Gut Health Support In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
What Is Gut Health Support?
Gut health refers to the overall function and balance of the gastrointestinal system, including the gut microbiome, the integrity of the intestinal lining, digestive enzyme activity, and the relationship between gut function and the broader systems of the body including the immune system, nervous system, and hormonal balance.
Gut health support at Vero Health Center is a functional wellness approach that uses evaluation of dietary patterns, digestive function, and systemic health markers to identify the contributors to gut dysfunction and build a targeted plan. This is not a medication-based model. The goal is to address the factors driving gut dysfunction so the digestive system can function the way it is designed to.
What Gut Health Support Can Help With
Gut health support addresses a range of digestive and systemic concerns that often have their root in poor gut function.
Chronic bloating and digestive discomfort. Bloating, gas, cramping, and irregular bowel habits are common signs of gut dysfunction. A gut health evaluation can help identify whether dysbiosis, food sensitivities, or other factors are driving those symptoms.
Food sensitivities and inflammatory responses. Many patients have dietary triggers they are not aware of that are contributing to systemic inflammation, digestive discomfort, and fatigue. Identifying and addressing those triggers is often a central part of gut health support.
Low energy and persistent fatigue. The gut plays a central role in nutrient absorption and immune regulation. Poor gut function can contribute to fatigue that is not explained by other causes. Restoring gut health often improves energy levels as a downstream effect.
Support for weight management goals. Gut health is directly connected to metabolic function, appetite regulation, and how the body processes and stores nutrients. Addressing gut dysfunction is often part of a broader weight management strategy for patients who have struggled to achieve results with diet alone.
Immune system support. A significant portion of the body’s immune activity is mediated through the gut. Patients dealing with frequent illness, autoimmune concerns, or chronic inflammation may benefit from addressing gut health as part of a broader wellness plan.
When Gut Health Support May Not Be Appropriate
Gut Health Support is not the right starting point for every patient. During your evaluation, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, examination findings, and any relevant imaging to determine whether this care fits your situation. If your symptoms point to a condition outside the clinic’s scope, we may recommend medical evaluation or referral before beginning care. Being clear about who this care does and does not fit is part of how Vero Health Center builds a plan you can trust.
Who This Service Is For
Gut health support is suited to patients who are experiencing chronic digestive symptoms, fatigue, or other systemic concerns that have not been fully resolved through conventional medical care. It is also relevant for patients who want to optimize their overall health and recognize that gut function is a foundational piece of that picture.
This approach works well alongside other services at Vero Health Center, particularly for patients who are also pursuing hormone support or weight loss goals, where gut health is a significant contributing factor.
You may benefit from gut health support if:
- You have chronic bloating, digestive discomfort, or irregular bowel habits
- You suspect food sensitivities are affecting your health but have not identified them clearly
- Persistent fatigue or low energy is affecting your daily life and has not been explained
- You are working toward weight loss goals and have not achieved results with diet alone
- You want to address the root causes of digestive dysfunction rather than manage symptoms
How Vero Health Center Supports Gut Health
Gut health support at Vero Health Center begins with a thorough evaluation of your current digestive function, dietary patterns, and relevant health history. The plan is built around what the evaluation reveals, not a generic supplement protocol.
Gut Health Evaluation
We review your current symptoms, dietary patterns, digestive history, and any relevant testing you have already had. In some cases, additional functional testing may be recommended to clarify the picture before building a plan.
Personalized Nutrition And Dietary Guidance
Dietary changes are often the foundation of gut health recovery. We provide practical, specific guidance based on your evaluation findings rather than a one-size-fits-all dietary template.
Targeted Supplementation Where Indicated
Where appropriate, targeted supplementation may be part of the gut health plan. Recommendations are based on what the evaluation supports and are reviewed and adjusted as you progress through the plan.
What Our Patients Are Saying
What To Expect At Your First Gut Health Visit
Your first visit is a conversation and evaluation focused on understanding what is driving your digestive concerns.
Scheduling
Contact us to schedule a gut health consultation. Let us know your primary concerns so we can prepare for the visit.
Comprehensive Intake And History
We review your digestive history, current symptoms, dietary patterns, prior testing, and relevant health history in detail. The more context you can provide, the more useful the evaluation will be.
Evaluation And Functional Assessment
We assess your current gut function and identify the primary contributing factors to your symptoms. Additional testing may be recommended at this stage if it would provide useful information.
Findings And Care Plan
After the evaluation, we explain what we found and outline a care plan that addresses the specific drivers of your gut dysfunction. The plan includes dietary guidance and, where appropriate, supplementation support.
Follow-Up And Progress Monitoring
Gut health improvement takes time. We schedule follow-up visits to assess progress, adjust the plan based on your response, and ensure you are moving in the right direction.
Related Services
Gut health support at Vero Health Center pairs naturally with other wellness-focused services. Explore related options:
Wellness Chiropractic Care
Ongoing chiropractic support for patients who are past the acute phase of care or who want to maintain their spinal health and function over time.
Weight Loss
A clinically guided approach to sustainable weight reduction that begins with an evaluation of the metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors that may be driving weight challenges.
Hormone Therapy for Men
A clinically supervised treatment designed to address hormone deficiencies, particularly low testosterone, that affect energy, body composition, mood, cognitive clarity, and sexual function.
Hormone Therapy for Women
A clinically supervised approach to addressing the hormonal imbalances that commonly develop during perimenopause, menopause, and in other contexts involving estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone deficiency.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as seeing a gastroenterologist?
No. Our gut health support is a functional wellness approach focused on identifying and addressing the dietary and lifestyle contributors to gut dysfunction. It is not a replacement for gastroenterological care for conditions such as IBD, Crohn’s disease, or colon cancer. If you have been diagnosed with one of those conditions, we recommend maintaining that care alongside any wellness support.
Will I need to take supplements?
Not necessarily. Supplements are recommended only where the evaluation supports them. Dietary and lifestyle changes are usually the foundation of the plan, and supplementation is added where there is a specific identified need.
How quickly can I expect to see improvement?
It depends on the severity and duration of your gut dysfunction. Some patients notice changes within a few weeks of dietary changes. Others need more time. We will give you a realistic timeline based on your evaluation findings.
Can gut health support help with weight loss?
Gut health is closely connected to metabolic function and how the body processes food. Addressing gut dysfunction is often part of a more effective weight management approach, particularly for patients who have struggled to achieve results with diet and exercise alone. Our Weight Loss program and gut health support can be coordinated for patients pursuing both goals.
Do I need to be experiencing digestive symptoms to benefit from gut health support?
Not necessarily. Some patients with fatigue, skin issues, immune concerns, or metabolic challenges benefit from gut health support even without obvious digestive symptoms. The evaluation will help determine whether gut function is a contributing factor to your concerns.
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Read This ArticleBook Gut Health Support in West Des Moines
If chronic digestive symptoms, low energy, or unexplained inflammation have kept you searching for answers, gut health support at Vero Health Center addresses the root causes rather than managing how they feel. Contact us to schedule a gut health consultation.