Gastrointestinal Health
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Chronic indigestion, lactose intolerance, years on acid-blocking medication, frequent sinus infections, and seasonal allergies can share a common root in the gut — starting with secretory IgA, the antibody that guards your intestinal surface.
The gut's first line of defense: secretory IgA
Do you suffer chronic indigestion, lactose intolerance, and the need to take medications such as Prilosec for years? Do you also suffer frequent sinus infections and seasonal allergies? One of the tests we offer is secretory IgA (sIgA).
sIgA acts to prevent luminal antigens, microorganisms, and other foreign proteins from penetrating the intestinal surface, and it neutralizes toxins and infectious organisms. Newer observations suggest that IgA also regulates the composition of the microbial environment of the gut and limits local inflammation induced by undesirable pathogens.
How stress and cortisol damage the gut
The typical gut problem often begins because of the over-production of cortisol, due to stress. Cortisol erodes the intestinal lining, which makes you more susceptible to food allergens, yeast, fungus, candida, and parasites.
Increased cortisol will also decrease your immune system by reducing the level of sIgA. This makes you more vulnerable to the same problems and causes gut irritation such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Low sIgA can be caused by a long history of excess cortisol levels, which not only results in adrenal fatigue but may also cause problems with digestion and immunity.
Restoring gut health
The first step to improve your gut health is to restore a healthy balance between cortisol and DHEA, reduce stress, and exercise regularly. At your visit, Dr. Smolenski can test your GI system for toxins, chronic infections, and food allergies. That testing gives valuable information and helps direct future treatment plans.
About the author
Allen Smolenski, M.D.
Emergency Medicine physician and founder of Coastal Medical Clinic in Surfside Beach (2009). After losing nearly 60 pounds himself — and placing third in his class at the 2008 NPC Natural Northern USA Bodybuilding Contest — he completed a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine through the A4M, and now helps patients across the Grand Strand optimize their hormones, metabolism, and long-term health.
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