Healthy Whole You
Let's play a game of "Did you know?"
Did you know...
Gut microbiome
The micro-organisms in your gut produce metabolites needed for synthesis of vitamins, neuropeptides, and hormones. Some produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are necessary for energy production as well as immune system and intestinal barrier function. When the gut is in dysbiosis and certain microbes are missing, it leads to symptoms related to the above. A stool test can provide insight into the state of someone's gut and clues for why they are experiencing symptoms.
​
https://news.uchicago.edu/explainer/how-microbiome-affects-human-health-explained#why
Epigenetics
"Epi" means above, so epigenetics or, "above genes," is the study of how external factors such as diet and lifestyle affect the expression of genes. A commonly heard expression in functional medicine is "Genes load the gun and diet and lifestyle pull the trigger." This means you may be genetically predisposed to a certain disease but the gene for the disease may not express unless it is exposed to external factors such as diet and lifestyle.
​
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities can cause recurrent ear infections in kids.
IgG food testing in 44 patients with tympanostomy tube insertions found high results for: • Cow's Milk 70% • Gluten 43%. • Egg 27%. • Yeast 7% Soybean 7%
​
Source: "Prevalence of Food Sensitivities in Pediatric Patients Requiring Tympanostomy Tube Insertion", Gregg S. Govett, MD, DABEM, AAEM Fall 2023 Conference Environmental Influences on Gastrointestinal Health: Addressing the Foundations Root Cause Dermatology® of Diet, Digestion, and Detoxification
Chronic Stress
When under chronic stress, cortisol production is prioritized by the body and everything else takes a backseat. Digestion becomes compromised, which can lead to symptoms of bloating and constipation to name a few. Sex hormones are also not prioritized leading to dysregulation and various hormonal symptoms. Cortisol also raises blood sugar, so when elevated from chronic stress, can create blood sugar dysregulation. This can lead to health problems like heart disease, cancer, and diseases associated with aging. Finally, cortisol dysregulation from chronic stress causes the body to break down, leading to aches and pains, injuries, and sickness.
​
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
Hormonal imbalances
If proteins and fats aren't digested well, the body will lack two of the main building blocks necessary to synthesize hormones (such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone) and neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, GABA, and dopamine). This leads to symptoms such as decreased energy, brain fog, memory issues, increased inflammation, increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, and increased symptoms of PMS, perimenopause, and menopause. Chronic stress, poor sleep, poor nutrition, and blood sugar dysregulation can also cause hormonal imbalances.
Pathogenic micro-organisms
Pathogenic micro-organisms found in the gut can contribute to inflammation not only in the gut, but in the rest of the body by releasing endotoxins called lipopolysaccharides through the gut lining (leaky gut) and into the bloodstream. Many with autoimmune diagnoses have pathogens living in their gut that contribute to their symptoms. Pathogens can also contribute to achy joints, brain fog, fatigue, inability to digest food and use nutrients, and lower immune system function.
​
To learn more about leaky gut, click here.
​
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8226948/
​
Skin issues
Skin issues such as acne and eczema are tied to the gut microbiome and often have a certain pattern of microbial imbalance and pathogens that are associated with them. Improving gut health while addressing diet and lifestyle factors, can greatly improve or even resolve these conditions.
​​
Immune system
70% of your immune system resides within your gut. If your gut is unhealthy, your body's entire immune system function will be compromised.
​
Parasites
Parasites in the gut are more active at night and can cause sleep issues in their hosts.
​​
Elimination
If you aren't having a bowel movement at least once every day, toxins are reabsorbed through the intestinal wall back into the body. This can lead to an overworked, congested liver, toxin build-up in the body, and estrogen dominance. This is why constipation is linked to multiple diseases.
​
Probiotics
Probiotics aren’t always right for everyone. Overuse can sometimes cause an overgrowth of even “good” bacteria, leading to imbalance in the gut. For those with histamine issues, certain strains — and foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha — may actually make symptoms worse.
As an FDN-P, I can help you determine if probiotics are appropriate for you, and if so, which strains and forms are best for your unique situation.
​