Office Phone: 314-544-5600
4225 Bayless Ave | St. Louis, MO 63123
Office Phone: 314-544-5600
4225 Bayless Ave | St. Louis, MO 63123
Understanding how your digestive system works is a foundational step in a root cause approach to health. This resource draws from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) to explain digestive function in clear, accessible terms.
At Nepute Wellness, gut health is one of the first areas we assess because it influences far more than just digestion. This resource helps you understand the foundation that makes gut health so important.
At Nepute Wellness, gut health is one of the first areas we assess. Research consistently demonstrates that the digestive system influences far more than just digestion: it affects immune function, mental health through the gut brain axis, nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and inflammation throughout the body.
The NIDDK provides excellent foundational information about how the digestive system works, and we share this resource because understanding the basics helps you understand why we take gut health so seriously.
Digestion begins in the mouth and involves a coordinated process through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and supporting organs (liver, pancreas, gallbladder). Each stage serves a specific purpose in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.
The small intestine is where most nutrient absorption occurs. This is also where the gut microbiome is most concentrated and where disruptions may have the greatest impact on overall health.
Many patients come to Nepute Wellness with symptoms that seem unrelated to digestion: fatigue, brain fog, skin problems, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation. Yet research published in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology has demonstrated that gut health may be a root cause factor in many of these conditions.
This is why “Test, Don’t Guess” often includes gut health assessment. Understanding what is happening in the digestive system may reveal root causes that would otherwise go unaddressed.
The NIDDK recommends several foundational strategies: eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, staying hydrated, managing stress (which directly affects gut function), and working with healthcare providers to address persistent digestive concerns.
At Nepute Wellness, we build on these foundations with targeted approaches including microbiome testing, food sensitivity assessment, and personalized nutritional counseling.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH. Public domain material used with attribution.
Root cause, not symptom management: your gut health may be the key to understanding your overall wellness.
Absolutely. Nepute Wellness serves patients from around the world through expanded virtual appointments via Zoom. International patients can access the same level of care, including home-shippable testing kits, virtual consultations (15, 30, or 60 minutes), and recorded Reports of Findings.
For those who prefer an in-person visit, our center is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Our team can help coordinate travel logistics for patients coming from out of state or internationally.
Your first visit to Nepute Wellness is designed to feel warm and family-like, not clinical or intimidating. Depending on your chosen examination tier (Basic, Moderate, or Advanced), you’ll undergo
Yes, we do, and the honest answer is that it depends on your plan. We accept and bill insurance for our in-person clinical services, and we accept assignment of insurance benefits, worker’s compensation, and personal-injury claims. What actually gets covered is set by your individual insurance plan and provider, not by us. Every plan decides differently. Our functional medicine consultations, virtual visits, and advanced testing (DNA, HRV, thermography) are generally offered on a direct-pay basis. Bring your insurance details to your visit and our team will help you understand what your plan covers.
“Selfcare as Healthcare” is one of the guiding mantras at Nepute Wellness. It represents the belief that true healthcare starts with empowering you to take an active role in your own healing and your family’s health, rather than passively depending on the traditional sick-care system.
At Nepute Wellness, this means educating you about root causes, providing tools and resources for ongoing wellness, and giving you the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health journey. Our goal is to move you from confusion and overwhelm to certainty and empowerment.
Plan for approximately 60 to 90 minutes for your first visit, depending on which examination tier you’ve selected. The Basic exam focuses on neuromusculoskeletal assessment, while the Moderate and
