Our gut has more influence on our overall health and well-being than you might think. Sometimes referred to as the “second brain”, the gut is responsible for many symptoms in the body; energy levels, mood, cognitive function and endurance are all impacted by the health of our gastrointestinal tract.
You don’t have to tell this to those suffering with chronic gut issues such as: IBS, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and any other conditions causing digestive upset. Those with debilitating chronic digestive issues know all too well how these conditions can affect overall quality of life. An unhealthy gut can be both painful and embarrassing for many and cause disruptions in life such as missed work days and time spent with family and friends. Some people may experience unexplained and/or undiagnosed GI issues which only adds to the frustration.
Some common signs of an unhealthy gut:
- Bloating and Gas
- Constipation and/or Diarrhea
- Mood Changes
- Brain Fog
- Food Intolerances
- Skin Irritations and Sensitivity
- Chronic Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Sleep Difficulties
And the list goes on!
So, what could be the source of this continuous health distress? A disrupted microbiome may be the cause of many persistent gut problems according to present day research.
What is Gut Microbiome?
It’s a very complex ecosystem!
Microbiome consists of an abundance of microbes from thousands of different species of bacteria,fungi,parasites and viruses in a particular environment. These microbes are also known as microbiota. Microbiome, and its countless microbiota, vary radically in different areas of the body. For example, the skin has a very different microbiome from the gut.
Healthy gut microbiota plays a major key in digestion and overall health, but it is also paramount in defending against infections. When this intricate ecosystem is off balance or weakened, the body is more vulnerable to dysfunction and disease. This can be due to either an overgrowth of bad (pathogenic) bacteria or not enough good (symbiotic) bacteria.
What are the causes of unhealthy gut microbiota?
Although an unhealthy diet is the biggest culprit in an unbalanced gut; harmful bacteria thrive on a diet of sugars and processed food. However, many other factors such as food intolerances or poor lifestyle choices, can cause disharmony in the gut microbiome. Also wreaking havoc on the gastrointestinal system are medications, such as antibiotics, and environmental factors such as pollutants and toxins.
Sometimes healing chronic gut issues is not as easy as simply changing your diet or taking probiotics. In many chronic conditions, pathogens and other infections are resistant to traditional therapies which makes them even harder to treat!
Luckily! There has been much success in the application of Ozone Therapy to help heal chronic gut issues.
What is Medical Ozone?
Ozone therapy is not new to the medical world. It is an incredibly beneficial biohacking tool with a unique structure that has been used medically for over 35 years. Due to its antibacterial effects, it was first used to treat wounds on soldiers battling in World War I; and in the 1940s the first ozone treatment on gastrointestinal disorder was administered rectally to treat Colitis.
Containing 3 oxygen atoms instead of 2, Ozone, is a super oxygen and considered the medicine of the future! The positive effects of medical ozone can be attributed to increased oxygen delivery, immune activation, enhanced blood circulation and high antioxidant activity.
Oxygenation
Decreased oxygen utilization has been linked to chronic illness and inflammation.By warding off harmful bacteria, ozone decreases inflammation in the body which is commonly seen in those with gastrointestinal conditions.
Vital to all aspects of life, oxygen is increased in the body with the introduction of ozone. In addition, ozone therapy also increases our bodies capability of properly utilizing oxygen.
Immune Activation
Ozone contains properties which help to regulate the immune system and aides in the creation of cellular energy. Ozone has both anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities which are key factors in warding off pathogens which cause disease in the gut and the rest of the body.
Blood Circulation
In those with poor digestive health, nutrients are poorly absorbed. Medical ozone allows more nutrients to reach body tissues by increasing circulation and blood flow.
Increased Antioxidant Activity
Oxidative stress is a major cause of chronic illness and aging in the body. An individual who suffers from chronic illness tends to have more free radical damage. The antioxidant qualities of medical ozone help to protect the gut from oxidative stress and can even help to reverse already existing cell damage.
Ozone Therapy and Gut Health at OWM Integrative Wellness
The common application of Ozone to treat the gut is called Rectal Insufflation. When applied into the colon using a rectal catheter, Ozone is highly beneficial to the health of your intestines. The circulation of ozone in the body promotes healthy gut bacteria by defending against pathogens, fungi, yeast, and free radicals. Your colon rapidly and easily absorbs the ozone therapy with minimal discomfort. After moving through the colon, the ozone is absorbed into the bloodstream .
Ozone Rectal Insufflation is a well tolerated treatment with virtually no side effects or down time. Treatments are quick and the procedure itself can be done in less than 15 minutes. The frequency of the treatment will depend on each individual patient and also the condition to be treated.
At OWM Integrative Wellness we treat the cause of the disease and not just the symptoms; we treat the patient and not just the disease. To treat chronic gut issues, Ozone insufflation is just one of the many therapies that we offer. Some other therapies that we utilize for treatment of chronic gut conditions include:
- Intravenous Ozone Therapy
- Intravenous Infusion Nutritional Therapy
- Vitamin Supplementation
- Detox and Elimination
- Allergy Testing
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
Have you been suffering with hard to treat gut issues? Is your quality of life reduced due to your condition? You deserve better! The OWM team is here for you and highly experienced in the treatment of a number of GI conditions and disorders. Call us today to learn how integrative medicine can help you to heal your gut and improve your overall health and wellbeing.