Refresh Your Soul

What Came First: Digestive Issues or Eating Disorders? When it comes to eating disorders and digestive issues, it is often unclear which one came first. Some individuals with digestive issues may develop an eating disorder as a coping mechanism, while others with eating disorders may experience digestive symptoms as a result of their disorder. This has led to a debated topic among scientists, clinicians, and individuals alike. Today, we will explore this topic and see if it is the chicken or the egg: Do GI issues cause eating disorders, or does the eating disorder cause GI issues? The biopsychosocial model, developed by Dr. Douglas Drossman, suggests that both physical and psychological factors can contribute to the development of functional GI disorders and eating disorders. According to Dr. Drossman, negative emotions such as anxiety and stress can contribute to digestive symptoms, which can then lead to the development of an eating disorder. Alternatively, restricting food intake or...

    The Integrative Approach: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Integrative Labs As healthcare becomes more complex, many people are looking for more comprehensive and personalized approaches to wellness. This shift has led to a rise in integrative medicine, which takes a holistic view of health and wellness and treats the whole person, not just their symptoms. Integrative labs are a critical component of this approach, providing a wide range of tests and assessments that help healthcare practitioners understand the complexities of a patient's health. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between general labs and integrative labs, the pros and cons of each, and why integrative labs can be so helpful. General Labs vs. Integrative Labs General labs are the most widely used labs in healthcare because they are faster and more affordable than integrative labs. They are designed to provide specific tests, such as blood tests, which are needed to diagnose and monitor vari...

    The Integrative Approach to Gut Permeability: Unlocking the Cause of Your Digestive Issues When was the last time you felt truly healthy and energized? If you're dealing with digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or acid reflux, chances are good that you haven't felt 100% in quite some time. While there are many potential causes of digestive issues, one that is often overlooked is gut permeability. In this blog post, we'll explore what gut permeability is, how it can cause problems in your digestive system, and the integrative approach to treating this issue. With this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to take control of your health and unlock the root cause of your digestive woes. 1. What is gut permeability?  Gut permeability refers to the ability of substances to pass through the intestinal lining and into the bloodstream. A healthy gut lining acts as a barrier, preventing potentially harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and causing inflamm...