Intestinal Parasites: An Overview BY MARY BETH GUDEWICZ, CNTP, MNT When one hears the word parasites, the thought of horror films comes to mind. Yes, by definition, parasites are “an organism that lives on or in host and gets its food from or at the expense of the host.”[1] Although some parasites have evolved alongside of us and don’t cause harm, some parasites our body wants to eliminate because they can cause harm by manipulating our immune system response in a negative way. References in literature point to parasites being one of the primary causes of allergies because parasites damage the gut lining allowing large molecules to cross through the gut wall and entering the bloodstream, causing an immediate immune response. Let’s explore the types, symptoms, and treatments for a parasite invasion. Types: There are two general types of parasites: Helminths: Also known as worms. They can often be seen in your stool. Examples are tapeworms, pinworms, flukes, roundworms Protozoa: Are single-celled microbes that can multiply inside the human body leading to serious infection. Examples are amoebas, leishmania, giardia, plamodium and cryptosporidium.[2] How You Can Be Exposed: Certain opportunities can arise that increase your risk for getting a parasite. They include the following: Living or visiting an area known to have parasites International travel Poor sanitation through both food and water Poor hygiene Age – children and the elderly are more likely to get infected[3] Exposure to daycare and institutional care centers A weakened immune system HIV or AIDS Signs and Symptoms: Parasites can live in your intestines for years without producing any noticeable symptoms. However, some parasites have a life cycle. What...
Your Guide to Eliminating Chronic Fatigue (Part 1 of 10): Auto-Immunity and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome BY MICHAL COOLING, CNTP At The Healing Center Denver we have a holistic, whole-person view as well as molecular view, with tools and testing to evaluate the biochemistry of cells, tissues, and organs. We seek to find the exact imbalance in your body, the underlying cause for that imbalance, and the individualized solution. With this approach, we view fatigue differently than traditional medicine does, and usually find there is usually a network of things contributing towards this fatigue and other related symptoms. Our Top Ten Strategies These are the top ten most common causes of chronic fatigue that we see, which are often not addressed by conventional or even holistic practitioners: Auto-Immunity Gut Function / Nutrient Imbalances / Poor Absorption Hidden Food Sensitivities Hidden Infections Brain Imbalance Emotional / Stress/ Post-Trauma Sleep Issues and Their Underlying Causes Hormone Imbalances (Thyroid, Adrenal, Sex) Toxicity Detoxification and Metabolism Impairment Today, our focus is on Auto-Immunity and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): CFS is actually referred to as “Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome,” showing there to be a science-based link between immune function and chronic fatigue. Many studies have shown imbalances in the immune system with those who experience chronic fatigue, and the science literature in the last ten years has shown the mechanism underlying chronic fatigue to be immune in nature. In fact, the risk profile for CFS is similar to the risk profiles for a number of autoimmune diseases. Most conventional doctors typically don’t look for this “immune piece” and rarely address it. At The Healing Center, we...
Oil Pulling: A Natural Remedy for Improving Oral Health and Reducing Pathogenic Toxins Hi, I’m Dr. Marie Starling At The Healing Center, we help people like you reach their full potential. I specialize in adjunctive care for internal disorders, autoimmune conditions, IBS, thyroid symptoms, diabetes, and other complex health issues. As your Denver Functional Medicine specialist, we commonly see pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold underlying and accompanying many health issues for patients. We have multiple tools for eliminating these pathogens including herbs, clearings, frequency treatments, and detoxification. Another method of eliminating and managing pathogens is through proper oral care. By now, you may have heard of the term “oil pulling,” as articles extolling its benefits are blowing up social media feeds, making it a hot topic recently. Oil pulling is nothing new: this method was used for 1,000’s of years as part of ancient Indian Ayurveda remedies for managing oral health. Oral care was recognized as a critical component of overall health. Traditionally, cold-pressed sesame oil was used, but coconut oil is more commonly used today. Oil pulling has many benefits, including: Assists in the reduction and prevention of plaque, cavities, pathogens, gingivitis, and infections. Helps strengthen the jaw, tissue, teeth, and gums. Prevents throat dryness, cracked lips, and bad breath. Oil pulling provides a natural remedy for oral maintenance and for reducing pathogens, and is claimed to contribute in the elimination of over 30 systemic diseases. What Is Oil Pulling? Oil pulling is swishing up to one Tablespoon of oil in your mouth. Using the tongue to help pull and push the oil between the teeth and gums, take caution to...
Eliminating IBS Once and For All I found an excellent article by Dr. Hyman, MD this week that highlights 5 simple steps to eliminate IBS without drugs. We commonly use these steps in our practice, which are aimed at identifying and addressing the underlying cause for IBS. Most patients are prescribed antidepressants, sedatives, anti-spasm drugs, Metamucil or other fiber sources, and not given real answers, or real results. IBS effects 20% of the population. So what exactly is it and how can we eliminate it once and for all? According to womenshealth.gov, “IBS is defined as abdominal pain or discomfort, along with a changed bowel habit (such as diarrhea or constipation), for 3 months or more. The abdomen is the same as the “stomach area.” The symptoms may be different from person to person and can include: Cramps or pain in the stomach area Constipation — infrequent stools that may be hard and dry Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement Diarrhea — frequent loose stools Alternating between diarrhea and constipation Mucus in the stool Swollen or bloated stomach area Gas Discomfort in the upper stomach area or feeling uncomfortably full or nauseous after eating a normal size meal Do these sound common? I hear one or more of these symptoms in nearly every patient we see! Since all systems rely on digestion, any imbalance within, can create and fuel much bigger problems down the line. In fact, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), say that IBS can be linked to: GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) Dyspepsia (Indigestion) causing discomfort or pain...
Allergy Testing, Immune Testing - What does it all mean? By LuCinda Miller and Dr. Marie Starling At The Healing Center, Dr. Starling uses many types of tests to determine the underlying issues creating symptoms in our patients. Food is one piece of your overall health and must be tested to determine what variety of problem is present, such as if it is to be permanently avoided, permanent but manageable or can be completely reset. Allergy testing varies greatly and each test looks at a slightly different piece of the picture, much like comparing apples to oranges. Today we are providing you a synopsis of some of the most common tests, what they look at, and their known strengths and limitations. WHAT THEY LOOK AT: IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE are known as Immunoglobulins or more commonly referred to as antibodies. Immunoglobulins are secreted by the immune system in response to what the immune system perceives as a foreign invader. These invaders can be viruses, bacteria, fungus/mold, foods, or environmental substances. The immune system uses these Immunoglobulins to “tag” the invader to then be targeted and killed. IgE responses are easy to diagnose as they provide immediate symptoms such as hives, rash, anaphylaxis. IgA, IgG, and IgM reactions are more difficult to diagnose since the reaction is delayed and can occur up to 6 months after exposure. Delayed symptoms can come on subtly and can include headaches, joint pain, and eczema to name a few. IgA Considered first line of defense 80% of IgA is found in the body’s mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive tracts, also eyes...
Getting Rid of Chronic Pain Here at The Healing Center Denver, our mission as your functional medicine specialist in Denver, CO is to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms and address them individually, using a variety of tools available to us. There are 8 common triggers for chronic pain that most people don’t realize. 1. STRUCTURAL OR NEUROLOGICAL IMBALANCE “Abnormal spinal movement can be caused by physical trauma (repetitive motion, car accidents, slips, falls, improper lifting, poor sleeping habits), emotional stress (worry, negative thoughts, fear), or chemical imbalances (alcohol, drugs, toxins, pollution.)… Whenever the nervous system is interfered with, the connection between the brain and body is impaired, and there may be malfunction of any cell, tissue, or organ of the body…” The brain itself can also become imbalanced causing dysfunction from right to left or front to back. These imbalances can cause tight hamstrings or even forward head position causing neck and back pain. Symptoms Numbness Burning Pins and needles Hypertension Indigestion Pain Muscle spasms/atrophy Muscle fatigue Swelling “Ligaments, tendons and spinal discs have a poor blood supply and heal slowly. This is why proper nutrition, rest and… spinal adjustments are needed to completely eliminate the cause of your pain. If your spinal joints are not moving properly, degeneration of your spine and health will be the result.” 2. AUTO-IMMUNE ISSUES “Do you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue, or other mysterious symptoms that make you miserable? But does your doctor say your lab tests are fine and you’re perfectly healthy? It could be you have an autoimmune reaction and don’t know it. People can develop an autoimmune reaction to virtually any tissue, enzyme, or protein in their...
Most Dangerous Foods for Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, Gluten-free Diet #2--Yeast DR. DAVID CLARK, DC – RALEIGH-DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIST- EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT CURRENT RESEARCH SAY ABOUT THE DANGER OF YEAST AND GLUTEN SENSITIVITY. I want to share with you the #2 most dangerous food you can eat if you’re gluten sensitive, have celiac disease or are following a gluten-free diet… YEAST (BAKER’S YEAST, BREWER’S YEAST) Again, I’m talking about brewer’s yeast and baker’s yeast. That type of yeast is called saccharomyces cerevisiae. You find it in many kinds of breads, beer, flavorings. IMPORTANT: Nutritional yeast is the SAME kind of yeast. I know a lot of you were already thinking about asking about it. Nutritional yeast is the #2 most dangerous food for gluten sensitivtiy, celiac disease and a gluten-free diet. Why is yeast such a problem? Answer: cross-reaction. About a year and a half, maybe two years ago, I published some very popular videos and blog posts on dangerous foods for persons suffering with gluten sensitivity. Yeast was one of the things I mentioned. In January 2013, the research paper by Dr. Aristo Vojdani (PhD immunologist) was published (Journal article here) that confirms the problem. Cross-reaction occurs when the antibodies that the body is making to tag one food (gluten, in our example) attach to a different food that is not the original food (Yeast). This is called cross reaction.In Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (let’s not debate the semantics, they’re functionally the same thing) you have a problem with gluten. Your immune system is reacting to gluten and is trying to kill it, so it makes antibodies to tag the gluten. Antibodies are like little flashing, adhesive strobe...
Most Dangerous Foods for Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, Gluten-free Diet #1--Milk DR. DAVID CLARK, DC – RALEIGH-DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGIST- EXPLAINS EXACTLY WHAT CURRENT RESEARCH SAY ABOUT THE DANGER OF MILK AND GLUTEN SENSITIVITY. DoctorDavidClark.com I’m going to share with you the recently confirmed number one danger to your health if you have gluten sensitivity, celiac disease…and that is consuming milk products. About a year and a half, maybe two years ago, I posted a very popular video on the danger of milk and gluten sensitivity. At that time I explained that the problem with milk and gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is the issue of cross-reaction: In January 2013, the research paper by Dr. Aristo Vojdani (PhD immunologist) was published that confirms the problem. THE BIGGEST DANGER IF YOU ARE GLUTEN-SENSITIVE…OR HAVE CELIAC DISEASE…OR ARE FOLLOWING A GLUTEN-FREE DIET…IS MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS It’s all about cross-reaction. So let me explain that. Cross reaction occurs when the antibodies that the body is making to tag one food (gluten, in our example) attach to a different food that is not the original food (milk products). This is called cross reaction. In Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity (let’s not debate the semantics, they’re functionally the same thing) you have a problem with gluten. Your immune system is reacting to gluten and is trying to kill it, so it makes antibodies to tag the gluten. Antibodies are like little flashing, adhesive strobe lights that are designed to attach onto the gluten protein so that the immune system cells can find it and try to kill it. When those antibodies attach to some food that’s NOT gluten -because that food looks SIMILAR...
Sneezing? Wheezing? Runny Nose? Allergy Season is Here Seasonal Allergy Removal in Colorado Imagine no longer suffering from allergies! No needles, no shots, no avoidance! Denver functional medicine specialist and allergist, Dr. Starling, has advanced the techniques of NAET and BioSet allergy elimination to provide an effective, noninvasive way to address seasonal allergies in Colorado. Through this technique, she has successfully cleared hundreds of patients. I happen to be one of them. I suffered from seasonal allergies for years and was on a daily over the counter drug regimen for 6 months out of the year covering the Spring and Fall allergy seasons. Along with the obvious symptoms were headaches and chronic sinus infections. After going through the allergy protocol along with Dr. Starling’s whole body approach to repair my gut and stabilize my immune system, I was drug free by the fall allergy season and have remained that way for 4 years now! Book An Appointment Contact us at today to get ahead of your seasonal allergies. Call us today for an appointment at 303-721-9800! CONTACT US
The Gluten Free Stigma - It's Not a Vanity Issue, It's a Serious Health Issue By LuCinda Miller My own personal experience this week has enlightened me regarding the stigma attached to the gluten free diet, from the comedian last night that suggested we suck it up and eat our bread to my 11 year old’s friends thinking she is gluten free to lose weight to the general population that believes it is the latest celebrity fad diet that will soon come to pass. Today I’d like to enlighten you regarding the seriousness of gluten consumption and your health. The following excerpt was taken from Gluten Free Society and is based on the research of world-renowned immunologist and pioneer of the leaky gut autoimmunity connection, Dr. Alessio Fasano. FOR ANY OF YOU SUFFERING FROM THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, PAY CLOSE ATTENTION: Those who suffer from chronic intestinal problems Infertility or recurrent miscarriage Chronic anemia Osteoporosis Migraine Headaches Psoriasis Eczema IBS Bipolar or Schizophrenia Low thyroid (Hypothyroid) ADD or ADHD Autism Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Restless Legs Syndrome Sleep Apnea Type I or II diabetes Multiple Sclerosis Any Autoimmune Disease MAKING THE CONNECTION – THE GLUTEN FREE WARRIOR’S STANCE: Most people assume that celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are the same thing. Fortunately, this archaic thought is rapidly changing as new research has proven that gluten sensitivity exists independently of celiac disease. Although it is well established that gluten often impacts the villi of the small intestine, it has also been shown to affect the body in multiple ways. These differences account for the massive failure of doctors to diagnose gluten sensitivity. Below is a diagram of environmental...
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