Gut Health and Inflammation

Heal the gut and reduce systemic inflammation with diagnostic testing, regenerative peptides, and personalized protocols. Often the missing piece for chronic symptoms.

The concern

Causes and Treatment

Gut health is foundational. The microbiome (the bacteria living in your gut) influences immune function, mental health, hormones, skin quality, and weight regulation. When the gut is dysregulated (dysbiosis, leaky gut, chronic inflammation), the symptoms show up everywhere: fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, mood changes, weight gain.

Better's approach to gut health is diagnostic-first:

  • Pro Gut Health Testing identifies microbiome imbalances, inflammation markers, and digestive function.
  • Food Sensitivity testing identifies food-driven inflammation triggers.
  • BPC-157 peptide heals gut lining and reduces inflammation.
  • KPV peptide reduces systemic inflammation while healing progresses.

Once we know what's going on, we build a personalized protocol that combines dietary changes, peptides, and supplementation. Most patients see meaningful improvement within 8 to 12 weeks.

Recommended treatments

Better Med Spa's Recommended Treatments

Better treats gut health with four primary tools, almost always combined.

Pro Gut Health Testing

Comprehensive diagnostic of microbiome composition, inflammation markers, digestive enzyme function, and pathogen presence. The right starting point for any gut workup.

Best for: Anyone with chronic gut symptoms, comprehensive baseline.

BPC-157 (Gut Healing Peptide)

Peptide derived from gastric protective protein. Heals gut lining, reduces inflammation, supports tissue repair. The most-prescribed gut-specific peptide at Better.

Best for: Leaky gut, inflammation, IBS-like symptoms, post-medication recovery.

Calm Within (KPV)

Anti-inflammatory peptide that reduces gut and systemic inflammation. Pairs well with BPC-157 for comprehensive gut healing.

Best for: Inflammatory gut conditions, mood-gut axis support.

Complete Food Sensitivity Panel

Identifies food-driven inflammation triggers. Often paired with gut testing for the full picture of what's driving symptoms.

Best for: Patients with both gut and skin symptoms, comprehensive workup.

Test before treating. Random gut healing protocols often miss the actual problem. Pro Gut Health Testing tells us whether the issue is dysbiosis, inflammation, low enzyme function, or something else, so the protocol matches your specific situation.

How to choose

How to Choose Between Them

Match the protocol to your symptoms.

If you wantChoose
Comprehensive gut diagnosticPro Gut Health Testing
Active gut healingBPC-157 protocol
Inflammation focusCalm Within (KPV)
Food-related triggersFood Sensitivity Panel
Comprehensive workup and protocolPro Gut + Food Sensitivity + BPC-157 + KPV
Post-antibiotic or post-medication recoveryBPC-157 + targeted probiotic

BPC-157 is one of the most useful peptides Better prescribes. The gut applications are well-documented: leaky gut healing, IBS-like symptom reduction, post-antibiotic recovery, and chronic inflammation management.

Realistic timeline: noticeable symptom improvement at 2 to 4 weeks. Full effect at 8 to 12 weeks. Maintenance cycles every few months for chronic patients.

What to expect

What to Expect at Better Med Spa

Gut consultations at Better start with a 30-minute discussion of symptoms, dietary patterns, medications, and any prior gut workups. We almost always recommend testing as a first step.

Pro Gut Health Testing is a stool sample plus blood draw. Results return in 2 to 3 weeks. BPC-157 and KPV are self-administered at home as small subcutaneous injections after instruction.

Dr. Brechner supervises all functional medicine protocols.

Ready to talk to one of our providers?

A 30-minute consultation maps your symptoms and recommends the right diagnostic and treatment path.

Real results

Before and After

See real Better Med Spa patient results in our gallery. Individual results vary based on starting point, dosage, and skin quality.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does BPC-157 actually do?

BPC-157 is a peptide derived from gastric protective protein. It accelerates tissue healing, reduces inflammation, and supports the gut lining. Well-documented for leaky gut, IBS-like symptoms, joint repair, and post-antibiotic recovery.

How do I take BPC-157?

Most commonly as small subcutaneous injections at home after instruction. Some patients prefer oral capsules for gut-specific effects. We discuss the right form at consultation.

How long does a gut healing protocol take?

Most patients run BPC-157 for 8 to 12 weeks, often paired with KPV. Maintenance cycles every 3 to 6 months for chronic patients. Most see meaningful symptom improvement within 4 to 8 weeks.

Most patients describe the injections as a series of small pinches. We use the smallest needles available and can apply topical numbing cream on request. The whole appointment is typically under 30 minutes including the consultation.

Will the gut testing show me what to eat?

Pro Gut Health Testing identifies microbiome composition and inflammation. Combined with the Food Sensitivity Panel, we have a clear picture of what's driving symptoms. Most patients leave with specific food and supplement recommendations.

How much does gut healing cost in Chicago?

Pro Gut Health Testing is a one-time diagnostic. BPC-157 and KPV are priced as monthly protocols. Comprehensive packages reduce per-protocol cost. See our Specials.

Service area

Where We Serve

Better Med Spa is located in Lincoln Park and serves patients across Chicago, including Old Town, Lakeview, Bucktown, Gold Coast, DePaul, West Loop, and River North.

Ready to address gut health at the cause?

Schedule a consultation and we will build a plan that fits you, your timeline, and your budget.