From GERD to the Gut Microbiome: A Functional Medicine Approach for Chiropractors

Course overview

Identify the roles of H2 and H4 histamine receptors and explain how mast cell tryptase amplifies degranulation through PAR-alpha activation. Describe how long-term PPI use induces ECL cell hyperplasia and hypergastrinemia and explain the clinical significance of H. pylori eradication. Evaluate the evidence linking PPI therapy to adverse events and recognize H. pylori comorbidities such as iron deficiency and elevated CRP. Demonstrate a manual hiatal hernia adjustment technique that repositions the fundus and counsel patients on posture to reduce reflux. Recognize the limitations of serum B12 testing and apply appropriate sublingual B12 forms for neurological and cognitive symptoms. Differentiate SIBO and SIFO presentations and compare duodenal aspirate culture with hydrogen breath testing for diagnostic accuracy. Apply low-FODMAP dietary strategies with timed reintroduction and select botanicals such as mastic, aloe, curcumin, and boswellia for IBD. Explain how Western and high-fat diets induce enteric neuropathy through dysbiosis, LPS, and caspase-3-mediated motor neuron apoptosis. Analyze TLR4 signaling via MyD88 and TRIF/TRAM pathways and describe how accumulated metabolites drive sterile inflammation through inflammasomes. Describe how leukotriene B4-BLT1 signaling promotes insulin resistance and explain Resolvin E1's role as a partial BLT1 agonist. Identify natural TLR4 antagonists including curcumin, sulforaphane, and resveratrol and explain how SCFAs support B-cell antibody responses. Explain the gut-lung axis mechanisms by which dietary fiber, SCFAs, and early antibiotic exposure influence asthma risk. Compare prebiotic, probiotic, synbiotic, and helminth-based interventions for modulating airway inflammation and T-regulatory responses. Identify dietary sources of SCFA-producing fibers and analyze how pollution and climate factors contribute to rising allergy prevalence. Describe the role of mugwort pollen-associated lipopolysaccharide in allergic sensitization and evaluate vitamin D supplementation for asthma prevention. Evaluate allergen desensitization injections against sublingual and homeopathic options and apply environmental controls to reduce allergen exposure.