Welcome to Taking Control of Your Healthcare. I will introduce you to a series of functional medicine articles where we will discuss various health and wellness topics as well as describe the best ways you can work with your doctor and find a health coach to receive the health care you deserve. Functional medicine is an individualized, science-based strategy which intends to naturally deal with the underlying causes of disease. However, most individuals do not have access to a functional medicine doctor or health coach and they are often given treatments for their symptoms instead of long-lasting solutions for their well-being. This functional medicine series aims to enable individuals to work together with their current healthcare professional or encourages them to seek a useful functional medicine doctor or health coach to appraise their particular genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle variables in order to be able to leverage that information to guide a personalized treatment program.
The material in these articles was made available for educational and informational purposes. Always seek medical attention for a healthcare professional when making lifestyle modifications.
We have found that approaching the body as a whole rather than treating it as compartments gives patients the most relief. As research develops, it is found that over 125 clinical conditions have been identified as having inflammation along with oxidative stress as a contributing factor to the diagnosis! Oxidative stress impacts our bodys chemical pathways and genes!
Insulin resistance is linked to major health conditions such as: obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), artery disease, cancer, arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases. To reduce your chances of insulin resistance, take the steps to make positive changes in your lifestyle. Some simple steps include reducing your intake of sugary drinks and only drinking water, exercising regularly, and cutting out sugar, carbs, and foods with a high glycemic index.
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PODCAST: Ryan Welage and Alexander Jimenez, both medical students at the National University of Health Sciences, discuss the several new approaches that they developed in…
Cancer survivors have a lot on their minds, one being a recurrence. Studies have shown that natural supplements, diet, and exercise can help decrease risk of recurrence. A Mediterranean diet is based on a large diversity of plant-based foods and can help your body receive optimal nutrients post-treatment. Additionally, supplements like curcumin, green tea, vitamin D, and fish oils coupled with 150 minutes of exercise per week help reduce your risk.
Cancer is when a group of cells begin to grow out of hand. Cellular apoptosis or cell death does not occur as frequently as needed. Some natural steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer is to 1) control inflammation by following an anti-inflammatory diet 2) get rid of all excess toxins. Check your cleaning products and detergents for toxins that may be adding unnecessary chemicals to your body 3) continue with regular check-ups to your physician and getting blood work done when needed 4) Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
The immune system is one of the hardest working systems in the body. It is constantly working in the background, searching the body for bacterias and any potentially harmful pathogens. The first attacker in the line of defense is secretory IGA (SIgA). SIgA is the predominant immunoglobulin that is produced in the lining of the gut. Some functions of SIgA include trapping mucus, neutralizing enzymes and other toxins, inhibiting the adherence of pathogens, having interaction with antimicrobial factors like lactoferrin, all while being tolerant of the friendly flora. Any type of infection will lower SIgA. It is important to note that other factors that reduce SIgA include stress, a poor diet containing low levels of nutrients, genetics, the integrity of your gut lining, and age.Â
Autoimmune diseases are a much larger problem than they were 10 years ago. Now, autoimmune diseases are reaching an epidemically high level with over 50 million people diagnosed. All autoimmune diseases are linked to one common condition, inflammation. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system is under constant inflammation from frequently recurring triggers. Those diagnosed with an autoimmune disease have one or more of these stressors overly present in their life:
-Chronic Emotional and Cognitive Stress
-Unhealthy Coping PatternsÂ
-Poor NutritionÂ
-Gastrointestinal Stress
-Adrenal Stress
-Hormonal StressÂ
-Inflammatory and Infectious Stress
-Toxic Stress
Food allergies and sensitivities are more prevalent and are a problem that clinicians are beginning to look into more seriously. Nearly 20% of individuals have food reactions, 4% of those being an immune-mediated response. These food sensitivities can cause symptoms immediately or days after ingestion. There are 4 types of immunologic reactions and multiple ways to test for them. Some of these tests include: a prick test, the intradermal test, a RAST test, or food sensitivity tests executed by a blood draw.
The majority of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer continue to use dietary supplements throughout their treatments and for the continuum of their care. Working with your doctor and adding in natural supplements could help decrease your chance of recurrence. Some studied natural supplements include multivitamins, green tea, melatonin, and curcumin. Additionally, adding in 2.5 hours of exercise a week helps improve your chance of fighting off cancers. That’s only 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week!
SIBO or Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth is an issue in many individuals. With SIBO, many patients experience IBS as well. Over â…” of SIBO cases are chronic and long-term treatment is needed. For the most symptom relief, patients find a diet to be an essential factor. These four diets are great options for a place to start:
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
Low FODMAP Diet (LFD)
Cedars-Sinai Low Fermentation Diet (C-SLFD)
SIBO Specific Food Guide (SSFG)
The prevalence and severity of Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is evergrowing. SIBO has been linked to intestinal permeability along with being a contributing factor to many other health conditions. Those who experience SIBO report symptoms such as bloating, nausea, headaches, joint pain, fatigue and overall discomfort.Â
All treatments vary and depend on the individual compared with their specific lab results. However, the three main goals when creating a SIBO treatment protocol are generally the same.Â
Reduce the bacteriaÂ
Biotransform and support brush border healingÂ
Prevent relapseÂ
Gluten-related intolerances such as gluten sensitivity or celiac disease need to be addressed as undiagnosed celiac disease has been associated with a nearly 4-fold increase risk of death. Gluten disorders show their presence in symptoms such as weight loss, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, iron deficiencies, skin disorders such as rashes, has an association with type 1 diabetes and results in abnormal liver function tests.Â
For patients who are experiencing unexplained autoimmunity, unexplained neurological problems, uncomfortable GI symptoms, skin rashes, and unexplained depression, practitioners should think of gluten!
The phrases Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease are often used interchangeably. However, research has shown that they should not be used as synonyms. In fact, they are significantly different.
Classic Symptoms Include:
Weight Loss
Diarrhea
Stomach Pain
Bloating
Vomiting
If you have any uncomfortable symptoms, reach out to us to get tested!
SIBO is the overgrowth of commensal organisms in the small intestine. SIBO stands for Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. The overgrowth of bacteria leads to intestinal permeability, opening up an entirely new list of complications propagated by systemic inflammation. Some diseases associated with SIBO are acne, diabetes, celiac, and more! If you experience uncomfortable gas, bloating, abnormal bowel movements, headaches, or skin rashes SIBO could be related! Get tested to find out if SIBO is affecting you.
Can bacteria be impacting your mental health? Throughout the past 10 years, the evidence is coming to light showing that there is a link and relation to certain bacterias and aspects of mental health. Research has shown that increased levels of clostridia are linked to disorders such as autism, depression, and more. It is important to keep an eye on your digestive tract and gastrointestinal health, as uncomfortable symptoms may be an indicator that something needs to be evaluated by a health care professional.
Organic Acid Testing!
Lab testing is essential before treating symptoms. Organic acid testing tests the chemical compounds that are excreted in the urine. Organic acids can represent anemia, lethargy, hyperactivity, dermatitis and more. Often times, once lab work reveals what organic acids are present, an all-natural holistic approach is created to treat organic acids and repair damage.