Gastrointestinal Repair Program
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) are estimated to affect 10 to 20% of the population, with less than 1/3rd of those people being properly diagnosed or treated for symptoms. Twice as many women compared to men, most under 45 years of age, struggle with IBS or other Gastrointestinal disorders on a daily basis. Conventional medicine has provided no solution for these patients except for prescription drugs that hide symptoms or block necessary physiological processes in the GI system. Age Management of West Michigan’s GI Repair program offers an effective treatment program to heal and strengthen the GI system. Helping patients obtain relief from issues associated with GI dysfunction so then can enjoy a life free of symptoms and discomfort.
Research has shown that a wide range of physical, emotional, environmental, and social stressors can lead to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal system and a breakdown of the gastrointestinal lining that leads to the development of IBS and various gastrointestinal disorders. Researchers have termed the physiological breakdown and inflammation of the GI lining as intestinal permeability or leaky gut syndrome.
What is Intestinal Permeability?
An increase in permeability of the intestinal lining where large spaces develop between the cells of the gut wall allowing bacteria, toxins, and food to leak into the blood stream resulting in an inflammatory immune system response.
Click on the image to see it full-size
With 70% body’s immune system directly related to the gastrointestinal system, the GI system is an underlying factor towards the development of a large number of chronic and autoimmune disease states. Age Management recognizes the importance a healthy and fully functioning GI system to effectively treat and heal patients of disease while building a strong immune system for life long disease prevention.
A normal, healthy intestinal system has a selectively permeable membrane that allows digested nutrients to enter the blood stream while keeping out undigested food particles, toxins, and pathogens. As the intestinal system becomes inflamed and damaged, necessary enzymes and secretions (mucosal layer) are not produced effectively and damage to the intestinal lining results in gaps in the selectively permeable membrane. The result is the passage of undesirable molecules into the bloodstream which provokes an immune system response and antibody production. As the system becomes overburdened with toxins and pathogens, the liver eventually loses the ability to cope with the high level of toxins and they are expelled into the bloodstream and have a negative effect on the entire body. This results in the development of both chronic and autoimmune diseases.
Age Management of West Michigan’s GI repair program utilizes a 2 phase approach that combines diet and supplements to effectively detoxify and repair the gastrointestinal system.
Factors leading to GI Tract permeability and mucosal deficiency
Brain-gut signal problems
Signals between the brain and nerves of the small and large intestines, also called the gut, control how the intestines work. Problems with brain-gut signals may cause IBS symptoms/ GI distress, such as changes in bowel habits and pain or discomfort.
GI motor problems
Normal motility, or movement, may not be present in the colon of a person who has IBS. Slow motility can lead to constipation and fast motility can lead to diarrhea. Spasms, or sudden strong muscle contractions that come and go, can cause abdominal pain. Some people with IBS also experience hyperreactivity, which is an excessive increase in contractions of the bowel in response to stress or eating.
Mood Disorders
Scientists have confirmed that their is a strong mind & gut connection that are both affected by the same hormones and neurotransmitters, with both being very sensitive to stress and chemical imbalances. Mood disorders such as chronic stress/anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder that cause decreased blood flow to the gut are common in people with IBS/GI disorders.
Pathogens & Bacterial Dysbiosis
A heavy influence of toxins, parasites, fungus and yeasts, along with a negative balance gut bacteria lead to development of abnormalities of the lining of the GI tract that leads to the development of Gastrointestinal disorders.
Drugs
Regular use of antibiotics kills off both necessary beneficial gut bacteria along with negative, gut bacteria. NSAIDs, pain killers, antacids, and alcohol cause damage and inflammation to the mucosal lining of the GI system.
Genetics
There does seem to be an genetic influence with people suffering from IBS/GI disorders. Research has shown that IBS is more common in people with family members who have a history of GI problems. However, the cause could be environmental or the result of heightened awareness of GI symptoms.
Food/Food sensitivity/Allergies
Many people with IBS/GI disorders report that certain foods and beverages can cause symptoms, such as foods rich in carbohydrates, spicy or fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol. Gluten and casein peptides, food additives, chemicals/dyes, and over processing of foods can cause an acute autoimmune response that affects all systems of the body.
616.808.2695
TEL: 616.808.2695 | FAX: 616.808.2697