41-year-old man, who's experiencing bloating, fatigue, constipation, joint pain, and psoriasis on face and ears.
Relevant history
- Healthy childhood
- Began suffering back and hip pain at 19
- Being treated for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
- Not properly diagnosed with AS until seeing Jeff Grimm, NP, at age 40
- Treated with Enbrel by rheumatologist
Lifestyle overview
Sleep: Sleeps well, but pain can keep him awake.
Water: Drinks 30+ ounces of water per day and two energy drinks.
Brain: Feels foggy and struggles to focus at work.
Exercise: Runs 5 miles 4 times per week and trains for ½ marathons 2 times per year.
Oral: No major dental history. A few cavities as a child.
Digestion and bowel movements: Constantly fights constipation. Has 2-4 bowel movements per week.
Nutrition: Likes simple foods like steak and potatoes and cheese quesadillas. Does not exclude anything.
Plan
Complete GI-Map stool test to assess microbiome and food sensitivity test to identify immune system triggers
GI-Map findings:
- Elevated opportunistic bacteria
- Blastocystis Hominis parasite
- Low secretory IgA
Vibrant Food Sensitivity findings:
Sensitive to gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, flax, beans and cucumber
Treatment
- Treat parasite with Biocidin and Saccharomyces boulardii
- Broad spectrum probiotic
- PanPlex pancreatic enzymes (2 per meal at every meal)
- Colostrum to increase secretory IgA (2 times per day)
- Remove all food sensitivities
Outcome
- Bloating and constipation resolved in 2 weeks
- Weight loss of 15 pounds after 30 days
- Clear thinking, better energy, better sleep
- Pain resolved, and rheumatologist cut Enbrel dosage in half
- Psoriasis resolved on face and ears