What Does It Mean?
- Internal bleeding refers to hemorrhaging that occurs inside the body rather than externally, potentially leading to serious health complications.
- This dysfunction can be caused by trauma, gastrointestinal ulcers, blood clotting disorders, ruptured blood vessels, or certain medications that affect coagulation.
- Functional medicine evaluates root causes such as nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and coagulation imbalances to address and prevent internal bleeding.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Vitamin K or Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron can impair proper blood clotting and vascular integrity.
- Chronic Inflammation & Gut Damage: Conditions like gastritis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can contribute to bleeding.
- Medication-Induced Bleeding: Long-term use of NSAIDs, anticoagulants, and corticosteroids may lead to increased bleeding risk.
- Liver Dysfunction: The liver plays a crucial role in producing clotting factors; dysfunction may lead to coagulopathies.
- Clotting Disorders: Conditions such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease can predispose patients to internal bleeding.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Dark, tarry stools (melena) or blood in stools.
- Vomiting blood (hematemesis).
- Fatigue, weakness, and dizziness (due to blood loss anemia).
- Pale skin and shortness of breath.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help assess internal bleeding and its underlying causes:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Blood | Negative | Negative |
| Color | Yellow | Yellow |
| Ferritin | Decreased | 45.00-79.00 ng/mL |
| Iron, Total | Decreased | 85.00-130.00 µg/dL |
| MCH | Decreased | 28.00-31.90 pg |
| MCHC | Decreased | 32.00-35.00 g/dL |
| MCV | Decreased | 82.00-89.90 fL |
| RBC (Male) | Decreased | 4.20-4.90 Cells/µL |
| RBC's | None | None |
| Reticulocyte % | Altered | 0.60-3.22 % |
| Total Iron Binding Capacity | Elevated | 250.00-350.00 µg/dL |
| Transferrin | Altered | 200.00-360.00 mg/dL |
| Transparency (Clarity) | Clear | Clear |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on stabilizing clotting function, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and supporting vascular integrity.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Supports immune and vascular health | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Enhances hydration and electrolyte balance | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Supports urinary tract and immune function | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| V-Pax | Aids in cellular repair and inflammation reduction | 2 capsules with or without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Supports microbiome and antifungal balance | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Iron | Aids in red blood cell production and corrects anemia | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Supports inflammatory response and vascular stability | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Strengthens immune function | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Supports cellular energy and cardiovascular health | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Aids digestion and nutrient absorption | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports hormone balance and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation and energy metabolism | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Enhances antioxidant and detoxification pathways | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Essential for blood clotting and vascular function | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Strengthens connective tissues and vascular walls | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Supports immune response and detoxification | 1 scoop of powder without food, twice daily |
| SBI Powder | Enhances gut barrier integrity | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Promotes gut microbiome balance | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Supports collagen synthesis and immune function | ¼ scoop of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports immune system function and microbiome health | 4 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Supports blood circulation and vascular function | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Optimize Nutrient Intake: Increase consumption of leafy greens (vitamin K), citrus fruits (vitamin C), and lean proteins (iron).
- Monitor Medications: Evaluate long-term NSAID or anticoagulant use with a healthcare provider.
- Improve Gut Health: Address gastrointestinal inflammation and ulcers through an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports circulation and clotting function.
- Assess Liver Function: Support liver detoxification and bile production with targeted nutrients.