Tag: diagnostic testing

adrenal fatigue| health caoch
The Impact Of Adrenal Fatigue on Phase Angle

What is Adrenal Stress/Fatigue? 

Adrenal fatigue has been applied to individuals who suffer from a group of symptoms. These symptoms include body aches, restless sleep, digestive problems, nervousness, lightheadedness, and overall fatigue. Individuals with these symptoms are recommended to do a diagnostic test to determine their level of adrenal hormones. A test we use is a Stress & Adrenal Hormone Panel from ZRT Laboratories. A sample report is shown below: 

 

Natural Ways to Combat Adrenal Stress

Over time, adrenal stress impacts the body by raising cortisol levels and causing fatigue. There are many areas to be considered when dealing with adrenal stress. The first step is to identify the sources of stress. Stress can be caused by exogenous and endogenous factors. An example of exogenous stress could be from grains if one has an intolerance. This causes an inflammatory response on the adrenal axis. Other examples include family, financial, or work. Endogenous stress is typically a side effect of a medication or oxidative stress. Once the main source of stress has been discovered, remove as much as possible. 

The second crucial factor for proper adrenal function is adequate sleep. Sleep hygiene is often overlooked when in reality, it should be a priority. Below is a page of suggestions on how to improve sleep quality. *include living matrix sleep hygiene sheet*. The human body utilizes the hours we sleep to physically repair. Without a restful full night’s sleep, the body is not able to regenerate itself. 

Thirdly, reduce the amount of coffee and tea as they interrupt the sleep pattern. Anything with caffeine should be limited and avoided before bed. 

Maintaining glycemic control is another important factor for adrenal health. By improving cortisol balance, the insulin level will not spike rapidly and drop drastically after meals. To maintain glycemic control, individuals need to eat complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. Excess carbohydrates have an adverse effect on blood sugar levels by excessively raising the levels of insulin. This puts a significant amount of stress on the adrenal glands. 

Exercise is a great component in relieving adrenal fatigue as it oxygenates the body. Regular exercise reduces depression, increases blood flow, normalizes levels of cortisol, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid. Interval training and resistance training are highly recommended. 

Finally, eating a well-balanced diet, especially breakfast, will reduce blood sugar spikes. If the body is low on glucose and breakfast is skipped, the body will react by secreting cortisol. Cortisol activates gluconeogenesis to increase sugar levels. 

Phase Angle 

The phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders. Stress impacts phase angle by causing individuals to release cortisol, be under adrenal stress, gain weight and decrease their overall health.

We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water. 

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D

“IT IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY FOR PHASE ANGLE BUT FOR THE OVERALL REDUCTION OF INFLAMMATION TO REDUCE STRESS. THOSE WHO ARE CONSTANTLY STRESSED AND UNDER ADRENAL FATIGUE ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO GETTING SICK, AMONGST OTHER DISEASES. IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO START, IDENTIFYING STRESS AND STARTING TO EXERCISE IS A GREAT STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH” 

References: 

 Yancey JR, Thomas SM. Chronic fatigue syndrome: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Oct 15;86(8):741-6. PMID: 23062157. 

inbodyusa.com/products/inbody770/ 

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Disclaimer

 

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

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NonInvasive Hormone Testing | El Paso Texas Chiropractor
A Functional Approach To Hormone Imbalance

When treating the body with a functional medicine approach, it is necessary to give the body at least three months. A 3-month protocol allows the body a chance to get in sync with itself again, re-build the foundation and get back to the basics without inflammation. To begin, a case history is needed. This detailed history allows the practitioner to determine what diagnostic lab work will be most beneficial for you. 

Hormone Balance 

Many patients have some degree of hormone imbalance, especially females. Females’ cycles and hormones are typically imbalanced due to contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, or shots. For tracking hormone levels, we use a diagnostic lab test from DUTCH. The DUTCH plus test uses a 24-hour collection method consisting of urine and saliva samples. This allows us to track and follow hormones all day to give us the best picture of what is occurring. Below is a sample of a male and female DUTCH Plus test. 

Next Steps

The results of the DUTCH Plus test often come back with some degree of irregularity. This test, along with the detailed history form, allow us to create a custom protocol per patient. The treatment protocol involves natural supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. For hormone balance, one of the best supplements to use is chaste tree. This natural supplement helps with: 

 PMS symptoms
 Dopamine
 those who have heavy bleeding
 irregular, short, or long cycles
 pain during ovulation
 Acne
Is safe for lactation, so it can be used to help reduce baby blues 
Dietary Adjustments 

When it comes to balancing hormones, it is crucial to consume healthy fats. Omega 3s are the building blocks the body needs to reduce inflammation and combat symptoms of menopause. Additionally, foods that contain selenium are important. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to remove free radicals that cause damage to the body. A list of foods to consume while balancing hormones include: 

Salmon 
Mackerel 
Sardines 
Tuna 
Chia Seeds
Brussel Sprouts 
Avocado 
Walnuts 
Hemp Seed
Flaxseeds
Eggs
Coconut Oil 
Lifestyle Changes

One of the biggest endocrine and hormone disturbances come from the daily products we wear and use. Perfume is a major trigger to the endocrine system and scented laundry detergent, aluminum deodorant, body wash, and air fresheners. By removing these disturbances you are getting rid of a slow poison and reducing your chances of thyroid disruption. Additionally, changing to an all-natural deodorant, body washes, and free clear laundry detergent will help your body heal. This article by Patel shows how harmful these scented products really are: 

 “…It has been observed that this fragrance-laden unhealthy lifestyle runs parallel with the unprecedented rates of diabetes, cancer, neural ailments, and teratogenicity…” 

To many people’s surprise, even cleaning products advertised as organic or antibacterial contain these toxic chemicals. As a general rule of thumb, stay away from scented products. 

Additionally, regular exercise and stress management will help the body maintain homeostasis, reduce inflammation, and produce good sleep hygiene for optimal healing. 

Phase Angle 

Phase angle is a snapshot of an individual’s cellular health. The lower the phase angle, the more permeable and fragile the cellular membrane is. This means that individuals are more susceptible to infection, inflammation and will not be able to attack a virus as well. Those who have high phase angles have strong cellular membranes that are hard to infiltrate. When a virus enters the body, those with a high phase angle can fight off the virus and inflammation easier. Phase angle is important because if the endocrine system is off-balance, your body is already at war with itself. Hormone imbalance combined with a low phase angle is a recipe for disaster. We can improve a phase angle by reducing visceral fat (the fat held around the internal organs)

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D

In today’s society, everything smells “good”. These fragrant chemicals are being pumped into everything and constantly disrupting the endocrine system. Many people do not realize this but “clean” does not have a smell. Clean is not lemon fresh or fresh laundry. That is the chemicals. Clean is odorless. It has become so normal to cover up scents that trash bags are now infused with scents, when in reality, if the trash can smells, you just need to take it out. The first step is to get rid of all these added chemicals in the home. Ditch the plug-in air fresheners and get plants to naturally clean your air instead. -Kenna Vaughn, ACSM-EP Senior Health Coach

References: 

Patel S. Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings. Med Hypotheses. 2017 May;102:106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025. Epub 2017 Mar 22. PMID: 28478814.  

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)



 

Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment



 

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History



 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

 

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

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hormone balance El Paso Tx
The Importance of Hormone Balance

Hormones are mainly thought of in regards to menstrual cycles, puberty, carrying a baby, and sex drive. However, in reality, hormones are much more than that. Hormones create a delicate balance in homeostasis and with too little or excess, many problems arise. 

There are different types of hormones in the body. The most commonly referred to hormones are sex hormones. These include Estrogen (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), progesterone (differentiation), testosterone, and DHEA. Estrogens primary role is growth. When evaluating estrogen, practitioners take into account the Estrogen Quotient. This is used by dividing the sum of estrogen plus estradiol. The lower the estrogen quotient, the higher the risk of breast cancer.  

Progesterone helps the cells become what they were meant to be and how to function the way they are intended to function. Progesterone is critical as it promotes healthy sleep patterns, improves insulin resistance, burns fat for energy, is an antidepressant, and is the primary hormone in pregnancy. Although progesterone has many benefits, too much of a good thing has repercussions. Too much progesterone turns into estrogen dominance (seen in reproductive years, PMS, and menopause). Elevated levels of progesterone manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, irregular periods, mood swings, breast cancer, postpartum depression, weight gain, heavy periods, food cravings, and headaches. 

DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands. This is a prohormone for testosterone and estradiol. DHEA increases with age and can be elevated in women who have insulin resistance. The primary roles are libido, motivation and wellbeing, improves immune function, REM sleep, and memory.

Diagnostic Testing

It is clear that these hormones are essential and their balance is crucial. In order to determine if individuals’ hormones are off-balance, the clinic uses the DUTCH PLUS test from DUTCH. This test is a urine and saliva sample that is collected throughout a 24-hour time frame, allowing us to track hormone and cortisol levels. A sample report is shown below: 

 

Phase Angle

Phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders. Stress impacts phase angle by causing individuals to gain weight and decreasing overall health.

We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water. 

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D

Phase Angle can decline if the hormone levels are not accurate. For example, if an individual is estrogen dominant, they will have irritability, mood swings, risk of blood clots, weight gain, food cravings, etc. Weight gain and food cravings (leading to more weight gain) cause the phase angle to decrease. 

HORMONES ARE A MUCH LARGER UMBRELLA THAN MANY REALIZE. THEY ARE CRITICAL TO SO MUCH MORE THAN A MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND PUBERTY. THE LACK OF PROPER HORMONES CAN BE MORE DEBILITATING THAN INDIVIDUALS REALIZE. A GREAT WAY TO COMBAT YOUR HORMONES AND HELP PROTECT YOUR PHASE ANGLE IS TO PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE, EAT PROPER NUTRIENTS, REGULAR EXERCISE, AND MEDITATION. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP SENIOR HEALTH COACH

References: 

Hiller-Sturmhöfel S, Bartke A. The endocrine system: an overview. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(3):153-64. PMID: 15706790; PMCID: PMC6761896. 

Dr Lylen Ferris. “Moodiness, Madness, or Menopause.” Funcitonal Medicine University (FMU). 

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)



 

Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment



 

Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History



 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

 

 

 

Disclaimer

 

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

phone: 915-850-0900

Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

Read more

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Link Between Migraines & Fibromyalgia

Migraines and Fibromyalgia have one thing in common, they are both due to mitochondrial dysfunction. More often than not we see those with mitochondrial dysfunction suffering from more than one type of discomfort. The first thing we do is take a detailed history, to truly understand the patient’s history, environment, previous treatment plans, and symptoms. 

Mitochondrial function is a necessity for the body to perform properly. There have been studies that show that magnesium and malic acid is needed for mitochondrial function. In fact, giving magnesium malate 2 tabs, three times a day showed decreased pain in fibromyalgia patients. Magnesium also helps as a laxative and is often helpful in cleansing the gut and beginning to restore gut health. Another step we take to restore gut health is to perform a food sensitivity test to make sure they do not have any specific IgG reactions to foods consumed in their daily diet. We use the Food Sensitivity Test from Vibrant America. Genes

There is research supporting that individuals who have an MTHFR gene mutation are more susceptible to instability in the central neurovascular system. Those who have a MTHFR gene mutation can not convert folate to methylfolate. This is linked to migraines, mood problems, and increased susceptibility for fibromyalgia. For more information regarding MTHFR, please refer to GeneCards: MTHFR.

Nutrition / Supplements 

After analyzing lab work, and when implemented correctly, there are many foods and supplements that can help patients with symptoms associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. 

Some foods to eat include: 

almonds and other nuts and seeds
broccoli
beans
tofu
oatmeal
dark leafy greens
Avocado

The supplements we use are from Biotics Research and include:

Bio-Multi Plus
ProMulti Plus
Bio D Mulsion 
B12-2000
Optimal EFA caps
A.D.P

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Food allergy testing
Food Allergy

Allergies have been around for what it seems like forever. Most of our patients suffer from environmental or seasonal allergy. Most of the patients with…

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Health & Wellness: Vitamin Metabolism
Health & Wellness: Vitamin Metabolism

Vitamins are essential to the body as they are responsible for carrying out important biochemical pathways. Vitamins also play a significant factor in aging, medications, genetics, and can metabolize differently depending on gender. There are thirteen vitamins the body depends on. These vitamins are not able to be produced by our body so we must obtain them from our diet. 

The fat-soluble vitamins we require are vitamins A, D, E, and K. The water-soluble vitamins we require are vitamins C and B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12). 

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Health and Wellness: Joint Inflammation | El Paso Health Coach
Health & Wellness: Inflammation

Our genes have been linked to playing a role in inflammation. Polymorphisms have been noted in several genes to result in higher proinflammatory markers.It is important to remember that nutrition and lifestyle interventions can affect these genes and how they are expressed.  For every one pound an individual is overweight, it puts ten pounds on your joints. This is an early life stressor that easily leads to chronic low-grade inflammation. Additionally, this can lead to diabetes, depression, cancers, and even cardiovascular diseases. We use DNA Health from DNA Life to determine an individual’s genetic predisposition and risk factors when it comes to inflammation

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Homocysteine & Its Heavy Impact | El Paso Texas Health Coach
Homocysteine & Its Heavy Impact

The balance of homocysteine in the body is critical. Too much as we start to see neurodegenerative disorders, inflammation, and even cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine can be tricky to balance as it requires an understanding of how homocysteine is produced. Research is showing now a link between homocysteine metabolism, specific pathologies, and its influence on our genes.

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Depression: A Holistic View | El Paso Texas Health
Depression: A Holistic View

11% of the population is on some type of antidepressant. Many on antidepressants are on them for years or life. However, as a functional health care provider, we know that 95% of the body’s serotonin is housed in the gut, not the brain. So if depression is a lack of serotonin, the first place you should look is the gut! Fixing the balance within the gut and decreasing inflammation have shown positive results in regards to depression.

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How Testing Can Help You | El Paso Health Coach
How Testing Can Help You

Testing biomarkers can help practitioners determine and create a more efficient personalized plan. The LRA test by ELISA/ACT was created to test 4 separate types of immune trigger markers. These include Actue Antibodies (IgE), Humoral Antibodies (IgA, IgM, IgG), Immune Complexes, and T-Cell Regulation. These factors are all extremely important when it comes to reversing symptoms related to thyroid issues, joint pain, lupus, diabetes, IBS, and more. Accurate testing leads to accurate results!

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Testing For Immunoligical Reactions | El Paso Texas Chiropractor
Testing For Immunologic Reactions

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.

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Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease | El Paso Texas Chiropractor
Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease?

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!

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Understanding The Underlying Cause of SIBO | El Paso Texas Chiropractor
Understanding The Underlying Causes of SIBO

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.

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Clostridia: A Bacteria that Impacts Mental Health| El Paso Texas Chiropractor
Clostridia: A Bacteria That Impacts Your Mental Health

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.

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Leaky Gut What Is It | El Paso Texas Chiropractor
“Leaky Gut” – What Does It Really Mean?

What is “Leaky Gut”?
Hyper permeability, more commonly known as leaky gut syndrome is a common problem where there is inflammation in the pore-lining of the gut. The inflammation causes the tight junctions to open more than usual allowing toxins to leak in and out of the GI tract. This aggravates other body systems and in turn, results in systemic body inflammation. Health conditions that have been associated with leaky gut include but are not limited to: 
-Rheumatoid Arthritis 
-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
-Brain Fog 
-Food Allergies/ Intolerances 
-Inflammatory Bowel Disease
-Irritable Bowel Disease
-Joint Problems 
-Eczema 
-And more

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