Dr. Weyrich
Naturopathic Medical Doctor
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Dr. Weyrich treats disorders associated with the digestive tract - from GERD down to hemorrhoids - using naturopathic and functional medical approaches.
There is a growing body of evidence that disorders as varied as autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, inflammatory bowel, and other chronic and degenerative diseases share common features of gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and environmental toxicity. As such, these disorders all respond to variations on the same functional medicine diagnostic work-up and naturopathic treatment protocols.
Dr. Weyrich earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Tennessee and graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. He is licensed to practice as a Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) in Arizona.
Call to make an appointment to find out how Dr. Weyrich can help you.
Dr. Weyrich's Diary for September 22, 2008
Recently I was at a continuing medical education diner seminar. I happened to sit at the same table as a Pediatrician, who immediately upon learning that I was a Naturopathic Medical Doctor proceeded to tell me how I was doing irreparable harm to children by telling their parents not to vaccinate. She didn't ask me what I actually tell parents. Eventually the conversation turned to the subject of treating Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism.I explained that controlling gut dysbiosis was critical to treating these disorders. She then expressed disbelief that gut flora could possibly affect mental activity. The educational program started and I never had a chance to explain, but this conversation has bothered me ever since.
Just to set the record straight for this nameless doctor as well as anyone else with similar questions, consider the following:
- The bacteria Clostridium tetni is known to produce a potent neurotoxin that causes rigid paralysis.
- The bacteria Clostridium botulinum is known to produce a potent neurotoxin that causes flaccid paralysis.
- Many poorly characterized species of Clostridium are known to contribute to dysbiosis, so it is reasonable to consider the possibility that some of these bacteria might produce neurotoxins capable of producing the symptoms of autism or ADD.
- Antibiotic treatments that tend to promote overgrowth of Clostridium spp. are often observed to worsen the symptoms of autism and ADD, while antibiotic treatments that tend to kill Clostridium spp. are often observed to improve these same symptoms.
- Similar considerations apply to yeasts and fungi.
While it may be argued that these observations have not been verified with a p=0.05 confidence level in a placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial, it must be considered reasonable to treat both clostridial and fungal dysbiosis when evidence is presented that they are occurring. Simple urine tests such as the Organic Acid Test exist that can reveal metabolites of these dysbiotic organisms and provide the evidence needed.
Copyright © 2007-9 Dr. Weyrich. The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. If you have a health concern or medical condition, consult a licensed healthcare provider. Dr. Weyrich is licensed by the State of Arizona to practice medicine (license number 07-1008).