Leaky Gut Treatment in Houston, TX
This area of research has exploded in the past 10 years. There are thousands of published articles on Pubmed connecting leaky-gut to autoimmune disease, diabetes, autism, psoriasis and dementia.
In a healthy gut, the lining is a closed barrier that only allows certain nutrients and water to cross into the bloodstream. It keeps bacteria, viruses, food particles and toxins out.
When this intestinal barrier becomes damaged or permeable - it is now leaky- allowing unwanted particles to enter the bloodstream.
Conventional medicine does not currently recognize this as a diagnosis - even with the thousands of published papers in the National Library of Medicine - but in functional medicine, we commonly diagnose this through specialty lab testing.
So what are some of the causes of leaky gut?
- Medications - such as NSAIDS
- Food Sensitivities
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol
- Toxin
Leaky gut leads to chronic inflammatory disease. In functional medicine we determine the root cause of leaky gut.
We use a 5 R program - Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair and Rebalance to heal leaky gut.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Leaky Gut Treatment
Functional medicine addresses the root causes of health issues rather than solely treating symptoms. It views the body as an interconnected system, considering genetics, lifestyle, environment, and unique factors influencing health. Dr. Bronwen Martin and Dr. Andy Martin at the Modern Functional Medicine Center advocate for this method due to its holistic nature. They believe in understanding individuality, conducting thorough assessments, and creating personalized plans. The benefits of functional medicine in Houston, TX, lie in its tailored approach. We delve into your history, genetics, and lifestyle to uncover underlying imbalances. The approach allows for targeted interventions, often using a combination of nutrition, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and sometimes conventional medicine when necessary.
A Guide To Leaky Gut and Treatment
Leaky gut syndrome, medically known as increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the lining of the digestive tract becomes compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This leakage triggers an immune response, leading to various symptoms and potential health issues. Causes of leaky gut can range from chronic stress, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to imbalanced diets high in processed foods and low in fiber. Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and chronic inflammation can also contribute. Symptoms of leaky gut are diverse and may include chronic digestive problems like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, headaches, skin issues, joint pain, and food sensitivities. However, these symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Functional medicine in Houston, TX, focuses on lifestyle changes such as adopting a gut-friendly diet rich in whole foods, probiotics to support healthy gut bacteria, reducing stress through relaxation techniques, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and NSAIDs. Additionally, supplements like glutamine, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids may aid in healing the intestinal lining.
How Functional Medicine Experts Can Help
Functional medicine experts approach leaky gut by identifying root causes through comprehensive assessments, including detailed patient histories, lab tests, and dietary analysis. They craft personalized treatment plans, focusing on gut health restoration using diet modifications, targeted supplements, and lifestyle changes. Our doctors prioritize the gut's ecosystem, fostering a balanced microbiome with probiotics and gut-healing nutrients.