We Help Patients with Digestive Imbalances
Too many Americans suffer from food related problems. This list includes:
- Acne
- Heartburn
- Weight gain or loss
- Cramping
- Sleeplessness
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Chronic fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Chronic infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis
What do the above have in common? They may be symptoms of Dysbiosis, ‘an imbalance between the types of organism present in a person’s natural microflora, especially that of the gut, thought to contribute to a range of conditions of ill health’. Your body is full of harmless colonies of bacteria, yeasts, and other organisms. All of these colonies make up what is known as our microbiome.
The by-products that are produced by our microbiome keep us in good health. For example, some help to nourish the cells that line the digestive tract (epithelial cells), and some bacteria produce vitamins which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
If the microbiome is unbalanced then colonies of bacteria that were harmless will suddenly increase in numbers. In turn, the volume of their by-products increases and causes harm to our digestive system which leads to a state of dysbiosis.
A disruption to the balance of our microbiome may be caused by the following:
- Antibiotics
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- The use of steroids
- Chronic stress
- Artificial sweetener
- Over consumption of any one particular macro nutrient
- A diet too low in fiber
- Chronic food allergies/sensitivities
- Hormone therapy (oral birth control)
- Chemical/environmental toxins
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Traveling to places with poor sanitation
Digestive imbalances are approaching epidemic proportions in America. MDs are prescribing drugs to suppress the natural digestive processes with a class of pharmaceuticals known as proton pump inhibitors. These drugs do NOT fix the problem, they only mask the symptoms! In our clinic we strive to uncover the root cause(s) of digestive problems. Our methods involve determining what an individual may be sensitive to in their diet. What may have happened in the past that could cause the body to move away from equilibrium.
When the cells of the intestinal wall are irritated, mal-absorption of various proteins, fats and carbohydrates often occurs. This lack of proper absorption may cause food and chemical sensitivity and intolerance. This can result with:
- Bloating after eating
- Abdominial pain (especially after eating)
- Coughing during the night
- Oral thrush
- Yeast infections
- Allergies
- Brain fog
- Fatigue or low energy
- Mucus in the stool
- Bright red blood in the stool
- Lower back pain
Utilizing a detailed history, and focused examination, occasionally lab testing, we are able to successfully help many people with long standing, often hidden auto-immune problems. Our clinic strives to use the highest quality, all natural supplements. Many are not available in any health food store or online.
What else would you like to know? Call or email our Albany practice. We look forward to assisting you with anything you may need!