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Specialized Gut Health Therapy

The key to a healthy immune system, disease management and more

Gut health is essential for total body health. It plays a vital role in immune support, preventing disease, hormone function and mental health. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and gut flora (bacteria and other organisms that live in the intestines), as well as the integrity of the gut lining, are key to optimum health.

If you’re struggling with an autoimmune disease, allergies, acne, cancer, weight gain, hormone imbalance, fatigue, yeast infections, weak immune system, headaches, migraines, anxiety, depression, hives, rashes, malnutrition or other health issues, an unhealthy gut may be to blame.

POTENTIAL CAUSES OF POOR GUT HEALTH

  • Overuse of antibiotics and other medications
  • Overuse of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and others
  • Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation
  • Poor diet (high in unhealthy fats, sugar and processed foods)
  • Chronic alcohol consumption
  • Chronic stress
  • Poor sleep quality
  • ParasitesMold exposure
  • Strenuous or excessive exercise
  • Genetics
  • Aging

The gut’s role in nutrition and a healthy immune system

A healthy gut microbiome supports food digestion and helps nourish the body by extracting and metabolizing nutrients from the food we eat. In addition, important vitamins, such as biotin and vitamin K, are produced in the gut flora (bacteria and other organisms that reside in the gut). Consequently, people with an unhealthy gut microbiome may suffer from malnutrition and related health issues.

The gut is often referred to as the second immune system, which makes sense because 70 percent of the immune system resides in the intestinal tract. A healthy gut microbiome with the right balance of gut flora and a semipermeable (not leaky) intestinal wall are essential for a strong immune system.

An overabundance of bad bacteria and leaky gut can lead to inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. Inflammation triggers the immune system, which can go into overdrive when inflammation persists. Ongoing inflammation weakens the immune system and leaves the body more vulnerable to illness and disease.

What is leaky gut?

The lining of the intestinal tract (small and large intestines) was designed to be semipermeable so it can allow important nutrients into the bloodstream, while keeping toxic materials out. Millions of cells linked together by proteins—known as tight junctions—fortify the intestinal wall to maintain this semipermeable state.

Zonulin, a protein discovered by Dr. Alessio Fasano, helps modulate the permeability of the tight junctions. Dr. Fasano’s research also suggests that gluten and bacteria in the small intestine are the two primary culprits that trigger zonulin levels to rise, which can be problematic.

When zonulin levels increase the tight junctions come apart, creating gaps in the gut membrane. This condition—known as leaky gut syndrome—allows larger pieces of undigested food and other toxins to leak into the bloodstream instead of being filtered through the kidneys and eliminated in urine.

Once the gut leaks, the immune system produces antibodies that attack food particles and other microbes circulating through the bloodstream as foreign invaders. The antibodies, now viewing previously harmless food particles as a threat, may resurface and mount future attacks the next time that food is eaten, resulting in a food allergy.

Signs you may have an unhealthy or leaky gut

  • Digestive issues such (gas, bloating, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome)
  • Seasonal allergies or asthma
  • Conditions related to hormone imbalance (PMS, PCOS, insulin resistance)
  • Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease
  • Mood and mind issues (depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD)Skin issues (acne, rosacea or eczema)
  • Diagnosis of candida overgrowth (yeast infections)
  • Food allergies or intolerances

 

The gut is often referred to as the second immune system, which makes sense because 70 percent of the immune system resides in the intestinal tract. A healthy gut microbiome with the right balance of gut flora and a semipermeable (not leaky) intestinal wall are essential for a strong immune system.

An overabundance of bad bacteria and leaky gut can lead to inflammation in the gut and throughout the body. Inflammation triggers the immune system, which can go into overdrive when inflammation persists. Ongoing inflammation weakens the immune system and leaves the body more vulnerable to illness and disease.

Autoimmune diseases that may be tied to leaky gut

  • Alopecia areata
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Diabetes (Type 1)
  • Fybromyalgia
  • Hashimoto’s disease (hyperthyroidism)
  • Hives (urticaria)
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Psoriasis
  • Raynaud’s syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sjogren’s system
  • Thyroiditis
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Vasculitis
  • Vitiligo

A healthy gut also supports hormone function

While many of us have experienced stomach upset due to stress and anxiety, the gut-brain connection also works in the opposite direction. A recent study revealed a link between gut dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and inflammation to several mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression. The researchers suggest that taking probiotics to help restore balance to the microbiome (increase good gut bacteria, reduce bad) may help improve mental health.

It’s also important to consider the tie between serotonin—one of the happy hormones—and the gut. About 95 percent of the serotonin in our bodies resides in the gut, while only about 5 percent can be found in the brain. Serotonin acts as a mood stabilizer and a neurotransmitter that helps cells in the brain and nervous system communicate. It also supports sleep and digestion.

Research suggests that when serotonin levels are out of whack, this “happy hormone” may contribute to irritable bowel disease, activate immune cells, cause or worsen inflammation and more. All of this research further reinforces the importance of prioritizing gut health.

How can EVEXIAS help you restore and maintain gut health?

It all starts with a thorough health assessment to uncover the root cause of your health concerns. EVEXIAS takes an integrated, functional approach to medicine, which means we identify what’s making you feel unwell and treat the root cause of that illness or disease. We don’t prescribe drugs to mask symptoms.

If your diagnosis is an unhealthy, unbalanced or leaky gut we will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Depending on your needs, that plan may include:

  • Recommendations for dietary and other lifestyle changes.
  • Nutritional supplements.
  • IV nutrition therapy.
  • Detoxification program.
  • Hormone replacement therapy.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

To schedule a gut health consultation with our team contact the EVEXIAS location nearest you.