While I am a fully licensed physician in Kansas, this communication does not constitute personal medical advice or establish a physician-patient relationship. See your own physician to discuss your particular diagnosis and treatment
Gut Microbiome Health
The gut microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that colonize your digestive tract. By itself, an unhealthy gut microbiome can increase chronic disease. Poor gut microbiome health is associated with many chronic diseases including: obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, inflammation, and cancer. Experts say that there are more neurotransmitters in the gut than in the brain, therefore, a poor gut microbiome can adversely affect mental health through the gut-brain-connection.
A healthy gut microbiome improves digestion of fiber, improves immune function, decreases inflammation, and decreases incidence of many of the above listed conditions.
Gut microbiome health gets disturbed by antibiotics. Antibiotic usage has been linked to the following conditions: asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Intestinal health can also be disturbed by wheat products. Evidence suggests that wheat products can interfere with tight junctions in the intestines and allow leakage of antibodies that trigger your body’s immune responses. These responses can result in: neurologic impairment, mental health disorders, skin eruptions, liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, sleep disorders, and possibly even diabetes type 1.
Treatment for poor gut microbiome health:
Diet: trial of low carbohydrate high fat or Paleo diet.
Prebiotic fibers act as food for the beneficial bacteria or fungi in your gut. Some examples include: artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help to restore gut bacteria. Probiotic foods are fermented (chemically broken down to simpler substances). Some examples include: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, apple cider vinegar, and certain cheeses. Keep in mind that if these products are not refrigerated, then they are likely preserved and not as beneficial for your health. It is important to prevent these products from being light exposed for extended time periods.
William Davis, MD is a cardiologist who strongly believes in correcting your own gut microbiome for overall health. He has published a book called “Super Gut” that includes recipes with different bacteria probiotic types that can beneficially impact many different aspects of health.
Probiotic supplements are also available. Some experts recommend certain species of probiotics for certain conditions. Some of the most common probiotics species include: lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and saccharomyces.
I hope this information helps you and your loved ones!
Jason Williams, D.O.