The January meeting was hosted at the home of Dr. John Fanning, and our guest speaker was Dr. Joe Mather, a functional medicine physician. He is a board certified family practice physician. He graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine and Tulane University School of Public Health in 2011, and completed his family medicine residency in 2014. While completing his master’s degree, he traveled to Malaysia to conduct infectious disease research, which led to his interest in the role of intestinal infections and their impact on one’s health. His clinical experience includes working in a rural New Zealand clinic, being medical director of an Urgent Care clinic, and working as a concierge physician at the Center for Longevity and Wellness. Dr. Mather strives to deliver evidence-based, individualized, functional medicine to his patients in his practice in Metairie. He has specific interests in helping patients recover from complex chronic disease as well as helping patients to optimize their health and longevity.
Dr. Mather explained that research is revealing how important a healthy gut is to mental and cognitive health. Various strategies to improve gut health can have a major impact on improving cognitive symptoms. One important condition––intestinal permeability (commonly called “leaky gut”)––occurs when the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract become damaged, allowing bacteria, toxins, and various substances to activate the immune system. This activation can lead to various cognitive symptoms such as “brain fog,” difficulty focusing, and problems with memory. Dr. Mather focused on the tools and strategies that he finds helpful to improve the cognitive health of his patients.
A CCAPS member suggested those who wish to read more can consult The Microbiome Menagerie (or here).