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Understanding Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of connective tissue disorders that affect collagen production, leading to joint hypermobility, skin hyperelasticity, chronic pain, and systemic dysfunction. While conventional medicine focuses on symptom management, functional medicine aims to address the root causes of inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and genetic factors contributing to EDS symptoms.

By optimizing nutrition, gut health, mitochondrial function, and collagen synthesis, functional medicine practitioners help individuals with EDS improve their joint stability, pain levels, energy production, and overall well-being.

Types of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

There are 13 different types of EDS, with the most common being:

• Hypermobile EDS (hEDS) – Characterized by joint hypermobility, frequent dislocations, chronic pain, and autonomic dysfunction.
• Classical EDS (cEDS) – Features fragile, hyperelastic skin and slow wound healing.
• Vascular EDS (vEDS) – The most serious form, affecting blood vessels and internal organs, leading to a risk of rupture.
• Kyphoscoliotic EDS (kEDS) – Associated with scoliosis, muscle weakness, and severe joint instability.

Each type has different genetic causes and severity, but all forms involve some level of collagen dysfunction, leading to widespread symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

EDS symptoms vary by type but often include:

• Joint Hypermobility – Increased flexibility leading to instability, dislocations, and subluxations.
• Chronic Pain & Muscle Fatigue – Due to lax connective tissue and poor joint support.
• Soft, Hyperelastic Skin – Fragile skin that bruises easily and heals slowly.
• Gastrointestinal Issues – GERD, bloating, constipation, gastroparesis, and malabsorption.
• Cardiovascular Dysfunction – Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), blood pressure irregularities, and heart palpitations.
• Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation – Fatigue, dizziness, migraines, and poor temperature regulation.
• Frequent Injuries & Slow Healing – Poor wound healing and increased risk of hernias.

The Functional Medicine Approach to EDS

Functional medicine looks beyond symptom management to optimize collagen production, joint integrity, mitochondrial function, and gut health to enhance quality of life for individuals with EDS.

1. Optimizing Collagen Production for Joint Stability

Since EDS affects collagen synthesis, supporting collagen production is crucial.

• Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides – Support connective tissue repair and joint integrity.
• Vitamin C – Essential for collagen synthesis and reducing oxidative stress.
• Silica & Copper – Trace minerals that enhance collagen cross-linking.
• Gelatin & Bone Broth – Natural sources of glycine, proline, and amino acids that aid in tissue repair.

2. Supporting Joint Stability and Muscle Strength

• Magnesium & Calcium – Help regulate muscle contraction and reduce spasms.
• Manganese & Zinc – Support ligament and tendon strength.
• Resistance Training & Pilates – Builds joint stability without overstressing ligaments.
• Proprioceptive Exercises – Balance training to reduce dislocations and falls.

3. Reducing Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Chronic pain is a major challenge for EDS patients. Functional medicine targets inflammation and oxidative stress with:

• Curcumin & Boswellia – Natural anti-inflammatories to reduce joint pain.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) – Found in wild-caught fish and flaxseeds, reducing systemic inflammation.
• L-Glutamine & Collagen Peptides – Repair connective tissue and improve tissue resilience.
• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – Modulates pain perception and immune response.

4. Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption

Many EDS patients experience digestive dysfunction, which impairs nutrient absorption. Functional medicine addresses:

• Leaky Gut Repair – L-glutamine, bone broth, and zinc carnosine to heal the gut lining.
• Probiotics & Digestive Enzymes – Support microbiome balance and improve nutrient absorption.
• Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Avoiding gluten, dairy, and processed foods to reduce systemic inflammation.
• Gastroparesis Support – Ginger, motility agents, and small, frequent meals.

5. Addressing Cardiovascular and Autonomic Dysfunction (POTS & Dysautonomia)

Many with EDS experience blood pressure dysregulation, dizziness, and heart palpitations due to autonomic dysfunction. Functional medicine interventions include:

• Electrolyte Balance – Increasing sodium, potassium, and magnesium to stabilize blood pressure.
• Compression Garments – Improve circulation and reduce blood pooling.
• Adrenal Support – Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola to regulate the stress response.
• CoQ10 & Acetyl-L-Carnitine – Support mitochondrial energy production and improve fatigue.

6. Enhancing Mitochondrial Function for Energy and Cellular Repair

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to fatigue, muscle weakness, and brain fog in EDS.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Supports energy production in cells.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) – Enhances mitochondrial function and protects against oxidative stress.
• Magnesium Malate & B Vitamins – Support ATP (cellular energy) production.
• Intermittent Fasting & Ketogenic Diet – Optimize mitochondrial efficiency.

Best Functional Medicine Testing for EDS

Functional medicine practitioners use comprehensive lab testing to uncover underlying imbalances contributing to EDS symptoms.

Key Tests for EDS Patients:

1. Nutrient Deficiency Testing – Assesses magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin C, and B vitamins.
2. Genetic Testing (MTHFR, COL5A1, TNXB Genes) – Evaluates genetic predisposition to connective tissue disorders.
3. Comprehensive Stool Test – Identifies gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, and malabsorption.
4. Hormone & Adrenal Testing – Measures cortisol, thyroid, and sex hormone levels.
5. Organic Acids Test (OAT) – Analyzes mitochondrial function and oxidative stress.
6. Cardiovascular Testing (Heart Rate Variability, POTS Assessment) – Evaluates autonomic dysfunction.

Lifestyle and Long-Term Strategies for Managing EDS

EDS management requires a holistic approach, including nutrition, movement therapy, stress management, and toxin reduction.

1. Mind-Body Therapies for Stress & Pain Reduction

• Meditation & Breathwork – Reduces autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
• Acupuncture & Craniosacral Therapy – Supports pain relief and nervous system regulation.
• Gentle Yoga & Tai Chi – Improves flexibility while minimizing joint strain.

2. Environmental & Toxin Reduction

• Avoid Heavy Metals & Mold Exposure – Detox with binders like activated charcoal.
• Use Non-Toxic Household Products – Eliminate endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
• Filter Water & Air – Reduce environmental toxin load.

When to See a Functional Medicine Practitioner

If you have EDS and struggle with chronic pain, gut issues, fatigue, or cardiovascular dysfunction, a functional medicine approach can help identify the root causes, optimize nutrition, and implement a tailored health plan.

Conclusion

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a complex condition that requires a personalized, integrative approach. Functional medicine helps stabilize joints, reduce pain, optimize gut health, and support mitochondrial function, leading to improved mobility, energy, and quality of life.

For a customized EDS health plan, consult with a functional medicine practitioner