I know a lot of you guys already know the effects of the gut on the rest of the whole symphony, but here are some things you may not know that I learned (or was reminded of) in Boston.
70% of your immune system is located in the gut. The gut microbiome in the GI tract provides essential health benefits to its host (YOU), particularly by regulating immune homeostasis (balance). Moreover, it has recently become obvious that alterations of these gut microbial communities can cause immune dysregulation, leading to autoimmune disorders.
Stress promotes this dysfunction, opening up tight junctions leading to leaky gut, which promotes inflammation, digestive problems, mitochondrial dysfunction, and can eventually lead to auto-immune disorders.
Now obviously there are several contributing factors: medications, diet (inflammatory foods), hormones, STRESS, genetic variations/mutations, TOXINS, infections, SLEEP, tobacco, and your ability to eliminate (bowel motility and transit time).
So…..what do we do about it?? Well…if you have diarrhea vs constipation, I do use different probiotics to target one or the other, but here are some helpful tools.
High dose PROBIOTICS—we have multiple brands that range in type, how many strains, refrigerated vs shelf stable ect. My favorite is probably the Therbiotic or Multibiome, but also have a new one that is specific for anxiety and depression. Which brings me to another point….
DID YOU KNOW that 95% of your neurotransmitter serotonin is made in your GUT? Serotonin is your “happy” neurotransmitter and affects your mood, stress, anxiety and depression. So…if your gut isn’t healthy then you will have impaired serotonin levels (irritability, mood changes). SO INTERESTING RIGHT??
GI FORTIFY—another of my all-time favorite supplements which helps heal and seal the gut and slow the leaky gut process. This is what I call “border patrol”. Also contains pre-biotic fiber which feeds your probiotics.
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES–These help you breakdown and digest your food so you can absorb the nutrients and boost your immune system and heal your gut. Makes sense. If you experience a lot of bloating after eating, you would benefit from these babies. Take with or right before every meal.
IV GLUTATHIONE—- This is your master antioxidant. Multiple benefits but what I use it for most often is for inflammation, autoimmune disorders, healing gut health, detoxing at the cellular level, combating oxidative stress and elimination free radicals. Used once a week for 3-4 weeks especially if you are exposed to high levels of toxins regularly occupationally (my plant guys, law enforcement, oil field, farmers, hair dressers, etc).
Reducing the number of inflammatory foods consumed can be helpful like alcohol, dairy, gluten, soy, corn, and processed or GMO foods.
SLEEP is so important! Restorative sleep and enough of it! If you are running from the proverbial bear, your body isn’t focused on digesting your food. Sleep is the time when your body is resting, repairing, and recovering from all the damage from the day before. And if you work shift work, it will be even harder to get your regulated, especially alternating nights and days.
A good Multi-vitamin with methylated B vitamins is also recommended especially if your homocysteine levels are elevated. Restore balance. Experience extraordinary health
Questions? Call or text 361-844-8866
Ginger
MBWS
Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.