Identifying and treating the underlying cause of imbalance, which in this case was gluten sensitivity, contributed to improvements in blood pressure, weight and GI function and coincided with a measurable improvement in hearing.
In my practice, I cast a wide biochemical net with laboratory analysis and I use the IFM Matrix to “see inside” my patients to identify what they need to thrive. The Matrix is a systems medicine data sorting tool that is indispensable to my work (see: www.functionalmedicine.org for more information). The Matrix is an organized set of core clinical imbalances that are linked to the basic physiological processes. These serve to marry the mechanisms of disease with the manifestations and diagnoses of disease. Many common underlying pathways of disease are reflected in these clinical imbalances. The Matrix components include: Assimilation Imbalances, Biotransformation and Elimination Imbalances, Defense and Repair Imbalances, Energy Imbalances, Communication and Transport Imbalances, Structural Integrity Imbalances and Mind, Emotions and Spiritual Imbalances. As the greater medical community embraces individualized, systems-thinking, this model (or similar) will likely be widely adopted.
With Robert, I ordered a comprehensive battery of standard labs, including: chemistry screen, complete blood count, lipid, thyroid and iron panels; insulin, celiac serology and HLA genes, fibrinogen, homocysteine, hs-CRP, Lp(a) and testosterone. Nutrient testing included: amino acids, organic acids, lipid peroxides, essential and toxic elements, vitamin D, E, CoQ10, A, beta carotene, fatty acids, stool microbiota analysis with digestive markers; IgG4 food sensitivities. To identify key areas of imbalance and treatment direction, I placed the significant laboratory findings along with his clinical history and treatment into a table comprised of the key Matrix imbalances (Table 1).
Robert adhered to all of the treatment recommendations. His complaints largely resolved, as seen in his six month follow-up MSQ below. He was able to discontinue his medications. His blood pressure was on average around 110/70. He lost over 30 pounds and became an avid hiker. His success inspired those around him, including his wife and sons, who all moved towards a healthier lifestyle.
As part of the Matrix model, questions we can ask while we are sorting the data that allow us to drill down into and differentiate between the causes and effects of the disease are: what are the ANTECEDENTS, TRIGGERS and MEDIATORS of the disease process in this individual? Understanding the “ATMs” helps us to zero in on areas needing evaluation. When designing treatments, ask: what does our patient NEED TO GET RID OF; what does our patient need to GET?
This case is interesting in that hypertension, Robert’s chief complaint when he presented to me, really didn’t require direct intervention. Rather, an investigation of ATMs led to the identification of a possible pre-celiac malabsorptive condition that likely caused the subtle nutrient deficiencies that contributed to his high blood pressure. A positive finding of the celiac genes without celiac serology has been termed gluten sensitivity and is associated with IBS and non-specific lymphocytic infiltration of the gastrointestinal mucosa.1 Indeed, when Robert trialed a reintroduction of gluten, his GI symptoms returned and his blood pressure increased. Thus, we could say that the celiac HLADQ2 gene was an antecedent factor, as was his family history of heart disease and diabetes. A disease trigger and mediator in this case could be the ongoing consumption of gluten, which probably contributed to the malabsorptive state. He also noticed a clear correlation with sweets and blood pressure. Gluten intolerance-induced nutrient insufficiency and sugar ingestion have both been associated with hypertension.2 3
Interestingly, it was noted that Robert had lost ½ inch in height at his annual physical exam. A bone density test (DXA scan) revealed osteopenia, also likely associated with celiac-induced malabsorption.4
A final twist to this case is that Robert’s most recent hearing test revealed a mild, but significant improvement, a remarkable finding considering the duration and cause of the impairment. While it cannot be determined what contributed to the improvement specifically, a systems- rather than a symptom- approach to his treatment favors the occurrence of such an event.
For detailed, referenced cases using The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Matrix including extensive laboratory analysis and case discussion, see the updated Textbook for Functional Medicine (Chapter 37). Also see: Case Studies in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Fitzgerald and Bralley, published by Metametrix Institute, 2011
Verdu EF, Armstrong D, Murray JA. Between celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome: the “no man’s land” of gluten sensitivity. Am J Gastroenterol. Jun 2009;104(6):1587-1594.
Lim PO, Tzemos N, Farquharson CA, et al. Reversible hypertension following coeliac disease treatment: the role of moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia and vascular endothelial dysfunction. J Hum Hypertens. Jun 2002;16(6):411-415.
Brown IJ, Stamler J, Van Horn L, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverage, sugar intake of individuals, and their blood pressure: international study of macro/micronutrients and blood pressure. Hypertension. Apr 2011;57(4):695-701.
Capriles VD, Martini LA, Areas JA. Metabolic osteopathy in celiac disease: importance of a gluten-free diet. Nutr Rev. Oct 2009;67(10):599-606.