• Describe the key functions of each section of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to colon.
• Explain the roles of digestive secretions, motility, and the migrating motor complex (MMC) in maintaining GI function.
• Discuss the importance of mucosal immunity, gut barrier integrity, and the enteric nervous system in gastrointestinal health.
• Summarize the role of the gut microbiome in supporting digestion, immunity, and systemic health.
• Differentiate between stool testing methods and interpret the clinical relevance of common stool markers.
• Explain the principles of breath testing for SIBO, including gas patterns, substrate selection, and interpretation limitations
• Determine when formal GI testing is appropriate versus when an elimination or therapeutic trial may be the preferred approach
• Match gastrointestinal test selection to patient symptoms, history, and clinical presentation.
• Differentiate when to incorporate adjunctive markers (e.g., calprotectin) to support diagnosis of inflammatory conditions such as IBD.
• Evaluate test results within the broader clinical context to improve accuracy and avoid over-reliance on laboratory data alone
• Differentiate between IBS subtypes (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M) and their clinical presentations.
• Explain root cause drivers of functional bowel disorders, including motility disturbances, dysbiosis, and visceral hypersensitivity.
• Assess the role of stress and HPA axis dysregulation in gastrointestinal symptom patterns.
• Interpret breath test findings and compare conventional pharmacologic options with functional medicine strategies for IBS and related conditions.
• Describe the pathophysiology of small intestinal bacterial and methanogen overgrowth (SIBO/SIMO).
• Identify common risk factors for overgrowth, including medications, motility disorders, surgeries, and adhesions.
• Interpret breath test patterns for hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide to guide differential diagnosis.
• Explain the relationship between motility, MMC function, and bile flow in the development of SIBO/SIMO
• Identify key inflammatory markers and clinical red flags associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Describe assessment and testing patterns commonly used in the evaluation of IBD.
• Differentiate functional GI symptoms from active inflammatory disease in patients with IBD.
• Differentiate between hypochlorhydria and hyperacidity based on clinical clues and dispel common misconceptions about stomach acid.
• Explain the role of H. pylori and other pathogens in GERD and outline appropriate testing considerations.
• Review conventional pharmacologic treatment options for GERD and their mechanisms of action.
• Discuss functional medicine perspectives on upper GI disorders, including root-cause contributors and integrative management strategies.
• Describe the components of the 5R protocol (Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance) and their role in restoring gastrointestinal health.
• Differentiate when to use antimicrobials, binders, or elimination diets in the removal phase.
• Identify key digestive supports, probiotics, and nutrients used to optimize gut healing and barrier integrity.
• Apply lifestyle-based strategies—including stress management, circadian rhythm support, and mindful eating practices—to promote long-term GI balance.
• Review conventional pharmacologic therapies for IBS, SIBO, and GERD, including mechanisms of action and clinical indications.
• Differentiate between treatment options based on patient presentation, symptom subtype, and comorbid conditions.
• Identify potential adverse drug reactions and drug–nutrient interactions associated with common GI pharmacotherapies.
• Identify common drug-induced nutrient depletions and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that impact gastrointestinal health.
• Explain the mechanisms by which antibiotics and NSAIDs contribute to GI dysfunction and nutrient imbalances.
• Apply knowledge of drug–nutrient interactions to anticipate and mitigate potential gastrointestinal complications in patient care.
• Evaluate case studies to develop integrative strategies for managing GI-related ADRs and supporting nutrient repletion.

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