By Dr. Cynthia Crosser
Have you ever had a digestive “issue”? We all have and we expect to get over it and be done. But we hear more and more about how disease begins in the gut. Well, those bacteria, fungus, enzymes and all of what we call the microbiome, influence our respiratory health, our moods, and even hormonal balance. Literally every network in the body is connected to our microbiome including neurological, cardiovascular and immune systems.
The lower part of the intestines contains bacteria that help to digest, absorb and metabolize nutrients. They ferment carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Good bacteria maintain the gut lining and prevent leaky gut. When the lining breaks down, we see systemic inflammation. And when we see strains present that produce methane or hydrogen, GI disorders may follow including IBS, Crohn’s, and ulcerative colitis. Using the right strains and multistrain combinations can produce relief from bloating and abdominal pain in as little as four weeks.
Mental wellness – 90% of the body’s mood-calming serotonin is made in the gut. Certain strains of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia play key roles in gut-brain health which is also bidirectional; the brain also influences the gut. Other neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, and glutamate are synthesized by gut bacteria. This influences our moods, stress responses, sleep, and cognitive functions.
This microbiome also plays a role in weight gain, metabolic obesity, blood sugar levels and even plaquing and inflammation in our blood vessels. When the gut bacteria are imbalanced, we develop risk factors for conditions like atherosclerosis, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease.
Skin and hair health are significantly affected by our microbiome. Inflammation in the gut can show up as acne, eczema, or rosacea. And changes in the skin barrier can also impact the gut microbiome.
Immune function –75% to 80% of our immune system is housed in the gut lining. So the gut microbes are in constant communication with our immune system. Imbalances are drivers of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Lupus, and Type 1 diabetes. Patients with RA tend to have low levels of Faecalibacterium and an overabundance of the Prevotella species which fuels inflammation. Bacterial diversity, many different types of bacteria, promote a healthy balance between bacteria.
Hormones – Gut bacteria help to metabolize and recycle hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. If the gut and the hormones are balanced, mood, metabolism, menstrual cycles and immune function will also be in balance.
So how do we support this powerful microbiome? There are several key components such as focusing on fiber consumption and eating the rainbow for foods high in polyphenols. Variety is key here. Eating fermented foods will reduce inflammation and increase gut bacteria. Exercising, managing stress and choosing nontoxic cleaning products will also impact your gut health. Daily habits go a very long way in achieving diversity of bacteria, richness or how many microbes are present, and stability which is the ability to maintain balance over time. And, finally, the only real way to know where you stand on your gut health is to have a qualified Functional Medicine doctor run a functional stool test which will provide a wealth of information regarding the function of your gut. Do it, your life depends on it!! For information, go to www.crossernaturalhealth.com and let’s get on a chat or call 302-994-1010.
Testimonial
“. . . Dr. Crosser is truly in my corner. I appreciate that she prepares for our appointments (she reviews my labs BEFORE our meeting . . . she never pulls them up for the first time as I’m sitting there). I am so grateful and appreciate the time she spends with me and for the help, support, and guidance she gives me . . .” ~ Tracey F.
Wellness within reach!
Pike Creek 302-994-1010
5700 Kirkwood Hwy., Suite 101, Wilmington, DE 19808
www.facebook.com/crossernaturalhealth
www.instagram.com/crossernaturalhealth
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Weight loss, Neurofeedback, Nutritional Counseling