Mission Wellness Clinic Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-BC P: 915-412-6677
Categories: Leaky Gut

“Leaky Gut” – What Does It Really Mean?

Leaky gut is becoming more prevalent as practitioners are understanding the severity of this health condition. Leaky gut has more research revolving around it as well as the multiple health conditions it is linked to. In years past, headaches and joint pain would not be associated with a microscopic occurrence. However, we are finding that leaky gut syndrome affects many individuals today. 

What Is Leaky Gut?

Hyper permeability, more commonly known as leaky gut syndrome is a common problem where there is inflammation in the pore-lining of the gut. The inflammation causes the tight junctions to open more than usual allowing toxins to leak in and out of the GI tract. This aggravates other body systems and in turn, results in systemic body inflammation. Health conditions that have been associated with leaky gut include but are not limited to: 

  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Brain Fog
  • Food Allergies/ Intolerances
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Irritable Bowel Disease
  • Joint Problems
  • Eczema
  • Compromised Liver Function
  • And more

The lining of the intestinal wall has two major functions: the absorption of nutrients from foods inside the digestive tract, and provide a barrier function to control the microbes and large food particles from going beyond the gut environment. When the tight junctions become inflamed and more porous, the structures open and toxins spill over into the bloodstream, setting antibodies in the immune system into action. This event is what causes the multiple health conditions mentioned above.   

Testing For Leaky Gut?

Testing for leaky gut provides practitioners with information regarding what is causing your leaky gut. One lab test that can be performed is to test for food allergies and intolerances. This process is more effective than the elimination diet as many food intolerances show symptoms as late as 72 hours after ingestion. 

By eliminating these inflammatory triggers caused by diet, a patient’s gut will begin to repair. Testing for leaky gut should be performed to identify the extent of damage to the mucosal barrier. In a healthy gut, we will see the tight junctions contracting to allow the proper nutrients to be released without allowing pathogens in. In a gut with too much permeability, we will see nutrients being inappropriately released into the gut, resulting in malabsorption and other complications. 

Leaky Gut Resolution

There are six steps we take to repair the gut, oftentimes referred to as the 6 R’s. 

  1. Remove the mucosal irritants. This step is crucial. Removing the inflammatory foods will progress healing.
  2. Reduce refined sugars, carbohydrates, and bad saturated fats.
  3. Restore proper transit time. This is performed by increasing the level of insoluble fiber.
  4. Replace agents for digestive support
  5. Reinncoculation with friendly bacteria such as probiotics.
  6. Repair the mucosal lining. Depending on the individual, all-natural supplements like L-Glutamine are used.

 

Lab testing combined with the 6 R’s will tremendously slow the progression of disease and effectively “heal and seal” the gut. 

 

Practitioners realizing that leaky gut syndrome is interconnected to many other chronic health conditions has already begun to change the dynamics of healthcare. This is an issue that can be tested for and corrected, thus aiding medical professionals to catch diseases early and slow the progression of the disease. This is a huge medical breakthrough for those with autoimmune diseases everywhere. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach  

 

References: 

University, Functional Medicine and Ronald Grisanti, directors. Advanced FDM Testing — Interpretation and Treatment of the Intestinal Permeability Test. Functional Medicine University – The Leader in Online Training in Functional Diagnostic Medicine, 2010, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/445.cfm.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  

Post Disclaimer

General Disclaimer, Licenses and Board Certifications *

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on ""Leaky Gut" - What Does It Really Mean?" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & Wellness Blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a Multi-State board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our multidisciplinary team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those on this site and on our family practice-based chiromed.com site, focusing on naturally restoring health for patients of all ages.

Our areas of multidisciplinary practice include  Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is multidisciplinary, focusing on musculoskeletal and physical medicine; wellness; contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations; associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics; subluxation complexes; sensitive health issues; and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist follows their professional scope of practice and licensure jurisdiction. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for musculoskeletal injuries or disorders.

Our videos, posts, topics, and insights address clinical matters and issues that directly or indirectly relate to our clinical scope of practice.

Our office has made a reasonable effort to provide supportive citations and has identified relevant research studies that support our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies upon request to regulatory boards and the public.

For further discussion on how this information relates to specific care plans or treatment protocols, please ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

Email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Multidisciplinary Licensing & Board Certifications:

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in
Texas & New Mexico*

Chiropractic Licenses:
Texas DC License #: TX5807, Verified: TX5807
New Mexico DC License #: NM-DC2182, Verified: NM-DC2182

Nurse Practitioner Licenses:
Texas APRN License #: 1191402, Verified: 1191402 *
New Mexico CNP License #: 90560, Verified 90560
Florida APRN License #: 11043890, Verified: APRN11043890 *
Colorado License #: C-APN.0105610-C-NP, Verified: C-APN.0105610-C-NP
New York License #: N25929, Verified N25929
Georgia APRN License #: GAA-NP005701

Multi-State Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN*) Texas & Multi-States 
Multi-state Compact APRN License by Endorsement (43 States)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 43 States*
Nursing Licensure Compact: Updated Here

DEA Registration: (Drug Enforcement Agency Registered) 
All medical (MDs) and family practice providers (FNP-APRN) are registered and licensed to offer various levels of medication.
Verify Providers Here

License Verification Link: Nursys License Verifier
* Prescriptive Authority Authorized (DEA Registered Providers). Call if Required

Board Certification:

ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*

Education:
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Master's in Family Practice, MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)


Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
DC & FNP License (Review Above)
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)
(Licensed Medical Doctor)
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

 

Licenses and Board Certifications:

MD: Medical Doctor
DC: Doctor of Chiropractic
APRNP: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse 
FNP-BC: Family Practice Specialization (Multi-State Board Certified)
FNP-BC: Family Practice Across Life Span (Neonatal to Geriatrics)
RN: Registered Nurse (Multi-State Compact License)
CFMP: Certified Functional Medicine Provider
MSN-FNP: Master of Science in Family Practice Medicine
MSACP: Master of Science in Advanced Clinical Practice
IFMCP: Institute of Functional Medicine
CCST: Certified Chiropractic Spinal Trauma
ATN: Advanced Translational Neutrogenomics

 

Family with Primary Care Focus (Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP)

  • The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) promotes, maintains, and restores health for individuals and families across the lifespan. FNPs also identify health risks, promote wellness, and diagnose and manage acute and chronic illness.
  • The FNP focuses on comprehensive primary care, promoting healthy lifestyles for patients across the lifespan in settings such as private practice, physician offices, and community health centers.

 

Memberships & Associations:

TCA: Texas Chiropractic Association: Member ID: 104311
TNA: Texas Nurse Association: Member ID: 06458222
TNP: Texas Nurse Practitioner Association ID: 2025091511
AANP: American Association of Nurse Practitioners: Member ID: 2198960
ANA: American Nurses Association: Member ID: 06458222 (District TX01)

 

Primary Taxonomy Selected Taxonomy State License Number
No 111N00000X - Chiropractor NM DC2182
Yes 111N00000X - Chiropractor TX DC5807
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family TX 1191402
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family FL 11043890
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family CO C-APN.0105610-C-NP
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NY N25929
Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family NM

90560

Yes 363LF0000X - Nurse Practitioner - Family GA GAA-NP005701

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
(Board Certified: Family Practice Nurse Practitioner—Multistate)*
(Primary Care Across Lifespan—Neonatal / Pediatric / Adult / Geriatrics)
(Licensed Nurse Practitioner & Chiropractor - Multistate)*
Clinical Director
Digital Business Card
NPI: 1205907805

 

Dr. Maria Cardenas, MD
(Board Certified: Internal Medicine)*
(Licensed Medical Doctor)*
Medical Director, Clinical Director & Collaborative Physician
NPI # 1164426748
MD License #: J2933

📆 Schedule Appointment: Schedule 24/7 (Click Here)

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