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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

What is EDS?

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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue syndrome, with varied inherited patterns. There are currently 13 types of EDS.

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All types are thought to have the common features of joint hypermobility (stretches beyond normal range) and tissue fragility. A gene mutation causes the body's connective tissue, usually in the form of collagen, to be fragile and stretchy. 

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Connective tissue with collagen is found throughout the body, it connects, supports, binds and also separates our organs and tissues. When the collagen is stretchy and fragile often the organs and tissues do not perform the same way as those without EDS, resulting in dysfunction throughout the body.  

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What are some of the symptoms?

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Depending on the type of EDS some signs and symptoms include:

  • Stretchy lax skin (often only seen when pulling)

  • Joint dislocations, subluxations and hernias

  • Joint stiffness and arthritic conditions

  • Easy bruising

  • Poor wound healing and scarring

  • Chronic local or systemic pain

  • Fluctuations of the nervous system termed Dysautonomia

  • Anxiety, depression and other psychsocial impairment

  • Affects to heart and blood vessels 

  • Functional and structural digestive disorders - Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis, gastritis

  • Dental crowding, gingivitis and gum recession

  • Menstrual irregularities and pelvic pain

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There is unfortunately no cure, however many individuals are able to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.

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What aside from genetics can contribute to EDS?

Identifying triggers and non-genetic causes can assist in the management of EDS. These can include

  • Food allergies or food intolerances

  • Inadequate nutrition and hydration and nutritional malabsorption 

  • Low work/life balance 

  • Low quality sleep or insomnia

  • Environmental factors and low or inappropriate exercise/movement or chronic injuries

  • Persistent and frequent viruses or infections 

  • Medical, psychological or physical trauma  

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How can I assist you with Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine and Nutrition in managing your EDS? 

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A well balanced nutrition program, western herbal medicine and/or nutritional supplementation can assist with:

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  • Assisting with identifying the non-genetic causes and triggers, which are contributing to the condition 

  • Systemic and local pain management

  • Inflammation reduction to reduce pain and symptoms

  • Reduce wound healing time, bruising severity and scarring

  • Decrease joint stiffness and assist in reducing arthritic condition symptoms

  • Increasing sleep quality and quantity naturally and how to establish or reestablish a sleep routine 

  • Reducing anxiety and improving stress tolerance surrounding new and existing symptoms

  • Improving energy and reducing fatigue

  • Reduce dysautonomia symptoms 

  • Aiding food digestion and reducing gastroparesis, IBS and gastritis

  • ​Elimination nutrition programs for food allergies and food intolerances (generally used in conjunction with digestive healing nutritional/herbal supplements)

  • Specific nutrition programs individual to your requirements and symptoms

  • Reducing mast cell activation and preventing further reactions

  • Decreasing reoccurring infection frequency and severity 

  • Conditions with EDS including autoimmune conditions and other chronic related conditions

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