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DIGESTIVE DISORDERS IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION/ AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

Meredith’s focus on the digestive system is paramount and fundamental to all conditions seen in her clinic which include women’s health, fertility (natural or assisted conception), support during and post cancer treatment, anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, skin conditions or any other presenting health condition.

It is now well established that 80-85% of the bowel is immune tissue.  The immune system is involved in the regulation of the whole body to maintain optimal health.  A condition that has been scientifically demonstrated for decades however more recently linked to a range of immune disorders and autoimmune diseases is a syndrome called  Increased Intestinal Permeability, otherwise referred to as Leaky Gut.   The condition involves inflammation of the lining of the small bowel that then allows quantities of undigested, partially digested protein, carbohydrates & fats & microorganisms to pass into blood stream & lymph system, compromising the immune system, liver and whole body.  Important to note also,  if the gut is impaired, this reduces absorption of micronutrients to support the body and will compromise fertility and conception.  Attention to this aspect of overall individual health is paramount if trying to conceive.

Conditions linked with Increased Intestinal Permeability:

  • Food Allergies & Sensitivities

  • Arthritis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Spondyloarthropies

  • Asthma

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Chron’s Disease

  • Ulcerative Colitis

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Diabetes Mellitus

  • Obesity

  • Bowel dysfunction/ weight loss or gain associated with Chemotherapy/ Radiation Therapy

  • Autism/ Aspbergers

  • Depression

  • Fertility

 

The Intestinal Permeability (IP) test is a precise and non-invasive urine challenge test for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal integrity or permeability of the small bowel.  This functional medicine pathology test can provide a clear diagnosis and can be arranged during consultation.

Healing increased intestinal permeability requires a combination of a change of diet and nutritional supplements and/ or Chinese herbal medicine to reduce inflammation and heal the lining of the small bowel.  Functional pathology testing is also available to determine nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities.

Patients are required to have a clear diagnosis from their GP or specialist before proceeding with functional medicine treatment.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Many people I talk with ask why they have not heard of Intestinal Permeability or Leaky Gut.  Quite simply, there is a huge body of research on Increased Intestinal Permeability that has been published in various quality scientific journals (Alterations in Intestinal Permeability, GUT, 2006 Oct 5 (10) 1512 - 1520) provides a good overview with scientific databases (PubMed) listing many other publications.  The nature of science is progressive, it is ahead of most things before it then informs, including the practice of medicine.  The science is here, making informed choices regarding your health starts with you.  A simple google search is a good place to start to then source quality published literature.

Please call if you would like to discuss further.