Digestive Health and Wellness Program

The Digestive Health and Wellness Program at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center is dedicated to helping individuals understand, support and better manage their gastrointestinal (GI) health to achieve optimal well-being. The concept of health and wellness is fundamental to the Underwood philosophy. We work with individuals to help prevent GI diseases through education, screenings and personalized care and support. 

Addressing GI health concerns can help improve all aspects of health, including emotional and mental health. We counsel individuals on positive lifestyle habits or the need to make changes, offer screenings and comprehensive treatments and services, if needed, that can help people live healthier lives.

A Team Focused on Addressing All Aspects of Digestive Health

The collaborative efforts of the Digestive Health and Wellness Program team aim to educate individuals on how they can improve their digestive health and potentially prevent or detect GI conditions at earlier stages. Our team works with individuals on the prevention of GI conditions, including lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, stress management and more. If needed, our experts can craft personalized treatment plans that address a person’s unique health needs. 

This team will generate a digest of information on gut health and how it interacts with your genetic makeup, diet, the environment and the gut microbiome. Our program will develop truly evidence-based guidance on all aspects of gut health. 

Our program is comprised of specialists focused on delivering care that addresses both the physical and psychological effects of GI conditions. These specialists include:

• Gastroenterologists
• A gastrointestinal psychologist
• Health educators
• Nurse practitioners
• Registered gastrointestinal dietitians
• Social workers

Digestive Health Issues We Address and Treat

Our program is centered on holistic wellness to support the prevention of GI conditions. We also offer early detection and screenings for a variety of conditions, including:

• Colorectal cancer
• Esophageal and stomach cancer
• Celiac disease
• Food intolerances
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Metabolic liver disease
• Hepatitis

Treatments and Services We Offer

We offer a full range of holistic services, including counseling, screenings and treatment for many gastrointestinal conditions. Other services include:

• Counseling with a GI psychologist 
• Genetic testing to assess risk for GI conditions 
• Nutritional counseling