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DID YOU KNOW THAT A KEY TO HEALING AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE LIES IN HEALING THE GUT? By: Minal Vazirani , MD, DABP, DABIM, DABOIM Integrative Health & Wellness Associates This statement is, believe it or not, is from completely evidence-based research by Alessio Fasano, MD, the Chief of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition at Massa- chusetts General Hospital (a Harvard Hospital), who has deepened the medical world’s understanding of the gut and its rela- tionship to autoimmune disease. He discov- ered the molecule zonulin that we make that regulates the gaps between cells in our intes- tine, and how we can test for zonulin levels as a biomarker for intestinal permeability. IHWA is one of the first practices in New Jersey to bring such cutting edge functional medicine testing such as zonulin testing and microbio- me mapping to Barnabas Health and the sur- rounding area. What Causes Intestinal Permeability (a.k.a. Leaky Gut)? Inflammation causes the spaces between the cells of the gut wall (a.k.a. tight junctions) to become larger than usual. After food passes through the stomach, protein molecules are absorbed before they have a chance to be completely broken down. Antibodies are made against these proteins derived from pre- viously harmless foods. The immune system becomes over-reactive to substances that are not supposed to be dangerous, thus trigger- ing leaky gut, or, as it is now called in medical terminology, intestinal permeability. Some Common Causes of Inflammation which can lead to Intestinal Permeability include: • Infections – parasites, bacteria, yeast, and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) • Drugs –Proton Pump Inhibitors, Anti- Inflammatory Meds, Pain Meds, Alcohol • Chemo / Radiation • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis • Celiac Disease or Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) • Over-exercising – ie the “weekend warrior” • Food Quality – foods high in pesticides, processed foods, sugars, GMOs, additives, or preservatives • Food Sensitivities / Allergies • Stress / Adrenal Fatigue How does Leaky Gut relate to Autoimmune Disease? Reversing the markers of autoimmune disease often depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Human tissues have proteins & antigens very similar to those on foods, bacteria, parasites, or candida. The antibodies created by the leaky gut phenom- enon against these antigens can get into var- ious tissues and trigger an inflammatory cas- cade in that tissue when the corresponding food is consumed or the microbe is encoun- tered. Autoantibodies are thus created and inflammation becomes chronic. Examples of Autoimmune Diseases and Diseases that tend to respond well to an Integrative and Functional Medicine approach with Gut Healing Protocols include: • Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (such as Hashimoto’s or Graves) • Fibromyalgia • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and SIBO • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Psoriasis & Eczema • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Sjogren’s Syndrome • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) • Urticaria (Hives) How does Your Gut Health Relate to Your Nutrient Levels? There used to be a saying that “ You are what you eat.” But in reality, the truth is more like “You are what you absorb.” Leaky gut can contribute to many vitamin and mineral deficiencies due to ongoing inflamma- tion, damage, and resultant malabsorption. Nutrient Deficiencies are extremely common, which is why comprehensive nutritional test- ing is also such an integral part of our practice. What are some Signs that You May Have Leaky Gut? Gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal discomfort may be the first clue that something is wrong with the digestive tract. In many cases, patients will also com- plain of “brain fog” or poor focus/concentra- tion… but did you know that allergies or even vague symptoms such as joint /muscle pain, fatigue, or lack of energy can be rooted in the gut as well? To set up a consultation with Dr. V to help heal the gut and reverse autoimmunity with Functional and Ayurvedic Medicine, please contact our office. Integrative Health & Wellness Associates 844-5HEALER (844-543-2537) Offices in Warren & Livingston NJ Facebook.com/DrVazirani Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Medicine ! # # % " $ $!! " $!! "! " # ''( # # $ $ (&& $ $# '&)# # $ $ " Minal Vazirani G39884 D I P L O M A T S - A M E R I C A N B O A R D O F D E R M A T O L O G Y Dr. Chris W. Sciales has been recognized by Allergan (the makers of Botox) as being the area ¿ s only certified Botox instructor. • BOTOX • DYSPORT • RESTYLANE • JUVÉDERM • VOLUMA • RADIESSE • TCA PEELS • MICRODERMABRASION • SKIN CANCER SCREENING • BETA & ALPHA HYDROXY PEELS • LASER HAIR REMOVAL FOR DARK & LIGHT SKIN • LASER REMOVAL OF AGE SPOTS & TATTOOS • LASER TREATMENT FOR LEG VEINS • LASER REMOVAL OF BLOOD VESSELS • LASER SKIN RESURFACING FOR WRINKLES Have the confidence that comes with knowing all cosmetic procedures are done in a medical office by Board Certified Cosmetic Dermatologists and Registered Nurses. Chris W. Sciales, MD, FAAD Michael P. Bagley, MD, FAAD Rosaline Ahkami, MD, FAAD Helen C. Haliasos, MD, FAAD Helen Radoszycki, MD, FAAD Melissa Bouffard, PA-C Donna Thompson, FNP WARREN DERMATOLOGY AND LASER CENTER 122 Mt. Bethel Road, Warren 908.756.7999 www.warrendermatology.com We offer the latest in medical and cosmetic dermatology for all ages! Offering Extended Evening HoursPAGE 75