Understanding Mucosal Tolerance: Lessons from a Nutritionist
BY: Andrea Nakayama
DATE: 2022-01-24
An afternoon with Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist, Dr. Michael Ash
Several years ago, when attending live seminars was still a regular occurrence, I spent the day in an air-conditioned basement-level hotel conference room in San Francisco. While being inside on a sunny Sunday isn’t at the top of my list of things to do – the opportunity for continued education and learning from one of my mentors made my time inside worthwhile. I’m thrilled to introduce you to the mentor who drew me to the city by the Bay and inside on that sunny Sunday, Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist, Dr. Michael Ash.
Dr. Ash is brilliant at articulating the important intersection of digestive and immune health (a favorite subject of mine!) His focus on nutrition, clinical know-how, and his commitment to building a bridge to the patient with a true ‘food as medicine’ approach to mucosal integrity is music to my ears.
More about Nutritionist, Dr. Michael Ash
After being in full-time clinical practice for 25 years, Dr. Ash now devotes his time to research, writing and the management of complex immune-mediated illnesses through the application of natural and pharmaceutical interventions.
He has also been an adjunct member of the Institute for Functional Medicine’s faculty for many years (that’s where I first met him). He specializes in the role of wet tissues (think GI and respiratory!) in human health and the use of food and lifestyle-based interventions aimed at strengthening these important barriers.
Be sure to go back to episode #52 of the 15-Minute Matrix, where Dr. Ash Maps Short-Chain Fatty Acids: Where would we be without them?!
Guest Health Interview: mucosal tolerance
Today, I’m sharing a short lesson on mucosal tolerance. This audio clip provides a sneak peek into one of our Guest Health interviews found in Full Body Systems.
In the audio clip, Dr. Ash shares:
Why healing the mucosal barriers is so important to human health
His favorite functional food for gut health (which might surprise you!)
One important lifestyle modification to help your clients improve their health right away
Dr. Ash is truly the master of mucosal integrity (the place where digestion and immunity converge.) So buckle your science seatbelt and let’s explore how you can help clients improve their mucosal tolerance (and explain why it matters!)
Read more from the Functional Nutrition Alliance
The Biggest Mistakes to Practicing Functionally
What’s Functional and What’s Not, Part 1
By: Andrea Nakayama, FxNA Founder & Functional Medicine Nutritionist
Functional Nutrition Alliance provides the comprehensive online Functional Nutrition training in the Science & Art of the Functional Nutrition practice. Learn to address the roots of your clients’ suffering with client education, diet & lifestyle modifications.