DIGESTIVE HEALTH

The major gastrointestinal functions are digestion and absorption. Major and minor disruptions of intestinal function can have effects on every other system in the body in an interrelated complex matrix.

IN OTHER WORDS: ANY SYMPTOM OR MEDCIAL PROBLEM MAY BE TRACED BACK TO A DISTURBANCE IN GATROINTESTINAL FUNCTION.

Intestinal Symptoms
Abdominal pain, heartburn, gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea should prompt an investigation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Non Intestinal Symptoms- can be from intestinal causes
Systemic problems that should prompt a careful intestinal evaluation, even without obvious gastric symptoms, include; autism, acne, allergies, anxiety, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, joint pain, neurologic disorders, and immune deficiency disorders. All of these problems can stem from intestinal malfunctions.

Intestinal Restoration  and Repair Treatment Approach
(“4R” per Institute for Functional Medicine)

Remove
Pathogenic bacteria: H pylori: often causes peptic ulcer disease, Campylobacter, clostridium and many others
Small bowel overgrowth: excess bacterial overgrowth in the upper intestine.Toxic bacterial overgrowth in the colon

Parasites: Protozoan parasites like Entamoeba histolytica, cryptosporidium and many others can be missed on standard parasite tests. State of the art testing finds a much higher percentage of these so they can be eradicated with anti-parasitic medication.

Yeast: Overgrowth of yeast is a very common issue. A special diet and nutritional supplements can help and in some cases anti yeast medication is required.

Toxins: mercury, lead, trans fats, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, high sugar diet, Chlorinated alcohol sugars

Allergens: Allergens vary for each individual. Common food allergens: Gluten and Dairy, also corn, soy, eggs, peanuts, citrus, nightshades. Can be any food.

Replace
Hydorchloric Acid, (HCL) and pepsin are necessary for digestive function in the stomach. If your stomach does not produce enough, take additional HCL with your meals to improve digestion.

Pancreatic digestive enzymes are secreted by the pancreas into the in the small intestine. Many do not make sufficient quantities and benefit from additional pancreatic enzymes.

Bile salts from the gall bladder to the small intestine.

Re inoculate
Take beneficial bacterial flora, like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria species to dampen down the toxic organisms that often overgrow in unhealthy intestines. Good bacteria help create healthy intestines and facilitate optimal immune health.

Restore
The cells lining the intestine, or intestinal mucosa, need to be healthy and vibrant to absorb our fully digested food. We can restore mucosal integrity with the right diet and nutritional supplements tailored to individual needs.