Paul Lepor, D.O.

Back in the 1990’s, when I was getting ready to retire, my wife became deathly ill.  After pursuing standard medical care for two years, under several family physicians and specialists, in and out of the hospital, and undergoing multiple tests, x-rays, and scopings, all that they could come up with was, “You have an irritable bowel and a spastic colon, and need to learn to live with it.” She was also directed to seek psychiatric help to enhance coping with her illness. She was on many medications, and felt no better than when she started, except when taking steroids. It was at this time that we heard of a Preventive Care physician across the state from us, so we made an appointment.

The rest is history. I learned about gastrointestinal imbalance, chronic yeast infections, food intolerance and sensitivities, and hormone imbalance. Within six to eight weeks, my wife was markedly improved, had gained back her weight, was off all of her medications, and felt life was again worth living. With that evidence, I began to change my medical practice and aggressively pursue a more natural and functional approach to practicing medicine, and I began to see some of my more difficult-to-manage patients greatly improve. Needless to say, I have put off retirement and am now practicing as a full time Functional Medicine physician.

I now approach a patient from the standpoint of what led up to the health decline, (antecedent), what caused the decline, (trigger), and what is keeping the patient from improving, (mediator). Many times yeast infections are uncovered. Yeast appears to be one of the more prominent organisms that can lead up to, trigger, or continue the health decline of the patient. The diagnosed disease process is only the outward sign of a health decline. I now look at diseases as symptoms of underlying immune failure or toxic overload. One of the most rewarding outcomes I have seen occurs in my infertility patients. In case after case, yeast (fungus) infections are identified and, when treated, have allowed a pregnancy and a term birth to occur. I have also seen great results in almost all disease states including asthma, acne, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, dementia, multiple sclerosis, cancer, hypertension, cholesterol, irritable bowel, celiac, Crohn’s, and any disorder that has an inflammatory underpinning.

My approach almost inevitably will begin with life style and dietary change, then cleaning up underlying yeast symptoms with both prescription antifungals, and followed up with herbal support until symptoms have improved, (or have been eliminated.) I will also address nutrition deficiencies and screen the patient for defects in their ability to detox, and show them how to enhance these pathways.

Many patients have inherited genetic defects that do not allow them to get rid of toxins adequately, making yeast more toxic. Persistent, recurrent yeast problems can also be traced to an increased body burden of heavy metals such as mercury and, when chelated, can bring about better control of the yeast problem.

Once the patient is better, then continuing a healthy lifestyle, diet and adequate nutrition to aid the body in maintaining good health is imperative, along with exercise and strong spiritual direction, all of which have been proven to give a better quality and longer life.