For those experiencing unexplained food reactions or digestive symptoms, Dr. Paul Deglmann offers complimentary 15-minute educational consultations to discuss gut health concerns and explain testing options.

Why Traditional Over-the-Counter Meds Don't Always Work

Question: Why don't conventional OTC meds help everyone with gut inflammation? And what specific markers do you use to measure inflammation?

Mobile iPhone interface comparing IgE food allergies vs IgG food sensitivities, displaying fast allergic reactions within minutes to 3 hours causing hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis versus delayed sensitivity reactions from 3 hours to 3 weeks causing brain fog, headaches, bloating, fatigue, and joint pain - responsive health infographic for iOS devices
Mobile infographic showing food sensitivity delayed reaction timeline on iPhone - eating trigger foods leads to symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and bloating appearing 3 hours to 3 weeks later, explaining why food sensitivities are difficult to track with elimination diets and food journals - interactive health education tool for iOS
Dr. Paul: Traditional over-the-counter medications can block certain pathways and provide temporary relief, but they don't address the underlying issues. They won't fix the microbial imbalance, they won't improve motility, and they won't stop the irritation from inflammatory foods.

For example: I see this pattern frequently: When patients experience constipation,  their discomfort increases significantly. Once bowel movements becomes regular, their abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, and other symptoms often improve dramatically. Conventional meds don't address these fundamental issues.

Inflammatory Markers and Immunity Markers in our gut

For testing, we look at specific markers like calprotectin, lysozymes, and lactoferrin for gut inflammation. We also test secretory IgA, which represents your gut's immune system—your first line of defense. When it's extremely high, your body is actively fighting something, whether it's yeast, candida, a food reaction, or environmental irritants. When it's very low, your immune system is down-regulated from chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, or other lifestyle factors.
For desk top Educational infographic titled 'What We Can Test in the Gut: Comprehensive markers for inflammation and immune response.' The slide is divided into two main sections. The first section, 'Inflammation Markers,' highlighted in red with a flame icon, lists three key tests: 1) Calprotectin (marked as KEY MARKER) - a protein released by white blood cells during inflammation that indicates active inflammatory processes in the intestinal tract; 2) Lysozymes - antimicrobial enzymes that break down bacterial cell walls, with high levels suggesting bacterial overgrowth or infection; and 3) Lactoferrin - an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties that helps differentiate between IBD and IBS. The second section, 'Immune Response,' highlighted in green with a shield icon, focuses on Secretory IgA (sIgA) marked as CRITICAL - the primary immune defense in the gut that protects against pathogens and regulates the microbiome. Two boxes compare HIGH sIgA (indicating active fighting against yeast/Candida, food reactions, environmental toxins, and infections) versus LOW sIgA (weakened due to chronic stress, poor diet over time, lack of sleep, and limited exercise). Source: guthealthdrs.com
For iPhone Educational infographic titled 'What We Can Test in the Gut: Comprehensive markers for inflammation and immune response.' The slide is divided into two main sections. The first section, 'Inflammation Markers,' highlighted in red with a flame icon, lists three key tests: 1) Calprotectin (marked as KEY MARKER) - a protein released by white blood cells during inflammation that indicates active inflammatory processes in the intestinal tract; 2) Lysozymes - antimicrobial enzymes that break down bacterial cell walls, with high levels suggesting bacterial overgrowth or infection; and 3) Lactoferrin - an iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties that helps differentiate between IBD and IBS. The second section, 'Immune Response,' highlighted in green with a shield icon, focuses on Secretory IgA (sIgA) marked as CRITICAL - the primary immune defense in the gut that protects against pathogens and regulates the microbiome. Two boxes compare HIGH sIgA (indicating active fighting against yeast/Candida, food reactions, environmental toxins, and infections) versus LOW sIgA (weakened due to chronic stress, poor diet over time, lack of sleep, and limited exercise). Source: guthealthdrs.com

The Gut-Brain Connection

Question: How does the gut microbiome affect brain health? Can it affect how someone feels and their energy?

Dr. Paul: Absolutely. Here's something most people don't realize: 90% - 95% of your serotonin is made in your gut. If environmental stressors negatively affect your microbiome, that directly impacts your mood and overall well-being. Dopamine and other neurotransmitters are also produced in the microbiome.
Educational infographic titled 'Neurotransmitters Made in Your Gut' with a green checkmark icon. The content shows two main neurotransmitters: SEROTONIN (purple section) - Shows '90-95% made in gut' in a purple badge. Description: Controls mood, happiness, sleep, and digestion. Low levels linked to depression and anxiety. DOPAMINE (pink section) - Shows '50% made in gut' in a pink badge. Description: Regulates motivation, pleasure, reward, and motor control. Essential for focus and energy. Below these, an 'Other Neurotransmitters' section in green lists three additional neurotransmitters influenced by gut health: GABA (calming) with a calm face emoji Acetylcholine (memory) with a brain emoji Norepinephrine (alertness) with a lightning bolt emoji A highlighted box at the bottom emphasizes: 'Your gut health directly impacts your mental health and brain function' with brain, heart, and microbe emojis. Source: guthealthdrs.com for iPhone
Educational infographic titled 'Neurotransmitters Made in Your Gut' with a green checkmark icon. The content shows two main neurotransmitters: SEROTONIN (purple section) - Shows '90-95% made in gut' in a purple badge. Description: Controls mood, happiness, sleep, and digestion. Low levels linked to depression and anxiety. DOPAMINE (pink section) - Shows '50% made in gut' in a pink badge. Description: Regulates motivation, pleasure, reward, and motor control. Essential for focus and energy. Below these, an 'Other Neurotransmitters' section in green lists three additional neurotransmitters influenced by gut health: GABA (calming) with a calm face emoji Acetylcholine (memory) with a brain emoji Norepinephrine (alertness) with a lightning bolt emoji A highlighted box at the bottom emphasizes: 'Your gut health directly impacts your mental health and brain function' with brain, heart, and microbe emojis. Source: guthealthdrs.com for desktop
Dr. Paul: There's another important factor: short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Your probiotics ferment fiber (prebiotics) to create postbiotics like butyrate, which is incredibly beneficial for brain and neurological function. This is the gut-brain axis in action.
iPhone Educational infographic titled 'Gut Microbiome Directly Affects Butyrate Production: The Essential Postbiotic Our Body Needs.' The content shows a three-step process with green-bordered boxes connected by downward arrows: Step 1 - PREBIOTICS (Fiber): Dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains feeds your beneficial gut bacteria. Step 2 - PROBIOTICS (Good Bacteria): Beneficial bacteria ferment the prebiotic fiber, breaking it down through fermentation. Step 3 - POSTBIOTICS (Butyrate): Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate are produced, providing fuel for brain and gut health. At the bottom, an orange box highlights 'Butyrate: The Brain Superfuel' with a brain emoji, listing its benefits: Essential for neurological function, Reduces brain inflammation, Improves memory & cognition, and Protects the blood-brain barrier. The infographic illustrates the complete pathway from dietary fiber to butyrate production and its crucial role in brain health. Source: guthealthdrs.com
For desktop Educational infographic titled 'Gut Microbiome Directly Affects Butyrate Production: The Essential Postbiotic Our Body Needs.' The content shows a three-step process with green-bordered boxes connected by downward arrows: Step 1 - PREBIOTICS (Fiber): Dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains feeds your beneficial gut bacteria. Step 2 - PROBIOTICS (Good Bacteria): Beneficial bacteria ferment the prebiotic fiber, breaking it down through fermentation. Step 3 - POSTBIOTICS (Butyrate): Short-chain fatty acids like butyrate are produced, providing fuel for brain and gut health. At the bottom, an orange box highlights 'Butyrate: The Brain Superfuel' with a brain emoji, listing its benefits: Essential for neurological function, Reduces brain inflammation, Improves memory & cognition, and Protects the blood-brain barrier. The infographic illustrates the complete pathway from dietary fiber to butyrate production and its crucial role in brain health. Source: guthealthdrs.com

Environmental Factors and Digestive Problems

Question: Could environmental factors be causing unexplained digestive problems? How do you determine if someone needs testing for environmental stressors?

Dr. Paul: Environmental stressors—mold, heavy metals, chemicals like BPA—can absolutely affect the gut. Everyone is exposed to environmental stressors to some degree. The key is identifying who has significant exposure affecting their health and whose detox capacity is compromised by genetics, constipation, mold sensitivity, or nutritional deficiencies. They damage the intestinal barrier, cause digestive sensitivity issues, and can even trigger serious digestive conditions.
BPA from plastics and chemicals sprayed in our lawns have particularly negative effects on the microbiome, wiping out beneficial bacteria and promoting dysbiosis.
Determining who needs testing requires careful history-taking. Classic red flags include: "I feel so much better when I go on vacation," "My health issues started when I moved into this home," or "I feel better when I'm away from work for a while." These patterns in someone's history are pretty telling.

Why Probiotics and Supplements Work for Some but Not Others

Question: Why do probiotics help some people but not others? The same with supplements—why do they work for my friend but not for me?

Dr. Paul: In functional medicine, we have a principle: weed the garden before you seed it. We need to remove the overgrowth-yeast, candida, parasites, H. Pylori-before adding probiotics. The order in which you do things matters tremendously.

There are exceptions, and sometimes we do things simultaneously, but this really depends on the individual patient. That's why it's important to work with a functional medicine practitioner who can create an individualized plan.
Educational infographic titled 'Why Your Probiotics Didn't Help' featuring a garden metaphor. The main concept highlighted in a green box with a plant emoji: 'Weed the Garden Before You Seed the Garden' - The Order in which you do things is critical for success. The process is divided into two sequential steps: Step 1 - WEED FIRST (brown/orange section): Remove Overgrowth (microbe icon) Clear Yeast & Candida (mushroom icon) Eliminate Parasites (worm icon) Treat H. Pylori (red circle icon) A downward arrow connects to: Step 2 - THEN SEED (green section): Add Probiotics (pill icon) Include Prebiotics (broccoli icon) Beneficial Bacteria (DNA icon) Support Nutrients (sparkle icon) The infographic emphasizes that clearing harmful organisms must come before adding beneficial probiotics for successful gut health restoration. Source: guthealthdrs.com
For Iphone Educational infographic titled 'Why Your Probiotics Didn't Help' featuring a garden metaphor. The main concept highlighted in a green box with a plant emoji: 'Weed the Garden Before You Seed the Garden' - The Order in which you do things is critical for success. The process is divided into two sequential steps: Step 1 - WEED FIRST (brown/orange section): Remove Overgrowth (microbe icon) Clear Yeast & Candida (mushroom icon) Eliminate Parasites (worm icon) Treat H. Pylori (red circle icon) A downward arrow connects to: Step 2 - THEN SEED (green section): Add Probiotics (pill icon) Include Prebiotics (broccoli icon) Beneficial Bacteria (DNA icon) Support Nutrients (sparkle icon) The infographic emphasizes that clearing harmful organisms must come before adding beneficial probiotics for successful gut health restoration. Source: guthealthdrs.com

Common Supplement Mistakes

Question: What's the most common mistake you see with patients taking nutritional supplements?

Dr. Paul: Most of my patients are knowledgeable and have been taking various nutrients. What they're usually missing is specific testing to determine exactly what they need, in what form, at what dose, and for how long. The order of supplementation and identifying the underlying triggers are crucial.

I learned this personally—I once spent thousands of dollars on hundreds of supplements after moving into a  house full of hidden mold. Nothing helped until I addressed the root cause: removing the mold from my environment and addressing the environmental burden in my body.

You can't out-supplement a poor diet or a harmful environment. It just doesn't work that way!
Desktop optimized Educational infographic titled 'Why Your Supplements Aren't Working: The Critical Missing Pieces in Your Supplement Strategy' with a pill emoji. The slide opens with a red-bordered quote: 'I'm taking lots of supplements but still don't feel better.' Main section 'What You're Missing' (with magnifying glass icon) lists 6 numbered critical factors: SPECIFIC TESTING - What exactly do YOU need? Not everyone needs the same things DURATION - How long should you take them? Timing matters for effectiveness FORMS - Which form is best absorbed? Not all forms are created equal CORRECT DOSING - Exact milligrams needed. Too little won't work, too much wastes money PROPER ORDER - What to take when. Sequence affects absorption ROOT CAUSE - WHY are you deficient? Address the underlying issue Each item is presented in a gray box with a purple numbered circle, highlighting the systematic approach needed for effective supplementation. Source: guthealthdrs.com
Iphone optimized Educational infographic titled 'Why Your Supplements Aren't Working: The Critical Missing Pieces in Your Supplement Strategy' with a pill emoji. The slide opens with a red-bordered quote: 'I'm taking lots of supplements but still don't feel better.' Main section 'What You're Missing' (with magnifying glass icon) lists 6 numbered critical factors: SPECIFIC TESTING - What exactly do YOU need? Not everyone needs the same things DURATION - How long should you take them? Timing matters for effectiveness FORMS - Which form is best absorbed? Not all forms are created equal CORRECT DOSING - Exact milligrams needed. Too little won't work, too much wastes money PROPER ORDER - What to take when. Sequence affects absorption ROOT CAUSE - WHY are you deficient? Address the underlying issue Each item is presented in a gray box with a purple numbered circle, highlighting the systematic approach needed for effective supplementation. Source: guthealthdrs.com

The Importance of Microbiome Testing

Question: You mentioned a good quality Stool Test is a must. Why is that, and are there other tests you recommend?

Dr. Paul: Roughly a hundred trillion bacteria live in your microbiome, and a comprehensive microbiome analysis gives us a clear picture of its health. We can determine if it's balanced, if you have enough beneficial bacteria, whether problematic stomach bacteria are present, if there's yeast or candida overgrowth, parasites, or gut inflammation. A high-quality microbiome analysis answers all these questions.

I also use organic acid testing, which is particularly sensitive for detecting yeast overgrowth and provides metabolite information about bacteria.
Desktop optimized Educational infographic titled 'Comprehensive Stool Testing: Understanding Your Gut Microbiome Health' with a microscope icon. The slide highlights '100 TRILLION Bacteria living in your microbiome' in a blue box. Main section 'What Stool Testing Reveals' described as 'A comprehensive representation of microbiome health' contains six testing categories in a grid: Microbiome Balance - Is your gut ecosystem balanced? (scale icon) Beneficial Bacteria - Are good bacteria levels too low? (microbe icon) H. Pylori - Presence of harmful bacteria (red circle icon) Yeast & Candida - Fungal overgrowth detection (mushroom icon) Parasites - Unwanted organisms present? (worm icon) Gut Inflammation - Inflammatory markers levels (fire icon) Additional Testing section (purple border) highlights the Organic Acid Test (OAT): More sensitive for yeast overgrowth Tests bacterial metabolites Complements stool testing Key Questions Answered section (green border) lists: Is my microbiome balanced? What's causing my symptoms? Do I have hidden infections? Why is my gut inflamed? Source: guthealthdrs.com
Iphone optimized Educational infographic titled 'Comprehensive Stool Testing: Understanding Your Gut Microbiome Health' with a microscope icon. The slide highlights '100 TRILLION Bacteria living in your microbiome' in a blue box. Main section 'What Stool Testing Reveals' described as 'A comprehensive representation of microbiome health' contains six testing categories in a grid: Microbiome Balance - Is your gut ecosystem balanced? (scale icon) Beneficial Bacteria - Are good bacteria levels too low? (microbe icon) H. Pylori - Presence of harmful bacteria (red circle icon) Yeast & Candida - Fungal overgrowth detection (mushroom icon) Parasites - Unwanted organisms present? (worm icon) Gut Inflammation - Inflammatory markers levels (fire icon) Additional Testing section (purple border) highlights the Organic Acid Test (OAT): More sensitive for yeast overgrowth Tests bacterial metabolites Complements stool testing Key Questions Answered section (green border) lists: Is my microbiome balanced? What's causing my symptoms? Do I have hidden infections? Why is my gut inflamed? Source: guthealthdrs.com

Understanding and Addressing Bacterial Overgrowth

Question: "I was diagnosed with bacterial overgrowth in my small intestine (SIBO), took recommended meds, went on the low FODMAP diet. It helped temporarily, but issues returned. Why do they keep coming back?"

Dr. Paul: Let me paint you a typical picture: a patient with low stomach acid, poor digestive enzyme output, high stress, yeast overgrowth, and low beneficial bacteria. When they're treating bacterial overgrowth, the focus is usually just on killing the bacteria and using a low FODMAP diet to minimize issues.

This approach might help temporarily, but here's the problem—you're only addressing one out of five issues. You still have low stomach acid, poor enzyme output, candida overgrowth, and low beneficial flora. Add in potential food sensitivities, and you can see why issues return.

All these factors can contribute to the same issues: gas, abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, constipation, irregularity, or loose stools. That's why addressing just one variable rarely provides lasting relief.
For desktop Educational infographic titled 'Why SIBO Symptoms Return After Antibiotics: The Complete Picture of SIBO Treatment.' The slide opens with a quote: 'I took antibiotics for SIBO, felt better briefly, but symptoms came back.' It compares two approaches: TYPICAL SIBO TREATMENT (marked with red X): Antibiotics: Kill the bacteria Low FODMAP Diet: Starve the bacteria Result: Temporary relief, then symptoms return THE PROBLEM: Shows only 1 of 5+ factors are addressed THE COMPLETE PICTURE (marked with green checkmark) - All Factors to Address: Bacterial Overgrowth - The only thing antibiotics target Low Stomach Acid - Allows bacteria to thrive High Stress - Affects gut motility Low Digestive Enzymes - Poor food breakdown Low Good Bacteria - Protective flora depleted Yeast/Candida - Often grows after antibiotics Food Sensitivities - Even on low FODMAP Common symptoms from all factors: Gas, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain THE SOLUTION: Address ALL contributing factors, not just bacteria, for lasting SIBO relief Source: guthealthdrs.com
For iPhone Educational infographic titled 'Why SIBO Symptoms Return After Antibiotics: The Complete Picture of SIBO Treatment.' The slide opens with a quote: 'I took antibiotics for SIBO, felt better briefly, but symptoms came back.' It compares two approaches: TYPICAL SIBO TREATMENT (marked with red X): Antibiotics: Kill the bacteria Low FODMAP Diet: Starve the bacteria Result: Temporary relief, then symptoms return THE PROBLEM: Shows only 1 of 5+ factors are addressed THE COMPLETE PICTURE (marked with green checkmark) - All Factors to Address: Bacterial Overgrowth - The only thing antibiotics target Low Stomach Acid - Allows bacteria to thrive High Stress - Affects gut motility Low Digestive Enzymes - Poor food breakdown Low Good Bacteria - Protective flora depleted Yeast/Candida - Often grows after antibiotics Food Sensitivities - Even on low FODMAP Common symptoms from all factors: Gas, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain THE SOLUTION: Address ALL contributing factors, not just bacteria, for lasting SIBO relief Source: guthealthdrs.com

Dr. Paul's Approach to Long-Term Gut Issues

Question: "You see some of Minnesota's most persistently ill patients—those dealing with years of irregularity, digestive sensitivity, serious digestive conditions, or recurrent bacterial overgrowth. How are you able to help, when conventional medicine falls short?"

Dr. Paul: Our success comes from thorough testing and investigating every avenue that affects gut function. If someone comes in with abdominal pain and discomfort, I don't just run a microbiome analysis. Yes, these issues can come from bacterial overgrowth, yeast, parasites, low stomach acid, or poor enzyme output—but they could also stem from ongoing stress, or food sensitivities, for example.

Looking at just one test severely limits our ability to find the root cause. Our test-don't-guess approach means the more we test, the less we guess.

Communication is also crucial. We maintain strong communication between appointments, provide education, and at each visit, I review test results and remind patients where we are in their protocol. I'll say, "Here's what we're doing now, how did that work for you, and here's what we're changing next." Follow-up visits keep people on track.

The combination of thorough testing, understanding the mechanisms, clear communication, and consistency with the protocol over time—that's what delivers results.

Remember: there's always a reason why you're experiencing issues. Your body has an innate ability to recover, repair, and find balance. When we create the right environment-remove what's harming you and replace what's missing-that's when real improvement happens.
Desktop optimized Educational infographic with the title 'TEST DON'T GUESS' where 'TEST' is blue, 'DON'T' is black, and 'GUESS' is red. Subtitle: 'The Foundation of Success.' Two comparison boxes: Green-bordered box: 'More Testing = Less Guessing' with a checkmark Red-bordered box: 'Less Testing = More Guessing' with an X Main section titled '4 Pillars of Success' contains four numbered items in green boxes: THOROUGH TESTING - Every avenue affecting gut function. Complete picture, not fragments UNDERSTANDING MECHANISMS - Know the 'why' behind symptoms. Root causes, not surface issues CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION - Between visits & education. Stay connected and informed PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE - Consistency over time. Follow through for results The infographic emphasizes a data-driven approach to gut health treatment. Source: guthealthdrs.com
Iphone optimized Educational infographic with the title 'TEST DON'T GUESS' where 'TEST' is blue, 'DON'T' is black, and 'GUESS' is red. Subtitle: 'The Foundation of Success.' Two comparison boxes: Green-bordered box: 'More Testing = Less Guessing' with a checkmark Red-bordered box: 'Less Testing = More Guessing' with an X Main section titled '4 Pillars of Success' contains four numbered items in green boxes: THOROUGH TESTING - Every avenue affecting gut function. Complete picture, not fragments UNDERSTANDING MECHANISMS - Know the 'why' behind symptoms. Root causes, not surface issues CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION - Between visits & education. Stay connected and informed PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE - Consistency over time. Follow through for results The infographic emphasizes a data-driven approach to gut health treatment. Source: guthealthdrs.com

Let's Recap- 
Dr. Paul's Method and Why It Works!

Test, Dont Guess

Comprehensive Stool Testing and Organic Acids Testing help reveal what's happening in YOUR gut - not generic protocols.

Weed Before You Seed

Remove overgrowth (H. Pylori, yeast, bacteria, parasites) BEFORE adding probiotics. The order matters!

Address ALL Root Causes

Low stomach acid, enzyme deficiencies, gallbladder dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, immune dysfunction and toxins are commonly missed. We investigate every avenue affecting your gut.

Book a free phone consultation with Dr. Paul

For those experiencing unexplained food reactions or digestive symptoms, Dr. Paul Deglmann offers complimentary 15-minute educational consultations to discuss gut health concerns and explain testing options.

"What can I expect in working with Restorative Health Solutions?"

At Restorative Health Solutions, we strive to get to the root cause of the symptoms/condition and help patients finally reach their optimal health. We also guarantee to replace the 'one-size-fits-all' approach with a personalized plan for you! 

How we dramatically lower the recurrence of your symptoms:

1. Our comprehensive initial assessment with you helps ensure that we're a good fit for you to help take back control of your health and quality of life.

2.  We take the time to educate our patients on what's really going on, to make our patients more empowered in their health journey. 

3. State-of-the-art testing used strategically, to eliminate the guessing and finally get to the root cause of your symptoms.

4. Our functional medicine approach, combined with many years of experience in functional neurology, is comprehensive and gets to the root cause(s) of the problem. The result of this approach is that our patients have a better chance at being healthier long-term with much lower recurrence rates of the problem. 

If you or a loved one are having unresolved chronic GI symptoms, or are interested in getting a thorough and complete work-up, we’d be happy to help. Please don't hesitate to ask us questions and get a second opinion with us at Restorative Health Solutions.

We look forward to helping you Restore Your Gut Health, and your quality of life!

Sincerely,

Dr. Paul Deglmann, DC, DACNB, FACFN and Dr. Kyle Warren, DC, CFMP
Owners at Restorative Health Solutions- Edina, MN

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Knowing? Book A Free 15-minute Phone Consultation with Dr. Paul now to see if he can help you!

Request Free Consultation with Restorative Health Solutions
Before you submit your information, please know, Dr. Paul does not accept Medical Insurance. However, his care services should be covered under your HSA plan. Care Credit may also be offered. 
We are unable to work with anyone living outside of The US 

FAQs:

Do you offer virtual consultations?
At Restorative Health Solutions we offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Feel free to share your preference with our front desk when you reach out. *We do not work with patients that live outside of the United States.
How much is the 15-minute phone consultation?
Your first phone call is complementary and on us. 
Typically how long are the appointments?
The initial appointment after the first phone call is around 90 minutes on average. Follow-up visits are usually  30 minutes.
How many visits will I need?
This, of course, depends on your unique situation and plan for recovery! Typically, our follow-up visits are every 3-6 weeks in the initial phase of the protocol and every 3-6 months for maintenance or wellness visits. Telehealth options are also available.
Do I need a doctor referral to come see you?
No, you do not! We see people referred by doctors, friends and family, and those that are taking charge of their own health.
I am already taking supplements and have changed my diet with no improvement. Do you feel like you can still help me? 
Yes, absolutely. Please note: taking supplements and following a specific diet on your own can be challenging without individualzied support. Taking the right supplements, in the right form, at the right dose, for the right amount of time along with a diet that fits you best, can make a huge difference and can be crucial for long-term improvement. On our intake form, our patients list any supplements they're already taking to give Dr. Paul a heads-up. Supplements taken with proper guidance, can be more effective and help patients to avoid long-term use.

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Address: 7701 York Ave S Suite 230, Edina, MN 55435
Open Monday-Friday
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