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Capsule endoscopy can detect intestinal helminths such as hookworm, tapeworm, and Ascaris within the small bowel, but it is not reliable for all worms or flukes, particularly those residing in the biliary tree, liver, or colon. Diagnostic yield depends on parasite size, motility, location, bowel preparation, and capsule transit time; small, non-motile, or highly mobile species may be missed. Capsule endoscopy is therefore best used as an adjunctive diagnostic tool when stool studies and conventional endoscopy are inconclusive. In addition, upper endoscopy with duodenal aspiration and washout, followed by detailed microbiological examination, can be a valuable method for detecting parasites and worms lodging in the proximal small intestine, as well as associated dysbiosis or fungal overgrowth. Read More

    As a physician specializing in functional medicine, circadian biology, and personalized genomics, I often see patients who have implemented healthy habits—but still struggle with fatigue, digestive distress, hormonal imbalance, or chronic inflammation. The missing variable? Often, it’s not what they’re doing—it’s when they’re doing it. Why Circadian Rhythm Matters Your circadian rhythm is your body’s innate 24-hour clock, governed by the suprachiasmatic nucleus and synchronized by light, food intake, and sleep. It regulates: Hormone secretion (cortisol, melatonin, insulin) Digestive activity and nutrient absorption Immune function and inflammation Detoxification and cellular repair Neurotransmitter release and mental resilience When this Read More

In holistic skincare, the focus is on using natural, non-toxic ingredients that support the body’s overall health and well-being. The goal is to nourish and balance the skin, using products that are gentle, non-harmful, and sustainable. Certain ingredients are considered less appealing in holistic skincare due to their potential toxicity, irritant properties, or environmental impact. Some of these ingredients include: Read More

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an unavoidable part of daily life. While we often associate stress with mental and emotional strain, its impact on the body—especially digestion—is profound. The gut and brain are deeply connected, and chronic stress can wreak havoc on digestive function, microbiome balance, and overall gut health. Read More

The Heidelberg pH Diagnostic test analyzes the ACID PUMPING cells of the stomach, to determine if there is an abnormally low, or abnormally high, stomach acid pumping issue. The Heidelberg pH Diagnostic test is highly valuable, because both low and high stomach acid problems have similar symptoms, meaning you could have either problem but the feeling it gives you is identical. Because of this similarity of symptoms, even the most experienced of Clinicians, can remain unsure if the true nature of the problem is due to the acid pumping being too rapid, or sluggish, without the Heidelberg pH Diagnostic test. Read More

At LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition, we believe in a “whole-body” approach to medicine. One of the best ways to identify and diagnose abdominal issues is through a procedure called capsule endoscopy, which involves the use of a tiny camera passing through the digestive tract and identifying any abnormal issues. How to Prepare for Capsule Endoscopy Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tiny wireless camera to study the small intestine. Located in a pill the size of a vitamin, the camera travels through a patient’s digestive system and takes pictures along the way, transferring the images to a recorder Read More