What is the 5-R Protocol? Before we get into the 5Rs and what they do let’s talk about the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Did you know that 70-80% of our immune system is in our gut? A properly functioning digestive system is critical to good health. Research is clear that the primary place inflammation occurs is in the gut. Gut inflammation can lead to both gut dysfunction and systemic inflammation — this may lead to fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, weight gain/loss, headaches, sinus issues, as well as serious medical conditions such as autoimmune disease (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s, MS, Hashimoto’s, etc.), brain inflammation, allergies, asthma, autism, ADHD, and chronic skin conditions.
You have heard it said, “you are what you eat.” In Functional Nutrition, we take it a step further in our belief that “you are what you eat, and then absorb, and then what you do or do not detoxify.” The GI tract performs many functions key to your overall health and well-being.
Digestion – This is the process whereby our food is broken down into smaller portions that are more easily absorbed by the intestines.
Absorption – This is the process whereby the digested food is taken up by the intestine and delivered to the body for utilization as energy, nutrition, and other cellular functions.
Exclusion – This refers to the barrier function performed by the GI tract as it appropriately excludes substances from entering the body.
Detoxification – This is the complex process involving the liver and GI tract whereby toxins are metabolized for elimination from the body. Toxins include such things as medications we take that must be metabolized; the pesticides, preservatives, dyes, and flavor-enhancers we ingest knowingly in our food; and the over 4 million chemicals present in our environment not intended for use in our bodies.
Elimination – After digestion has occurred and the metabolic phase of detoxification is complete, the GI tract must then eliminate the digestive and metabolic wastes of these processes. Some refer to this as excretion.
Functional Nutrition views the body as a whole and seeks to uncover root-cause solutions. We utilize a system to restore digestive and whole-body health. That’s where the acronym of the 5 Rs comes in. They are remove, replace, repair, reinoculate, and rebalance. When applied to various chronic problems, the 5-R program can cause a dramatic improvement in symptoms, and often a complete resolution of the health issue.
Here is a brief description of each of the 5 Rs of gut healing.
Remove - Remove stressors. Get rid of things that negatively affect the environment of the GI tract including allergenic foods, parasites, or other bad bugs such as bacteria or yeast. This might involve using an allergy “elimination diet” to find out what foods are causing GI symptoms, or it may involve taking drugs or herbs to eradicate a particular bug. Stressors may also be emotional, related to environment, trauma, or interpersonal stress and that is why a collaborative approach is encouraged.
Replace - Replace digestive secretions by adding back things like digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and bile acids that are required for proper digestion. These may be compromised by diet, drugs, diseases, aging, or other factors.
Reinoculate - Help beneficial bacteria flourish by taking in probiotic foods or supplements and by consuming the high soluble fiber foods that good bugs like to eat, called “prebiotics.” Foods rich in prebiotics can be helpful or harmful to the gut, depending on your stage of gut healing.
Repair - Help the lining of the GI tract repair itself by supplying key nutrients often in short supply in a disease state, such as zinc, antioxidants (e.g., vitamins A, C, and E), fish oil, and the amino acid glutamine.
Rebalance - Pay attention to lifestyle choices. Sleep, the way you approach and eat food, your emotions, exercise, and stress can all affect the GI tract. Also, activating your vagus nerve for digestive and optimal health is key!
It is the deep association between GI function and ill health that the 5-R Program is intended to address. Some people may not present with gastrointestinal symptoms, but an imbalance in the gut and chronic inflammation are very often at the root of most health conditions. It usually takes on average around 3-6 months depending on the severity and complexity of the case. Treatment involves a very systematic approach to ensure that all aspects are covered.
If you’re suffering from digestive issues and have yet to find answers, we are here to help. Taking into account your health history and goals, we will work together to create a nutrition plan that meets your needs. If this is something that interests you, please contact us by booking a consultation with a coach.
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