Many physical complaints, chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases originate from the gut. Cardiovascular disease, eczema, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis and rheumatism can all be related to gut problems. Many times people have abdominal pain, constipation or just persistent diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (PDS), Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. You may be told to just learn to live with these symptoms. But is it?
The digestive system
Our gut and digestive system, also known as our “food processing factory” or “route from mouth to butt,” is a hugely important part of our immune system. Disturbances of this by many possible factors can therefore have major consequences for our health and the development of (chronic) complaints and diseases. Most chronic syndromes and autoimmune diseases have their origin in the gut. Something you might not immediately expect. Consequently, most people have gastrointestinal problems, sometimes all their lives but have often become accustomed to this or have “come to think of it as normal.”
The role of nutrition
Symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and flatulence indicate impaired bowel function. Disruptions can be caused by many factors and most often we find a combination of several factors. Examples include dairy (milk and anything made from it or products containing it), gluten and gluten-containing grains such as wheat, spelt, rye, barley in breads and pasta, or certain foods that are healthy in themselves, such as garlic and other herbs and spices, nuts and onions.
Parasites, infections and other factors
Parasites and bacterial or viral infections or other factors can also be culprits. Consider also exposure to mercury, cadmium, organic solvents, vinyl chloride (in products made from PVC) and pesticides. These can also cause inflammation and immune reactions and are more difficult to detect and something that is often overlooked. Both diet, infection and possibly other factors such as heavy metals can cause unnoticed symptoms, including abdominal pain, eczema, insomnia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, diarrhea and hormonal disorders. Depression and “underwater” stress can also stem from a dysregulated and inflamed gut. Inflammation of the gut does not always have to be accompanied by abdominal pain. That’s the insidious thing. You don’t see or notice it, but it’s there with all of its complaints and problems.
Specialized lab research
With special stool and blood tests (which go much further than at the doctor’s office or hospital), the causes that are causing you to have the symptoms can be examined. Once you know that, you can formulate a plan which includes dietary modification and specialized nutritional supplements that eliminate parasites, fungi and other problems, for example. That way you really work toward healing and eliminating the symptoms rather than symptom relief.
Hereditary and environmental factors
Complaints in
autoimmune diseases
often involve muscles, joints, skin and internal organs, such as kidneys, heart, lungs and blood vessels. Studies show that only 25% of disease states involving autoimmunity are determined by genetics, that is, hereditary factors. Environmental factors determine 75% of the development of autoimmunity, the most important being diet, stress, toxins and infectious diseases. This is interesting and positive. So we have a lot of influence on this!
Complaint reduction: a comprehensive approach is desired
Thus, in many cases, an autoimmune disease or chronic syndrome is reversible. By avoiding stress, paying close attention to your diet and addressing any infection and other factors, you can reduce symptoms or resolve them altogether. This depends on the personal situation such as age, how long the symptoms have been there and so on. It can sometimes be difficult to figure out where the cause lies. Usually it is a combination of several factors so you can hardly figure it out on your own.
Missing a link can make the difference in success or failure
Sometimes you do make an effort, or have made an effort such as adjusting diet. For example, you may have already eliminated certain foods such as gluten and/or dairy but with no or insufficient results. Several factors will then come into play. Following a complete anti-inflammatory diet as a baseline makes sense. In most cases, we test in the blood for important nutritional deficiencies such as fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. In addition to adjusting the diet, it is necessary to use proper, specialized nutritional supplements to replenish any deficiencies, address infections and get other body processes back on track. Missing a link can make the difference in whether or not a treatment succeeds.
BodySwitch Heemskerk: total approach focusing on causes
Do you have chronic symptoms or have been diagnosed with a so-called autoimmune disease? Medication will suppress the symptoms but will not eliminate the ultimate problem. BodySwitch Heemskerk specializes in chronic syndromes and autoimmune diseases. We identify the triggering factors that lead to the syndrome as best we can in order to then treat it in a targeted manner. We do this in a healthy and natural way that focuses on restoring your body. Contact us to discuss the possibilities. Under the guidance of specialist Frank Jonkers, a personal plan of action is drawn up. With a complete personalized plan, (chronic) symptoms will diminish or disappear completely. This is possible through complete diagnostics and personalized treatment plan based on facts and evidence. So you too will make the Switch to a stronger and healthier body! See you in my practice in Heemskerk?
Want to know more? Feel free to call Frank Jonkers 0251 – 234 000
A very good health to you!
Frank Jonkers
