A new study has just revealed a startling hidden connection between the brain and the immune system. Researchers always assumed that there was no lymph system in the brain. Now they have discovered lymphatic pathways hidden deep inside the brain that can help explain how the brain works with the immune system, which in turn protects the brain. The lymph system is a network of lymph nodes, ducts, vessels and organs which move lymph from the tissues into the bloodstream. Lymph is a whitish fluid made up of lymphocytes, the cells that attack bacteria in the body, and fluid from the intestines, called chyle (pronounced KYLE), which contains proteins and fats that also help ward off diseases. The most obvious manifestation of your lymph system is when you get swollen glands in your neck when you become sick with a cold or the flu. They swell up as they gather the resources to fight infection. Lymph nodes also filter harmful cells such as bacteria and cancer cells to stop the spread of disease. Scientists knew that the brain helped control the immune system, but were not sure how the brain was protected by the immune system until now. The discovery is key because it opens the gateway to a new understanding of inflammation in the brain and body as a whole. It might also reveal the reasons for neurodegenerative disorders such as autism, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, and other such diseases, offering new hope in the quest to combat illness and the effects of aging on the brain. Neurological diseases like MS and Alzheimer’s have long been linked to changes in immune system function. Alzheimer’s, for example, is linked with a large build-up of proteins in the brain called amyloid plaques. Mood disorders have also been linked to autoimmune disorders of the digestive tract such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS). It wasn’t always clear how such connections occurred, but now both a gut-brain connection and a pathway from your immune system into your brain have been uncovered. Chyle from the intestines as part of the lymph system, therefore, has a direct connection to the brain. This means that any imbalance in the intestines has the potential to negatively impact the brain. Since the lymph system affects every part of the body, including the brain, it is important to do all you can to boost your immune system. The mind-body connection is now better understood and demonstrates that you are what you eat. It also shows how your mood can affect your immune system, and vice versa. Take care of your immune system, and it will take care of you, and your brain, as well as help you combat the effects of aging.
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Emma Vine
21:10 20 Oct 20
I stumbled across Seth by accident, but I am so glad that I did. He offers a 10 minute consultation to hear about your... story and to see if he thinks he can help you, and as soon as we got on the phone I was very impressed and could tell by the tone of his voice he is someone with so much compassion, and he truly wants to help people. Also, this consultation turned into 30 minutes, and at no point did he try and cut the call short.
I have been with the clinic a few months now, and I am always impressed by the level of care, which I have never received before from any other doctor. The whole staff are very quick to get back to emails if you have any concerns, ship out supplements, and do detailed walkthroughs of your labs and your plan to wellness. Everything is so organized and well laid out, and when we are very sick it is great to have all around structure and support.
Seth listens every appointment, and is very open to feedback and he remembers everything, so when we chat I feel like a person and not just a number. The reason for the program is because as we know, treatment takes time and sadly things are not a 5 minute fix, so he wants to work with you long term to get your body back to optimal wellness.
I also like that he is not laser focused on one protocol or illness as I have found in the past with other doctors. He knows that a lot of symptoms cross over into many different possibilities, and wants to look at the whole picture to try and pinpoint the driving cause of the issues.
I have honestly never felt the confidence in a doctor that I do in Seth, and trust with your practitioner is important. Betsy, Sandee and Jenn are also great, helping with nutrition, mental support, and all office related things. Truly an outstanding team.read more

Rodolfo Gomez
19:11 16 Feb 20
Seth is a great human being. He has developed a process to help you from start to finish. My first meeting was about 19... mos ago at his office in Austin. We went over my personal history since I was born. Having to deal with RA has been less stressful since I met him. Through a specific diet and supplements to first detox my body, I have been able to control my pain and little by little go back to a normal life. Even though I’m not there yet, it certainly has been a blessing to have found Serh and being able to work with him towards this journey. Recommend him without any hesitation.read more

Penny Sirjane
22:14 15 Oct 19
Superb staff, a complete holistic approach to a deeper level of healthcare other than writing scipts . Amazing!

Mary Hanson
14:53 18 Sep 19
Having an a chronic illness can affect every single aspect of your life and leave you feeling extremely isolated. If... you are ready to make a change and take control, Dr. Seth Osgood and his team of health professionals will be there to provide diagnosis, care and support during good and bad times. They are very responsive and proactive with "whole" patient care. You won't slip through the cracks at GrassRoots. You will see progress in the best way possible. Very greatfull to this group for giving me my life back.read more

Deb Reynolds
17:08 17 Sep 19
Wow! After years with a chronic disease leaving me with no energy and constantly fatigued, its a relief to finally ... find GrassRoots Functional Medicine. I feel amazing! Thank You Dr Osgood and staff.read more

Xaviera Hookway
13:23 11 Apr 19
Dr. Seth continues to give me hope on my health journey. He is thorough and creative, considering all areas of my... life, not just my symptoms. During my last visit, he asked me if my latest pharmaceutical seemed to be making a difference. When I replied that I couldn’t tell, he said, “alright let’s take you off it then. I mean, the goal is not to be on anything.” It surprised me, since in my experience with medical doctors, the response would have been, “well let’s try a little longer, and see what happens.” Clearly, Seth is not in it for the pharmaceutical kickbacks he can get, he is concerned for MY welfare. His background and experience give me confidence and I’m so grateful to have a care provider like him who is not giving up on my health.read more

jamie carey
03:47 20 Dec 18
Dr. Osgood has been integral in my healing journey. I have recovered from severe eczema on my hands and face largely... due to his fantastic care and support. I highly recommend his care to anyone who is looking to heal from the inside out. Dr. Osgood does discover root causes of illness and provides a solid plan towards recovery.read more

Danielle Glenn
17:39 26 Mar 18
Dr. Osgood is amazing-he develops your treatment plan with you, listening to your concerns and questions. He and his... staff are so responsive and helpful. I'm so grateful for all the work they do!read more

Anne I. Ryan
15:05 25 Mar 18
Seth has many qualities of an ideal healthcare practitioner: knowledgeable, dedicated, thorough, compassionate,... well-researched, positive, and a great listener, to name several. He has helped me work through some challenging health issues and reach a level of wellness I know I never would have achieved in the conventional system. He is also very willing to help with quick questions between appointments, offering a high level of support which is critical to long-term success. I highly recommend GrassRoots Functional Medicine to get to the root of your health issues!read more

Mariana Gariazzo
15:15 23 Mar 18
Dr. Osgood is a caring, sensitive, an authentic human being whose mission is clearly to empower people to be the best... version of themselves. I feel immense gratitude for having found such knowledgeable functional doctor in my life! He has helped me resolve and overcome a very difficult health challenge. He possess expertise that actually finds the root cause of health problems to truly heal! I recommend GrassRoots with all my heart!read more

Kathryn Kirkham
03:46 23 Mar 18
I have been battling ME/CFS and autoimmune disease for 5 years. I lost all of my energy and enthusiasm. Most days I was... consumed with “brain fog” and chronic systemic inflammation that prevented me from having enough energy or focus to work. I sought help from countless doctors without resolution. I was so relieved to find Dr. Osgood! He has multiple certifications within the field of functional medicine. He took my entire medical history into account and considers the body, mind and spirit as a whole. His unique approach to treatment is exemplified by the utmost thoroughness, compassion, and enthusiasm! Dr. Osgood solved the mystery of my complex illness by uncovering the root causes behind my diseases. His treatment plan has me well on the path toward healing. This will be the first year in several that I can resume my passion - hiking in the mountains! I am so grateful for his care!read more
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