Leaky gut
The term leaky gut has become quite popular. It refers to a loss of barrier function in the Small Intestine that allows for larger, undigested food molecules to enter the body and trigger an immune response. As I was taught during my training, digestion is a “North to South” process. It’s important to optimize the breakdown of nutrients in the upper portion of the GI tract, so they can be absorbed and assimilated further down. Undigested food feeds pathogenic microbes and yeast (like candida) making your life miserable…if not embarrassing! Digestion was my initial specialty as well as my personal gateway to becoming a practitioner. You are not only what you absorb, but what you assimilate. This aspect of health is foundational for balancing all the body’s other systems and I discuss it at all my appointments.
The Microbiome
Your gastrointestinal tract is made up of trillions of organisms. These “gut bugs” play a role in immunity, detoxification, motility, vitamin production, GI barrier function, Short Chain Fatty Acid production and numerous other processes. Once upon a time, people lived with diverse gastrointestinal ecosystems that promoted health and wellness. As society has modernized, some advancements have exerted negative effects on our microbiomes and allowed pathogenic microbes to overgrow. SIBO, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis and H. pylori have all been linked to an imbalance of gut flora. There are a number of interventions, however, that can support beneficial strains and re-balance the GI tract. It isn’t all about taking whatever probiotic has the most strains or the largest CFU counts. Recommendations need to be more targeted so that they will feed the good gut bugs and restore proper function.
Food sensitivities
With the onset of dysbiosis and leaky gut, the stage is set for foods to no longer be so friendly. Food sensitivities along with gas, bloating, loose stools, constipation, histamine reactions and malabsorption are all common occurrences. Through dietary change, elimination and supplementation, it is possible to expand your current diet and eat certain foods that are causing problems. Certain foods may need to be eliminated for a while and, if Celiac Disease is diagnosed, permanently. This is not the case for most individuals, however. Nutritionists extensively study food and dietary choice and can offer insights into everyday selections that many other practitioners cannot.