NUTRITION

For patients with more complex health problems, we utilize a comprehensive approach called Functional Medicine. Functional Medicine is an integrative science-based health care approach that uses both conventional and alternative medical principles to treat illness and promote wellness. In addition, this unique patient-centered approach blends both molecular medicine and modern nutritional biochemistry to restore physiological, psychological, and structural balance. Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the prime innovator of the functional medicine paradigm, has found a way to blend the best of conventional, naturopathic, and Eastern medicine.

The therapeutic principles of Hoffman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic's Functional Medicine Program include:
      o A focus on wellness and holism
      o An individualized approach for each patient
      o Identifying and treating environmental stressors
      o Obtaining the integration of all the organ systems

Our overall health is determined by certain processes that must be in balance; otherwise, we may enter into a state of disease. These processes include:
      o Structural Function
      o Nutritional balance
      o Gastrointestinal balance
      o Hormonal balance
      o Control of inflammation
      o Promotion of emotional health
      o Detoxification
      o Prevention of oxidative damage

Just as Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that the flow of energy is equal to a state of balance and health, Functional Medicine recognizes that impaired flow of any of the above systems can lead to congestion, which leads to inflammation and disease. As flow improves, function and health also improve.

At Hoffman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic we recognize that the body has its own natural healing powers and we strive to stimulate the body's own healing response. Functional Medicine has evolved in response to the toxic environment in which we live.

Did you know that in 1989 alone, almost 6 billion pounds of chemical pollutants were emptied into the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink and bathe in? This, combined with the fact that our food has been refined and the natural nutrients have been replaced with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavorings, creates an environment not conducive for health. In addition to these harmful external toxins, we pollute our bodies internally with the inappropriate use of antacids, anti-inflammatories, hormones, and antibiotics. These medications can deplete the good bacteria in our gastrointestinal tract and allow unhealthy bacteria and fungus to grow unchecked.

Exposure and ingestion of toxic elements, poor nutrition and digestion, infection, aging, and chronic stress can lead to problems in our gastrointestinal balance. This toxic load can lead to abnormal intestinal permeability or "the leaky gut syndrome." In the leaky gut syndrome, the intestinal barrier breaks down and permits foreign food products to leak into the bloodstream and lymph system. These are recognized as toxins by the liver, which is the major detoxification organ in the body. When there is a major increase in the toxic load that your liver must deal with, your body mounts immune and inflammatory responses.

Common symptoms that result from the "leaky gut syndrome" or impaired detoxification include:
      o Fatigue and weakness
      o Joint pain or muscle aches
      o Fever of unknown origin
      o Food intolerances and allergies
      o Abdominal pain, bloating, or gas
      o Diarrhea or constipation
      o Skin rashes
      o Post-adolescent acne
      o Memory deficits
      o Shortness of breath
      o Poor exercise tolerance
      o Headaches
      o Depression

Diseases associated with abnormal intestinal permeability and detoxification include:
      o Inflammatory bowel disease- Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis
      o Rheumatoid arthritis
      o Acne
      o Eczema
      o Psoriasis
      o Liver disease
      o Irritable bowel syndrome
      o Chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome
      o Asthma
      o Autism
      o Childhood hyperactivity (ADHD)
      o Fibromyalgia
      o Multiple food and chemical sensitivities
      o Gallbladder disease
      o Lupus
      o Chronic auto-immune disorders

Hoffman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic uses a comprehensive functional medicine approach to restore optimal performance to your liver and intestinal functions through nutritional support and lifestyle changes. A six-week step approach to metabolic detoxification consists of a hypoallergenic diet plus medical food designed specifically for your health concerns. The nutrients in the medical food support the organs involved in detoxification- the liver, kidneys, and intestinal tract.

In addition, we evaluate the gastrointestinal tract for signs of "leaky gut" as this not only influences the toxic load on the liver, but can manifest as food allergies and sensitivities resulting in the above-mentioned diseases- asthma, arthritis, etc. We can analyze intestinal permeability using specific challenge tests while comprehensive digestive stool analysis is helpful for maldigestion.

The four clinical steps involved in restoring gastrointestinal health are to remove, replace, re-inoculate, and repair.

"Remove" focuses on eliminating harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites, allergens, and toxins from the intestines. While certain herbs or medicines may be required to eliminate infectious agents, we use a hypoallergenic diet and medical food supplement while clearing the body of allergens through ASERT (Allergy Sensitivity Elimination Technique).

"Replace" includes replenishing digestive enzymes and factors found to be insufficient for proper intestinal functioning. Enzyme therapy is tailored to your digestive needs based on abdominal palpation and signs and symptoms you are currently experiencing.

"Re-inoculate" reintroduces friendly bacteria into the gut and intestines to assist in digestion. Probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus are combined with UltraClear medical foods to obtain the best functional bacterial balance.

The last step is to "repair." Nutritional supplements such as Vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, manganese, amino acids and carbohydrates may be needed to nutritionally support the cells lining the intestines.

This functional medicine approach combines knowledge from naturopathic, chiropractic, Western and Eastern medical practices to treat each patient based on his or her own individual disorders. At Hoffman Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Clinic, we do this by finding and treating the underlying cause, removing chemical and food sensitivities, helping the body to detoxify and restoring the normal barrier function of the intestines. Our goal is to help each patient regain optimal health.

We review our patient's basic nutrition through initial Health Appraisal Questionaires, history and a nutritional examination. We utilize multiple blood panels to help us appraise our patient's health status in regard to function of their thyroid, adrenals, liver, kidneys, heart as well as other bodily functions.