Integrative Gastroenterology
A Balanced Approach to Treating GI Issues
Integrative Gastroenterology
– Root Cause Medicine –
Dr. Flass specializes in Integrative Gastroenterology, which combines his knowledge of western gastrointestinal medicine with training in nutrition and Functional Medicine to provide a more personalized, patient centric and balanced approach to gastrointestinal disorders. This combined approach reaps the benefits of both standard of care diagnostic testing and medications alongside more advanced and personalized functional medicine testing, diet therapy and nutritional supplements when appropriate. Integrative gastroenterology addresses the root cause of someone’s gut issues, rather than just covering up their symptoms.
Gastroenterology is an area where Functional Medicine really shines. The emphasis on root causes rather than symptom management is paramount to improving the health of those with GI disorders. Research is clearly showing that most of these disorders are not genetic, they are environmental in origin. Dysbiosis and a damaged microbiome, dysregulated immune systems with excessive inflammatory responses, damaged mitochondria, disruption in the nervous system of the gut, undiagnosed food sensitivities and toxic exposures and imbalances in the “Six Pillars” can all contribute to gut issues and should be evaluated in each individual in order to restore health.
Tom Flass MD
Now Serving: Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Missoula with telemedicine serving Great Falls, Helena, Bozeman and Billings – Montana
Now also offering telemedicine consultations for Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Oregon
Personalized, Root Cause Gastroenterology serving Montana and the Northwest
Is Dr. Flass a “real” Gastroenterologist?
Dr. Flass is a board-certified gastroenterologist with 15 years of pediatric gastroenterology experience. While there is no combined pediatric/adult training in gastroenterology, many of the conditions are the same in both age groups and have common root causes that respond well to a combined traditional + functional approach. He now treats children and adults with GI issues who are looking for a more well-rounded, personalized, root cause approach to treating their condition.
Who are your Typical Patients?
Adults and children suffering from gastrointestinal issues, who feel their current level of care is not searching deep enough for answers and may not be taking the time to look into the upstream causes of their condition.
People who feel that they might benefit from a more holistic integrative approach.
People who realize there are good things about western medicine, but also recognize its limitations and that good medicine is more than “ A pill for every ill”.
“All disease begins in the gut” – Hippocrates 400 BCE
What Type of Conditions do you Treat?
Dr. Flass has treated thousands of patients with digestive conditions including, but not limited to:
Dr. Flass holds 2 degrees in nutrition and has treated a wide spectrum of nutrition related disorders. He does not treat gastrointestinal cancers such as gastric, esophageal, or colon cancer as these conditions typically need a treatment team involving a gastroenterologist, oncologist and surgeon.