Health & Wellness

Blake Leeds, DO, provides patient-focused preventive care for patients of all ages. With a particular interest in gastrointestinal health, he can evaluate and manage conditions like functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr. Leeds understands how significantly digestive issues can affect a person’s quality of life, and he partners with patients to create personalized care plans that address both physical and emotional aspects of their condition. To schedule a consultation, please call (937) 642-1550.

Q: How do I know if my gut is healthy or unhealthy?

A: Oftentimes, the sign of a healthy gut is simply not noticing it. When digestion isn’t disrupting your day-to-day, chances are things are working as they should.

But, when your gut is out of balance, it often shows up in ways that are hard to ignore –frustrating, disruptive, and uncomfortable. If you consider yourself to have a “sensitive stomach,” find yourself focusing on how frequently or infrequently you’re having bowel movements, or plan your day around your digestion, your gut may be trying to tell you something.

Q: I’ve really cleaned up my diet, but I’m still dealing with gut problems. What am I missing?

A: There is no harm in a healthier diet – and it’s a great starting point. However, everyone’s gut is different, so what works for other people may not be your solution. Your path to gut health should be built based on your unique journey with gut struggles.

The gut is more complex than we often realize. Yes, it’s connected to our digestive system, but also to our immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. This means the food we eat is only one piece of the puzzle. Issues like inflammation, mood or behavioral conditions, and hormone imbalances can present themselves as gut issues – and gut issues can influence these areas too. What feels like a gut problem may not be coming from your gut, so finding the right solution can take some trial and error.

Q: I want to get gut-healthy and choose gut-healthy habits – where should I start?

A: Making lifestyle changes can feel intimidating – below are my recommendations of changes you can start making today to focus on your gut health.

A gut-healthy regimen:

• • Keep a “stool diary” for two weeks where you log your meals and how your gut responds, to identify patterns and potential triggers.
  • Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily.
  • Eat a fiber-rich diet – add more veggies, whole grains, and legumes to your diet.
  • Prioritize a full eight hours of sleep every night.
  • Get at least 2½ hours of exercise weekly.

Q: When should I stop trying to fix my gut issues on my own and see a doctor?

A: With so many products for gut health at your fingertips, it’s easy to crack open a prebiotic soda, try a fad diet backed by your favorite influencer, or fill your fridge with probiotic yogurts, greens, and supplements in hopes that they help. While they may provide temporary relief, these quick fixes aren’t long-lasting solutions.

Lifestyle modifications are where you’ll make real progress. If you’ve adjusted your hydration, fiber-intake, amount of sleep, and activity level but still aren’t noticing any improvements – I recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP).

Even if your symptoms feel minor, they’re still worth discussing with your PCP during preventive care visits.

Q: Nothing I’ve tried has worked. How should I move forward?

A: When nothing is working, it can feel both frustrating and defeating – but don’t throw in the towel. Work with your PCP to build a treatment plan customized for your gut by:

• • Identifying what gut-related issues you are trying to address.
  • Talking through things that have worked for you and things that haven’t.
  • Expressing any concerns you have about specific treatment options.
  • Describing your current lifestyle habits.
  • Providing a list of supplements you’re taking or considering.

Work towards a healthier gut with Dr. Leeds by calling Memorial Internal Medicine at (937) 642-1550. Bring your stool diary, talk through potential solutions, and build a care plan that works for you – because quick fixes won’t last and one-size-fits-all solutions don’t exist.