Dysfunction describes a problem that disrupts the functioning of an internal system or a body part. It can also refer to a disorder that affects the normal operations of one’s body. This can happen due to many different reasons including illness, injury, genetics, and even environmental factors.
Dysfunction can cause asthma, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and developmental disorders. By understanding a patient’s dysfunctions and illnesses, we can work together to alleviate the root cause and get rid of the pain, discomfort, or sickness altogether.
There are 4 main areas to focus on, which are: gut health, oxidative stress, inflammation, and methylation.
Gut health describes issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, acid reflux, and other symptoms that emerge from the gut area. Typically, people purchase medicines to relieve these specific symptoms but they don’t alleviate the root cause of their gut problems.
Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there’s an imbalance between oxygen-containing molecules known as free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are able to react with other molecules in a process known as oxidation, which can either benefit or harm you.
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism the body activates to protect the body against foreign substances or injuries and repair any damages. This is done by inserting more white blood cells into your blood and your tissues.
Lastly, methylation is a chemical process that is important to regulate the development and function of the body. This process is responsible for functions such as neurotransmitter production, hormone regulation, DNA production, and detoxification.
In order to build and maintain healthier lifestyles for our children and ourselves, we need to focus on the 3 Rs: Removing, Replacing, and Restoring, which is directly tied in with nutrition. Nutrition is extremely important and affects every aspect of your body functions, which is why we, as parents have to establish a balanced diet for our children from a young age.
If you would like to read more about the 3 Rs, click here.
The first R stands for removing meaning removing or discovering any allergens or intolerances from your diet, medications, etc. that could potentially cause inflammation in the gut. Some common irritants that can cause symptoms are soy, dairy, gluten, sugar, and GMOs. Recently, many food establishments have become more courteous to tailor to customers. Other people can also get irritated by coffee or alcohol.
The second R signifies replacing aka replacing the nutrients or vitamins you cut out. By changing your diet, you might lose certain nutrients which is why it’s important to always have a balanced diet of carbohydrates, protein and fat. This can also be done by taking certain supplements depending on your body’s needs.
Lastly, the third R means restoring. This step can be done by consuming probiotics and prebiotics, which both work to insert good bacteria back into your body. Probiotics are live microbes that can be ingested through certain drinks, foods, and supplements, such as yogurt, pickles, miso. On the other hand, prebiotics are fibers that help regulate your GI tract and can be found in garlic, whole grains, apples, and lentils.
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