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Your Digestive System and How It Works

An evidence based overview of how your digestive system works, from the NIDDK, and why gut health is foundational to overall wellness.

About This Resource

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.

Why We Share It

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.

Why Gut Health Is Foundational

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.

How Digestion Works

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.

The Root Cause Connection

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.

Supporting Your Digestive Health

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.

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Knowledge Is Power

Wisdom Is Applying It To Your Life.

The digestive system influences far more than just digestion: it affects immune function, mental health, nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and inflammation throughout the body.
Valdes AM et al. BMJ, 2018
Many symptoms that seem unrelated to digestion, like fatigue, brain fog, and skin problems, may have gut health as a root cause factor.
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Your Digestive System and How It Works

Your Digestive System and How It Works

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The DNA Discovery Kit uses a simple cheek swab or saliva sample collected at home. Your sample is analyzed at a CLIA-certified lab for over 900,000 genetic markers (SNPs). Results reveal how your genes affect nutrient metabolism, medication response, detoxification capacity, fitness potential, and disease predisposition. You’ll receive personalized insights and actionable recommendations based on YOUR unique genetic blueprint.

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.

Weight challenges are often a symptom of underlying metabolic, hormonal, or neurological imbalances rather than a standalone problem. At Nepute Wellness, we investigate the root causes that may be

The Day Two visit is considered one of the most important appointments in your journey at Nepute Wellness. This is where your test results, blood work, brain mapping, and any additional diagnostics

Yes. The Human Performance Exam is designed for athletes and high performers. We assess genetic factors affecting recovery and performance, measure nervous system capacity, identify nutrient deficiencies, and create precision protocols. Many athletes use our approach to optimize training, recovery, and performance.

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Doc and his staff have completely changed my life. I have been suffering from chronic pain and inflamation. I have been going there for several years now. Dr. Eric, Dr. Rachel, Dr. Patric and staff have been extremely helpful. I have learned how to stay healthy and how to heal. I am in my sixties and very active. I plan on staying that way with the help of Nepute wellness. Over the years I have used traditional medicine only to be given pills that mask the pain. Neputi wellness has given me a holistic path to getting heathy and staying well. This type of wellness takes time. Have patience. You will be amazed ! Update 8/1/25 I just wanted to share that I have been taking the biolimitlist Neuro Reboot. My chronic pain has decreased to almost nothing. Especially in my lower back. This has allowed me to live the active life that I am accustomed to. I have been trying to avoid medications at all costs but was starting to give in. This product is working well. In my case, it took almost 60 days. But from then on, it was amazing. I noticed the first week I was sleeping better. The pain in my joints was starting to ease. My back, however, took a longer time. In my opinion, it is worth the money. And many thanks to doc and his amazing staff!
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Nepute wellness Center is by far the best care I’ve experienced after being blessed to have had the best medical care from two different hospitals, and several injuries! I have been in the hospital 2 times in my life for a year both times. I’ve had multiple broken bones, struck by lightning. Several years later I was electrocuted by7200 volts, while working on a radio tower and a 40 ft fall. I’ve had several people who have known me speak that I am as tough as they come! But I tell you it’s the Grace of God who has brought me through these trials, moreover, to Nepute Wellness Center. My body has dealt with pain and arthritis for decades, and I am without a doubt a man of faith, and I have already seen results in a short amount of time. I have been blessed to find a entire group of people who care about people more than the bottom line. Pastor Jerry T.McClain
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Very nice Nurses and doctors, ran all my test for low price and multivitamin Intravenous worked really good taking away my foot pain.
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I have never been to a more thorough group of doctors and team! Love this place and I haven’t felt this good in years! Thank you for addressing the root causes of my issues! Highly Recommend!
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No nonsense scientific approach to health. Fix the problem don’t hide the symptoms.
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The staff and doctors are great and friendly! Always making sure they are working on whatever is bothering me along with what I’m being treated for. I look forward to going every week!
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Dr. Eric is the best! He truly takes the time to patiently teach us the right way to health. Layla is so good at what she does since while we were visiting I noticed she had already started my injection. Holly is always so pleasant and helpful. You all are a great team!
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Everyone is so friendly and helpful and knowledgeable! I took my 2 and 4 year old and they were excellent with my children! I love this place! I would highly recommend to everyone. If you have anything wrong they can get to the bottom of it! I’ve had back problems since I was a child and with their help I’ve actually been able to be in minimal pain and actually have reverse damage!
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Functional Medicine Clinic in St. Louis, MO

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