A healthier you starts in the gut.

GUT HEALTH OPTIMIZATION

Addressing the root of inflammation, immunity, mood, and energy from where it actually begins.

Start Your Gut Health Journey

If your gut isn’t working, nothing else will either.

The vast majority of your immune system lives in the gut, and so does much of your mood regulation, your nutrient absorption, and your inflammatory response. When the gut is out of balance, the symptoms often show up far away from your stomach.

You may not connect it to your gut, but it can show up as:

  • Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea

  • Skin issues including acne or eczema

  • Brain fog or low mood

  • Autoimmune symptoms

  • Food sensitivities that seem to multiply

  • Chronic, low-grade inflammation

  • Headaches or migraines

Your gut affects everything from digestion to mood, immunity, and even skin. When your gut is out of balance, it shows.

Diagnose first. Then personalize.

A GI-MAP™ helps us understand what’s happening beneath the surface including imbalances, inflammation, and patterns that can affect energy, mood, skin, immunity, and overall well-being. We listen to your symptoms, order specific tests, and create a personalized treatment plan. When your gut thrives, everything else can, too.

Our approach addresses common root causes, including dysbiosis, leaky gut, and H. pylori, through targeted protocols, supplementation, and a thoughtful elimination/reintroduction process when needed. The goal isn’t a permanent restrictive diet. The goal is a gut that works.

Schedule a Consultation

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Gut Health Reset Intensive

  • Comprehensive diagnostic testing with GI-MAP

    • 45-minute results review appointment

    • Personalized protocol design

    • Up to 3 visits or phone calls for ongoing support

    • Chronic digestive issues

    • IBS or IBD

    • Autoimmune conditions

    • Persistent skin issues

    • Unexplained fatigue or brain fog

    • Anyone who has “tried everything” for their gut

    • Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea that has become routine

    • Headaches or migraines

Ready to Heal from the Inside Out?

A healthier, stronger, more vibrant you starts with your gut.
Complete the form below to schedule your consultation and begin your personalized journey to optimal gut health.

What Our Patients Are Saying…

  • “I have loved everything I’ve done at Essence! I’ve done both functional medicine and gut health optimization, and I truly have never felt better. My energy is so much better, and the daily bloating and discomfort I used to deal with is gone. Kerri made me feel so heard and supported throughout the entire process.”

  • “Essence completely changed the way I view health and wellness. Through their functional medicine, gut health, and hormone care approach, I finally felt heard, understood, and supported as a whole person, not just a list of symptoms and tests that didn’t match how I felt. Their personalized care, vast knowledge and professionalism, and genuine investment in my overall well-being have helped me regain energy, balance, confidence, and a deeper understanding of my body, allowing me to feel healthier and more like myself than I have in years.”

  • “You guys have changed my life for the better in so many ways. Essence has been a huge part of caring for myself inside and out. They listen to all of my concerns and help me navigate my skin and health concerns. The functional medicine program has brought back my energy after 15+ years of battling fatigue, while other doctors have told me all of my labs look good, but I don’t feel good. If it wasn’t for Essence I would not be feeling as energized as I do physically and mentally! I didn’t know what living without major fatigue was like until now.”

  • “Before I started, I felt awful. I was exhausted all the time, short-tempered, and could barely drag myself through the day. Now my energy is back, the grogginess is gone, and I'm a lot more even-keeled. The muscle stiffness and joint pain that used to wear me down have eased up, and I actually want to be active. I feel like a completely different person.”

  • “The hormone optimization program offered at Essence was a life saver for me.  I suffered with menopause symptoms for 5 years before seeking a solution that would give me back my quality of life.  Kerri and the staff at Essence are so caring.  They take the time to explain the process and what to expect with the treatment program.  I appreciate they way they listen to my concerns and tailor a plan that fits my needs.  I would highly recommend anyone suffering from menopause symptoms to reach out to Kerri and the staff at Essence.”

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Healing the gut is a process, and the timeline can vary depending on your individual needs and how long imbalances have been present.

    Most patients see meaningful change across 8–12 weeks, though some shifts (bloating, energy, skin) may show up earlier. Gut healing is a process, and it’s worth the time.

  • No. Most protocols include a temporary, structured elimination and reintroduction phase, not a permanent restrictive diet. The goal is to identify what’s contributing to inflammation, calm the system, and rebuild tolerance.

  • Every plan is personalized based on your unique needs and goals. Some patients benefit from targeted nutrition adjustments to support healing, but our goal is always to create an approach that feels sustainable, empowering, and aligned with your lifestyle.

  • That’s common and frustrating. Elimination on its own doesn’t address the root. Pairing diet changes with diagnostic testing and a personalized protocol is what actually moves the needle for most patients.

  • Not always. We use GI-MAP when deeper insight will meaningfully change your treatment plan. We’ll help you decide whether it’s the right step in your journey.

  • All of our health optimization offerings at Essence are self-pay. Most insurance plans classify advanced functional gut testing as "not medically necessary" and decline coverage, which often leaves patients paying retail rates several times higher than our negotiated self-pay pricing. To protect you from that experience, we order your testing through our trusted lab partners at transparent, upfront pricing, with no surprise billing.

  • Yes, most patients are able to use HSA or FSA funds. We recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator.