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The gut or Gastrointestinal tract (GI) is defined as “a tube approximately 15 feet long, running through the body from the mouth to the anus.” Some text books add to this definition by stating that food passes from the stomach into the intestine for further digestion and absorption. Boring!
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, believed that all disease began in the gut. I couldn’t agree more. The GI tract is not only the place where food gets digested and absorbed, but also is the first line of defense for our immune system. Its job is to break food down and help us assimilate nutrients, to keep out what is supposed to stay out, but still allow in the nutrients we need for repair and regeneration. Therefore, your health is a function, not only of what you eat, but what you are able to assimilate and use.
The gut lining serves as a physical barrier, preventing potentially harmful substances, pathogenic microorganisms, and undigested proteins from entering the body. This multifunctional organ contains a significant amount of immune tissue, produces protective antibodies and plays a role in detoxification.
A healthy GI tract and gut lining is crucial to maintaining our health and well-being. Permeability is key to the function of the GI tract; it must be permeable enough to allow vital nutrients through, but not so permeable that it allows unwanted substances to get absorbed.
The cells that line the gut divide rapidly, and the entire GI epithelium is continually replaced every three to six days. This fundamental process requires a significant amount of energy and nutrients as well as a balanced and thriving “flora” of beneficial microorganisms.
It is estimated that 60-80% of the immune system lives in the gut, and it’s called the GALT or Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue. The gut is also called the second brain, and it actually has as many if not more neurons than the brain. This nervous system of the gut is called the enteric nervous system, and it produces more serotonin than the brain. Research shows that over 60% of patients’ symptoms and nearly 100% of all chronic diseases have a direct correlation to GI dysfunction. Our diet, the contamination of our food and water, toxins and pesticides, and the overuse of antibiotics have created a situation where most all patients have some level of gut dysfunction and/or Leaky Gut.
As a Functional Medicine doctor, I’m constantly looking for the underlying Root Cause of a patient’s health challenges. And while symptoms and diagnoses are important, treating symptoms and the typical “naming and blaming diseases” of traditional medicine is of little help to YOU, the patient. Healthy digestion, assimilation, absorption and elimination, however, are imperative for each and every one of us, no matter what the diagnosis.
This is why part of my 6-Step Protocol is to heal the gut. To do this effectively, I constantly review the latest research to understand which complementary blend of nutrients, herbs, and probiotics offer the best clinical results. I’m constantly refining a long list of supplements and nutrients with an emphasis on restoring gut health, gut integrity and gut healthy bacteria (the microbiome). Things like digestive enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics to aid digestion, as well as establish and maintain healthy bowel flora. I utilize a full line of plant and animal based digestive enzymes, because every patient and circumstance is unique. I also utilize functional lab testing such as comprehensive stool analysis, organic acid testing and allergy/sensitivity testing to further tailor our program to your specific needs.
Proper nutritional intervention supports the oral cavity, the stomach, the small and large intestines and the gut microbiome in order to promote gut restoration. This is instrumental in health, healing and the functioning of all of the systems of the body.
I have successfully treated thousands of patients and utilized hundreds of different nutritional products in my 22+ years of practice. And, I have come to realize that some products work, many do not work and even do harm — and then there are the “Rock Star” formulas that I could not be without. When my patients’ health and my professional reputation depend upon getting great results, I don’t leave those results to chance. At this time, some of my favorite formulas are from Standard Process, Metagenics and Apex Energetics – all clinical grade supplements. They have the right synergistic blend of nutrients and cofactors like nature intended. They contain clinical amounts of the key nutrients to be effective in this modern environment of stress and toxic exposure. I feel their purity, potency and delivery systems are unsurpassed anywhere.
If you are ready to get to the Root Cause of many chronic health problems, look and feel great again, my complete gut healing and restoration program is a great place to start!
You’ll have access to my years of experience and all the clinical grade supplements, specific meal plans, lab testing and all the tools needed to make sure you succeed.
Schedule or email us today and take back control of your health!
Leaky gut syndrome, up until a few years ago, was not generally recognized by conventional medicine. However, at this point the evidence overwhelmingly supports that it is a real condition that affects the lining of the intestines. Leaky gut syndrome (also called increased intestinal permeability), is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to filter needed nutrients and other biological substances. As a result, some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste may “leak” out of the intestines into the blood stream. This triggers an immune reaction which can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal bloating, excessive gas and cramps, fatigue, food sensitivities, joint pain, skin rashes and autoimmunity.
The cause of Leaky Gut syndrome may be chronic inflammation, food sensitivity, infection, toxins, damage from taking corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), radiation, antibiotics, alcohol, stress or compromised immunity.
As stated previously, the GI tract is not only the place where food gets digested and absorbed, but it also is the first line of defense for our immune system. It serves as a physical barrier, preventing potentially harmful substances, pathogenic microorganisms and undigested proteins from entering the body. This protective barrier has a significant amount of immune tissue, is teaming with trillions of bacteria, produces protective antibodies and plays a significant role in detoxification.
I have developed individualized protocols and specific diet and lifestyle plans proven to address the many causes of Leaky Gut. I have also spent countless hours studying which lab tests yield the best information and which clinical-grade supplements, specific diets, nutrients and probiotics can help even my sickest patients recover as quickly as possible.
Our office is also well equipped to help you identify the triggers which may have caused your Leaky Gut or food intolerances in the first place. We have scoured thousands of recipes to find fun, healthy ways to heal the gut and enjoy great food while doing it. Our focus is always to help you achieve your health goals and empower you to take back your health so you do not have to rely on us for continued success. However, my staff and I are always here to support and serve you in any way we can.
If you are ready to tackle Leaky Gut and get to the Root Cause of many chronic health problems, look and feel great again, my complete gut healing and restoration program is a great place to start!
You’ll have access to my years of clinical experience, all the clinical-grade supplements, specific meal plans, functional lab testing and all the tools needed to make sure you succeed.
Schedule or email us today and take back control of your health!
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