Root Cause Digestive Care
Functional Medicine for Chronic Diarrhea: Identifying the Underlying Cause
Loose stools that persist for weeks or months are frequently managed with over-the-counter medication that controls symptoms without addressing why they are happening. Functional medicine for chronic diarrhea investigates the specific cause, from bacterial overgrowth to food intolerance. Julie McDonald, MMS, PA-C, FMACP, sees patients in-person in Marquette, MI and virtually in Michigan through the 12-Week Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on).
Trusted & loved by our patients.
Years of clinical experience
Finding the Specific Cause
Chronic Diarrhea Evaluation That Looks Beyond Symptom Control
Chronic diarrhea has many possible drivers, including infection, bacterial overgrowth, bile acid issues, and food intolerance. Functional medicine for chronic diarrhea tests broadly to identify which applies to you, combined with genetic testing. Available in Marquette, Michigan and through fully virtual consultations in Michigan.
- Comprehensive stool testing for pathogens, parasites, and inflammatory markers
- SIBO breath testing to evaluate bacterial overgrowth as a contributing cause
- Personalized gut-repair and dietary protocol
Is This Right for You
Functional Medicine for Chronic Diarrhea Is for People Who Want an Answer, Not Just Relief
Loose Stools Most Days for Weeks or Longer
Persistent diarrhea beyond a few weeks warrants a thorough evaluation for infection, overgrowth, and food-related triggers.
Symptoms That Started After a Stomach Bug or New Medication
Post-infectious changes to gut function and medication side effects are common, identifiable, and often treatable causes.
Urgency That Limits Your Daily Activities
Needing to know where the nearest bathroom is at all times is a sign your gut function needs a real evaluation, not just management.
Diarrhea Alternating With Constipation
This pattern often overlaps with IBS and benefits from the same root-cause testing approach.
Already Had Basic Testing With No Clear Answer
A normal colonoscopy or basic stool culture does not rule out SIBO, dysbiosis, or specific food intolerances.
Remote Patients Seeking Expert Digestive Care
We offer complete virtual care in Michigan. Stool and breath test kits are mailed directly to you, with results reviewed via telehealth.
Over 22 years of medical experience ★★★★★
The Monarch FM Process
How We Approach Functional Medicine for Chronic Diarrhea at Monarch FM
Chronic diarrhea has a cause, even when initial testing comes back unremarkable. Our process tests broadly across the most common drivers, then builds a protocol around what we find in your specific case.
- 22 Years of Clinical Experience
- MMS | PA-C | FMACP Certified Provider
- In-Person in Marquette, MI | Virtual in Michigan
Comprehensive Stool and Breath Testing
We evaluate for pathogens, parasites, inflammatory markers, and SIBO, combined with genetic testing where relevant.
Identifying the Specific Driver
Julie McDonald reviews your full history and results to determine whether infection, overgrowth, bile acid issues, or food intolerance is driving your symptoms.
Personalized Gut Repair and Dietary Protocol
Your protocol addresses the identified cause directly, often combining targeted supplementation, dietary adjustment, and gut lining support.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment
We track stool frequency and consistency alongside repeat testing where appropriate, adjusting your protocol as your gut function stabilizes.
Why Monarch Functional Medicine
Chronic Diarrhea Has a Cause. Finding It Is the Point.
Ongoing loose stools are not something to simply manage indefinitely. Related pages include IBS, SIBO, broader gut health, and leaky gut.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes chronic diarrhea?
Chronic diarrhea, generally defined as loose stools lasting more than four weeks, can stem from infection, bacterial overgrowth, bile acid malabsorption, food intolerance, or underlying conditions such as IBS. At Monarch Functional Medicine, we test broadly across these possibilities, combined with genetic testing, available in Marquette, Michigan and virtually in Michigan.
When should chronic diarrhea be evaluated urgently?
Diarrhea accompanied by blood in the stool, fever, unintended weight loss, symptoms that wake you at night, or severe dehydration warrants prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions. Functional medicine care is designed to complement this workup, not replace it, and we will refer for urgent evaluation when indicated.
How is functional medicine testing different from a standard GI workup?
A standard workup, such as a colonoscopy or basic stool culture, is essential for ruling out serious pathology but often does not identify SIBO, subtle dysbiosis, or specific food intolerances. Functional medicine testing adds these layers once serious conditions have been appropriately ruled out.
Can chronic diarrhea be treated virtually?
Yes. Monarch Functional Medicine offers complete virtual care in Michigan. Stool and breath test kits are mailed directly to you, with consultations and protocol reviews conducted via telehealth.
How long does treatment for chronic diarrhea take?
Many patients notice improved stool consistency within 4 to 8 weeks of starting a personalized protocol, once the underlying cause is identified and addressed through the 12-Week Reset. The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to begin. You can book a free 15-minute strategy call directly, and we will coordinate with your physician or refer for urgent evaluation when appropriate.
What does treatment cost?
Care begins through the 12-Week Energy, Hormone and Metabolism Reset (The 12 Week Reset is our foundational program, and where every patient begins. Comprehensive bloodwork (including hormones) and genetic testing give us a clear picture of what’s driving how you feel — so we can build your specific plan across Nutrition, Sleep, Stress, Supplements, and Mindfulness, the foundation functional medicine builds on), priced at $849 paid in full or three payments of $297, with stool and breath testing available as needed.
What qualifies Julie McDonald to treat chronic diarrhea?
Julie McDonald holds a Master of Medical Science (MMS), is a board-certified PA-C with the FMACP designation, and has 22 years of clinical experience, with gut health among her core areas of focus. Learn more on the About Us page.
Patient Results
Hear from patients directly
Real stories from real patients.
Get immediate access to the full program.
The Monarch FM Standard
Clinical Expertise. Advanced Testing. A Protocol Built for You.
Julie McDonald is a MMS, PA-C, and FMACP with 22 years across Emergency, Family, and Internal Medicine. Monarch Functional Medicine runs the labs most providers never order, interprets them through a functional medicine lens, and builds a protocol specific to your biology. Learn more about Julie or book a free strategy call today.
Ready to Start
Chronic Diarrhea Isn't Something to Just Manage.
Functional medicine for chronic diarrhea at Monarch FM tests broadly to find your specific cause, then builds a protocol around it. See us in person in Marquette, MI or work with us virtually from anywhere in Michigan.
Join hundreds of patients who have reclaimed their energy, hormones, and health.
