Continuing on our theme of gut infections and building on pathogens and H. Pylori, we have Part 2 of our series here.
Moving through the digestive system into the Large Intestine, this is where you find the majority of bacteria, viruses, parasites, opportunistic infections, fungi and yeast overgrowth.
Some of the most common opportunistic infections we find are:
- -Enterococcus (often from ingestion of dairy)
- -Upper Respiratory Infections (URI’s) seeping into the gut from the naso/oropharynx (due to low HCL in stomach) in the form of Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Provatella, Morganella, Proteus
- -Overgrowth of Yeast/Fungi like Candida, Geotrichum, Microsporidium
Parasites and worms are a big deal. These are probably the most surprising to patients when we find them during at-home stool testing. Parasites historically produce abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas/bloating, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain or tenderness. However, the most consistent clinical symptoms we see when patients have parasites are “gut symptoms that randomly show up for no rhyme or reason and are chronic”. Eradicating parasites in our patients has been an absolute game changer for their gastrointestinal and neurological health. What we’ve found is that once we eradicate these parasites and worms from the body, the patients symptoms often improve approximately 80% or more. We’ve found that chronic migraines, chronic digestion issues like ulcerative colitis, IBS, anxiety, depression, eczema, autoimmune diseases, celiac disease, colitis, poor focus and attention have all been associated with parasitic infections and once removed effectively, have shown amazing improvement in their symptomatology.
In addition, the testing we perform evaluates overall intestinal health. It tells us if you’re inflamed, have issues with liver conjugation removing toxins, have issues breaking down fatty foods, if you’re promoting proper food breakdown, and the status of your immune system with Secretory IgA.
Pathogens in the gut stimulate the immune system, and this causes inflammatory cytokines and “inflammation” to increase. High levels of inflammation breakdown nerve connectivity, cause nerves to fire faster, slower and ultimately weaken nerve connectivity. These nerves are associated with networks that produce functions of our daily life. When these areas of the brain become weak because of inflammation from the gut, you develop symptoms, and those symptoms are based on the system that has been affected (Example: frontal/prefrontal weakness produces anxiety/depression/focus/attention and emotional problems. Brainstem weakness produces migraines, vision issues, sleep issues, energy issues, and further gut issues). Removing pathogens and healing the gut can be a GAME CHANGER for you.
In our office we perform a comprehensive health history to determine any further testing that is needed and where in the brain or body your problems may be. We also perform a comprehensive neurological evaluation including motor and sensory testing, vestibular and oculomotor evaluation with Video Recording Devices. We also perform computerized dynamic posturography to determine how well your brain perceives balance and how well your proprioceptive system functions.
We begin all neurological patients with accelerated neuro rehabilitation programs and have 2 programs available. The intensive program for individuals typically from out of town or looking to accelerate their recovery (12 visits in 1 week), as well as the traditional program for individuals who are in-town (12 visits in 1 month).
We provide nutritional programs based on lab testing that run 4-6 months in length with a certain number of contact points throughout the program. (Lab testing cost is additional to cost of program)
If you would like to be evaluated or are interested in working with us to help you improve your quality of life, please contact our office and indicate which program you’re interested in (intensive, less intensive, nutritional).
Arizona Chiropractic Neurology Center
480-756-2600
Dr. Russell Teames, DC, DACNB & Dr. Trevor Berry, DC, DACNB
Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologists
International Educators of Functional Medicine and Functional Neurology
