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Dr. Shustina is an incredibly knowledgeable doctor who truly takes time to find root cause.
RG
Rochel Gordon
Condition · Metabolic & Systemic
Weight Gain
Weight gain can be linked to digestive issues like slow metabolism or hormonal imbalances. Our integrative approach uses advanced diagnostics and personalized care to identify and address these root causes, supporting healthy weight management and overall well-being.
Unexplained weight gain can often be linked to digestive health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, slow metabolism, or nutrient absorption problems. At Whole Gut Health and Wellness, we approach weight gain by examining the underlying factors that affect your metabolism and overall gut health. Our holistic approach includes advanced diagnostics, tailored nutrition plans, and integrative therapies to address these imbalances. By restoring gut function, we aim to support healthy weight management and improve your overall well-being.
Understanding Unexplained Weight Gain
Weight gain is rarely as simple as calories in versus calories out. For many people, the number on the scale keeps rising despite genuine effort with diet and exercise—a frustrating experience that points to something deeper than willpower. Unexplained weight gain is frequently a signal of underlying imbalances in metabolism, hormones, and gut health rather than a personal failing.
At Whole Gut Health and Wellness, we look at weight gain as one of the body's fire alarms—a symptom alerting us to a root cause that needs attention. Hormonal imbalances, a slow or sluggish metabolism, and problems with nutrient absorption can all contribute to weight that is difficult to lose. By examining the underlying factors that affect your metabolism and overall gut health, we work to restore balance rather than simply manage the symptom.
How Gut Health Influences Your Weight
The digestive system does far more than break down food—it plays a central role in regulating metabolism, hormones, and the way your body stores and uses energy. When gut function is disrupted, it can influence how efficiently you metabolize nutrients, how well your body absorbs the vitamins and minerals it needs, and how your hormones signal hunger, fullness, and fat storage.
This is why weight gain and digestive health are so closely connected. Slow metabolism, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient absorption problems often trace back to imbalances within the gut. By restoring gut function and addressing these upstream factors, we aim to support healthy weight management and improve your overall well-being—rather than chasing the number on the scale in isolation.
Common Root Causes We Investigate
Because weight gain has many possible drivers, we take the time to identify the specific factors at work for each patient. Contributing causes we commonly evaluate include:
Hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and fat storage
Slow or sluggish metabolism
Nutrient absorption problems and digestive dysfunction
Gut microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis)
Chronic stress and its impact on the nervous system
Dietary patterns and food sensitivities
Lifestyle factors including sleep, movement, and stress
Treatment
At Whole Gut Health and Wellness Center, we believe in taking a holistic approach to gastrointestinal health. We recognize that symptoms are not isolated occurrences but manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body. We strongly stand by the “food is medicine” approach and guide each patient with clear, simple, and strategic dietary changes to support and heal the gut and the rest of the body. By addressing the root causes and considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment, we can provide comprehensive and personalized care to our patients.
Dr. Alexandra Shustina, a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist, and the team at Whole Gut Health combine the best of conventional medicine with evidence-based natural therapies and lifestyle interventions. We take the time to understand your unique situation, listen to your concerns, and conduct thorough evaluations to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms We Regularly Encounter
Beyond focusing solely on symptom management, our holistic approach aims to restore balance and optimize your digestive health. We believe that true healing encompasses not only physical aspects but also emotional and lifestyle factors. By addressing these factors, we can help you achieve long-lasting improvements and empower you to take an active role in your well-being.
Our practice helps with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
Abdominal pain
Belching
Bloating
Constipation
Crohn's disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulosis
Gallbladder disease
GERD / heartburn
H. pylori infection
IBS
Leaky gut
Liver disease
Parasites
SIBO
Swallowing disorders
Ulcerative colitis
Ulcers
We Treat the Person, Not Just the Symptoms
We treat the person, not just the symptoms. We know that symptoms are fire alarms alerting us to the root cause. If we merely turn off the alarm, we may feel better temporarily, but the cause of the alarm has not been removed. The house is still on fire. We examine the symptoms, lifestyle, personal history, and life traumas, shedding light on the potential causes, associated conditions, and effective treatment approaches.
By focusing on the root causes rather than just symptom management, we aim to restore balance and promote optimal digestive health. Our goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but also to enhance overall well-being and quality of life. We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to actively participate in their healing process.
At Whole Gut Health and Wellness Center, we believe that a holistic approach to gastrointestinal health involves addressing not only physical symptoms but also emotional and lifestyle factors. We encourage healthy eating habits, stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices to support your overall well-being.
The care you receive at our practice will provide more than just help with your current problem; the tools we provide can benefit you for a lifetime. Don't let gastrointestinal symptoms hold you back from living a vibrant, fulfilling life, and take the first step towards optimal digestive health by scheduling an appointment to determine if you are a good candidate for our gastrointestinal treatment. Together, we can work towards restoring balance, improving your symptoms, and helping you achieve long-term digestive wellness.
Our approach
Why Whole Gut Health is different.
At Whole Gut Health, we go beyond conventional symptom management and traditional functional medicine protocols. We trust your body's innate ability to heal itself when given the right support.
In Dr. Shustina's many years of practice, she has seen that many digestive diseases have their root cause in emotional traumas and unhealed wounds. When these underlying causes are healed, the body can heal from the inside out in a lasting way.
We focus on the mind-gut connection, incorporating energy healing techniques, personalized nutrition that evolves as you heal, and integrative approaches addressing mind, body, and spirit. If this resonates with you, contact our office to schedule your consultation and take the first step on your healing journey.
Reviews
The body remembers when it's finally heard.
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Dr. Shustina goes to the root level of the issue, not only superficial, so there's healing.
LG
Leah Glickman
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She has significantly improved my health. I was suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and now live normally.
ML
Monica LaBadia
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Dr. Shustina has helped me change my lifestyle and heal my gut in a way I thought impossible.
DL
Dalit Lonstein
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She listens to patients and treats conditions, not symptoms.
GS
Gabriela Salazar
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Dr. Shustina is the best doctor I have ever been to. She assesses the root of the problem.
MS
M. S.
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She is an outstanding doctor who understands the body's ability to heal itself and holistic remedies.
SS
Sibel Sebi Sharabi
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Dr. Shustina has a wealth of knowledge and is helping me heal years of gastrointestinal issues.
DC
Daniela Chaparro
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Dr. Shustina is an amazing doctor. She diagnosed my cancer early and saved my life.
MW
Mordechai Weinstein
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After one session with Dr. Shustina, my digestive pain went away.
TP
Taryn Parascand
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Doctor Shustina is the absolute best. She has helped me resolve numerous issues other doctors dismissed.
RS
Rachel S.
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Dr. Shustina is a fantastic doctor who truly cares. Her holistic approach attacks the root cause.
CS
Clay Simonsen
Begin
Your first consultation begins with a conversation.
Ninety minutes. Your full history, a review of your medical records, and the plan forward. New patients are being accepted in person and via telehealth.
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