Believe Big > Blog > The Gut-Health Reset: 10 Functional Medicine Truths That Can Change Your Healing Journey

The Gut-Health Reset: 10 Functional Medicine Truths That Can Change Your Healing Journey

January 5, 2026 Blog, Podcast

Gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s about your immune system, inflammation, energy, brain function, and how well your body absorbs the support you’re taking. In Episode 105 of the Believe Big Podcast, host Ivelisse Page sits down with Dr. Daniel Roney to break down what’s really happening in the gut—and how to restore it with a practical, personalized approach.

Here are the biggest takeaways (and action steps) from the episode.

1) Gut health is a “foundation system,” not a side issue

Dr. Roney explains that gut health is deeply tied to immune regulation, inflammation control, and whole-body communication—not just digestion. If the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can ripple into fatigue, brain fog, and chronic symptoms.

Try this: Start thinking of gut health as your “root system.” If the roots are stressed, the whole tree struggles.

2) Inflammation is the common denominator behind chronic illness

A key theme: chronic inflammation can drive dysfunction across multiple body systems. Gut imbalance can become a major source of inflammation—especially when food isn’t breaking down properly or the microbiome is out of balance.

Try this: If you’re dealing with recurring symptoms, don’t just chase the symptom—look upstream.

3) “Too much exercise” can backfire (hello, hormesis)

Dr. Roney’s favorite health tip wasn’t just “exercise”—it was the right dose of exercise. He explains hormesis: a little is good, too much becomes stress. Short bursts of intensity can support growth hormone, insulin sensitivity, circulation, and inflammation balance—while overtraining can increase oxidative stress.

Try this: Short interval-style movement + strength training + mobility/flexibility.

4) Your body may change with age—and your workout should too

Ivelisse shares how overdoing exercise can spike cortisol and work against weight and hormone balance. The takeaway: what worked in your 20s may not work now, especially under stress.

Try this: Consider walking after meals, Pilates, strength training, and shorter high-intensity bursts.

5) Many people don’t realize antibiotics (and colonoscopy prep) can disrupt the gut for months

This is one of the most practical and hope-filled parts of the episode: gut recovery doesn’t have to take a full year—when the right strategy is in place.

Try this: If you’ve had antibiotics or a colonoscopy prep, prioritize a structured microbiome rebuild plan.

6) Standard stool tests often miss what functional testing can find

Dr. Roney explains that conventional stool testing may check only a handful of items, while functional testing can examine a much broader range of microbes, imbalances, and gut markers.

Try this: If symptoms persist but basic testing is “normal,” deeper data may be the missing link.

7) The 3 gut tests Dr. Roney recommends (depending on complexity)

He shares three options he uses, based on symptoms and history:

  • GI-MAP (Diagnostic Solutions) – foundational overview
  • GI FX / stool ecology (Genova Diagnostics) – more involved
  • Gut Zoomer (Vibrant Wellness) – deeper dive

Cost range mentioned: about $300–$500.

8) Common signs of poor gut health people ignore

Beyond constipation/diarrhea, Dr. Roney points to signs like:

  • reflux
  • bloating/gas
  • “uneasy gut” feelings
  • histamine-type reactions (mucus, headaches, fatigue after eating)
  • new food sensitivities to “healthy” foods

Try this: If “healthy foods” make you feel worse, it may be a gut-lining/microbiome issue—not the food itself.

9) The “5 R’s” gut healing framework (easy to remember)

Dr. Roney lays out a simple roadmap often used in integrative care:

  1. Remove inflammatory triggers
  2. Replace enzymes / stomach support
  3. Revive the microbiome (prebiotics + probiotics + fiber + gut immune markers)
  4. Repair the gut lining (support leaky gut healing)
  5. Remove infections when present

This is a powerful structure because it’s step-by-step instead of random supplement guessing.

10) Parasites + infections: don’t DIY this if you’re fragile or detox pathways are weak

This is a big caution and a big value-add. Dr. Roney and Ivelisse emphasize that strong cleanses can backfire if detox pathways aren’t supported—especially for those on a cancer or chronic illness journey.

Ivelisse shares her experience using ParaPurge (a gentler, tiered protocol option). Dr. Roney also discusses that sometimes medications can be appropriate in targeted cases—especially parasites—when guided properly.

Try this: Work with an integrative practitioner who understands sequencing: detox support → gut support → targeted removal.

Learn more ABOUT Dr. Daniel Roney

Suggested Resources

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