The Serious Health Risks Of PPIs — from Hypochlorhydria To COVID-19

PPIs

PPIs

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) leading to low stomach acid (AKA: hypochlorhydria) should be used to temporarily address serious conditions, not treat everyday heartburn. There is one big (and recently discovered) reason to be wary of taking them: PPIs may increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.

PPIs are known to be among the top three most over-prescribed medications in America!  Most of my patients are not aware of the side effects of these medications, nor do they understand the consequences of taking them for a prolonged time.

PPIs seem to be touted these days as the “the solution” for any GI ailment, when the reality is they can be the contributing factor to declining health and gut-related disorders such as poor digestion, slow motility,  gas, bloating, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, or nutrient deficiencies.

PPIs work by blocking secretion of stomach acid. Adequate stomach acid is a first line of defense against pathogens like bacteria or viruses entering your body through your mouth. It is also essential to help with protein digestion and it functions to help absorb essential nutrients and minerals, like B12. Over the last decade we have learned that PPIs can negatively alter the gut microbiome causing an imbalance in the healthy bacteria that protect you by working with your immune system.

PPI Diagram

Research into these drugs provides insights into the risks of hypochlorhydria and suggests that, over the long term, inadequate stomach acid can:

  • Increase the risk for gut infections like SIBO (1, 2, 3 )
  • Impair nutrient absorption (calcium, magnesium, iron, B12) and potentially lead to conditions like osteoporosis and anemia (4)
  • Impair digestive function in the esophagus and alter the healthy bacteria in the gut

The FDA warns that these medications should only be used for two-six weeks at a time, yet I have patients who have been taking them for years, if not decades! They have even been told by their practitioner or doctor that they are safe.

Nearly every week, I work to help people wean off of PPIs and other acid blockers and treat their GERD and other digestive symptoms using safe, natural PPI alternatives. Most importantly, we work to get to the root cause(s) of why they are experiencing chronic symptoms. Many are surprised to find out that they don’t have too MUCH acid but too little, and that is leading to their symptoms, poor digestion, and gut decline.

If you’re one of the few Americans who haven’t been offered a PPI and don’t know what they are, count yourself lucky! Just to clarify, PPIs are known as proton pump inhibitors and go by names you might have heard of like Prilosec (Omeprazole),  Nexium (Esomeprazole), Dexilant, or Protonix (Pantoprazole). They are a class of medication that interferes with small “pumps” in certain cells lining your stomach in order to block its ability to secrete stomach acid (HCl).

I have a long list of reasons why you should be cautious of PPIs, unless you have an ulcer or acute condition for which they may be prescribed short term. I outline those below along with links to resources you can review for more information.

First, let’s get to the subject that’s still on our minds: COVID. You might not think acid blockers and COVID-19 would have anything to do with one another, but it turns out there is a compelling link between the two. Honestly, if you understand how they work, it is not at all surprising!

It’s been known for some time that taking a PPI and pneumonia could be related.  It appears that taking a PPI increases your chances of catching pneumonia, and this effect is related to having too little acid in the stomach, although the exact processes are still unclear.

Researchers also have found that having an adequate level of acidity in your stomach (PH ≤ 3) impairs the ability of SARS-CoV to infect the body. SARS-CoV is a relative of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. So, as COVID concerns continue,  curious researchers began checking into PPI usage and SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Their first findings are a strong sign we should be wary. In a national survey of 53,130 participants published in October in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, it was found that those taking PPIs had significantly increased odds of testing positive for COVID-19.

The researchers controlled for other factors that might be involved, which means it appears that just by taking a PPI, you might be increasing your chances of catching this potentially deadly disease. This is a cutting edge finding and it will need to be studied further, but it’s yet another reason to consider managing your GERD and other GI issues without PPIs and instead address diet, lifestyle, and underlying causes.

There are many effective ways to treat these symptoms without resorting to PPIs.

 

PPI Not Working? Do You Need More Convincing?

Here are nine other reasons why you should avoid PPIs unless you have an ulcer, pre-cancerous changes or another serious medical condition where PPIs may be worth the risk.

  1. PPIs are not indicated for long-term use. Depending on the condition, proton pump inhibitors are supposed to be taken from somewhere between 4 and 12 weeks. When used to prevent gastric ulcers in those who need NSAIDS or heal erosive esophagitis, the treatment duration can stretch up to 6  months. But many people start taking PPIs and just don’t come off — either because they’re using them to counter poor diet or lifestyle habits, because no one told them not to take them for long, or because PPIs need to be appropriated weaned down, as they can cause serious rebound acid production that sends people right back on them again if they suddenly stop “cold turkey.”
  2. PPIs are vastly overprescribed. PPIs are the #2 most over-prescribed drug after statins. Often they are prescribed in the absence of good evidence they are needed and at much higher levels than necessary. Even worse, symptoms of heartburn and GERD are often similar to the symptoms of the opposite condition, known as hypoacidity or hypochlorhydria. As I’ve said, many of my patients have been prescribed PPIs when they actually had too little stomach acid to begin with!
  3. PPIs can lead to serious infections. When you think of your body’s infection defenses, you may never have considered the stomach. But its low PH from stomach acid is a primary barrier to pathogens entering your body through the GI tract. When you don’t have enough stomach acid, infections ranging from food poisoning to parasites, fungi and enteric viruses can take root and cause havoc. Even respiratory viruses can aspirate into the lungs once established in your digestive system. One especially serious consequence of PPI use can be the overgrowth of the clostridium difficile bacteria, also known as C.diff., which can cause long-term, difficult-to-treat diarrhea along with intestinal inflammation and potentially life-threatening complications.
  4. PPIs can alter your microbiome. Not only can they lead to C. Diff, but they can also cause many kinds of dysbiosis and alterations to your vital, health giving microbiome. Studies show that PPI use changes the composition of the bacteria in your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines, increasing the risk of infections and disease throughout. If you’ve been reading my work for long, you know that your trillions of gut bacteria are key to lowering inflammation and maintaining the health of your gut, your immune system and most other systems in your body. With PPI usage, this delicate system can become scrambled. For instance, PPIs can cause the balance of bacteria in your esophagus to favor certain bacterial species linked to esophageal cancer. They can also contribute to the development of SIBO, an overgrowth of bacteria in your small intestine that can be painful and challenging to treat. Restoring a balanced and healthy microbiome goes a long way toward treating gut disorders and many chronic conditions, and this approach underlies most of my functional nutrition work. The fact that a short course of PPI usage can alter the microbiome so profoundly is a huge red flag that they can cause long-term problems.
  5. PPIs can cause deficiencies of essential nutrients. PPIs have been shown to decrease the absorption of important vitamins and minerals. Stomach acid helps with the absorption of a number of nutrients, including folate, vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, iron, and some forms of calcium, magnesium and zinc. One vitamin deficiency associated with acid suppression from long term PPI usage is low B12, which can cause weakness, fatigue and nervous system problems. Low levels of stomach acid can also interfere with the digestion of protein, ironically leading to symptoms of indigestion.
  6. PPIs increase your risk of bone fractures. Long term meta-analyses show that PPI usage carries an increased risk of major fractures, especially of the hip. The reasons for this are not fully understood, but it’s thought that there’s a relationship between PPIs causing hypochloridia and increasing the production of the hormone gastrin. These changes negatively affect the way your body breaks down and builds up bone, the way you absorb minerals from your diet, and even your muscle strength through lowering your B12 levels — all of which are thought to play a role in increasing your fracture risk. As a functional nutritionist, I have to stress that it is much easier to treat your heartburn through diet and lifestyle changes now than to treat bone loss or repair your hip down the road!
  7. PPIs can cause kidney disease. PPIs have been linked to several adverse events related to the kidneys, including dangerously low levels of sodium and magnesium, and the development of acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). Although the proportion of people on PPIs who develop nephritis is low, PPI usage is one of the most common causes of drug-induced AIN in developed countries and is contributing to the burden of chronic kidney disease in our population. One of the biggest challenges is that PPIs are often taken over the counter, so there may be little monitoring of kidney function, even in those at risk of complications.
  8. You can treat heartburn and GERD without PPIs. The key is to first determine the underlying cause and address this, which may be related to poor eating habits,  poor digestion, lack of enzymes, SIBO, dysbiosis, low stomach acid, etc.  Natural products such as zinc carnosine, L-glutamine, deglycyrrhized licorice extract (DGL), aloe vera, and other products help soothe, coat, nourish, and heal the mucosal lining and also strengthen the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Lifestyle practices involving stress management, deep breathing, acupuncture and massage may be helpful. It is important to take an individualized approach. H2 (histamine) blockers are another type of OTC medication that reduce stomach acid but do not block it like PPIs do, and therefore have fewer side effects.
  9. You may actually need more stomach acid, not less. If you’ve been experiencing the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn or GERD, low B12, burping, variable BM’s…you may actually have too little stomach acid, rather than too much! It sounds counterintuitive, but the symptoms caused by too much and too little HCl overlap and can be easily confused. Fortunately, there are basic self/home tests you can use to identify the difference — The only way to technically check your levels is with a Heidelberg test, which is rarely done and often expensive.  Check out my handout on hypochloridia and HCl self testing. It is not science-based, but a good method to test it out. Consider doing it at least 2-3 times to see if you get a consistent result.

Let Me Help You Find Better PPI Alternatives

If you’re like many patients who come to my nutritional practice, you may be feeling overwhelmed reading this. You know PPIs are just masking your symptoms without solving the underlying issue and you now know they are causing risks you weren’t aware of at the start.

They’re hard to get off of and it can be difficult to know what else to do to treat the original problems. I’ve been there and I understand it can be daunting, but it IS possible! I have helped many clients achieve freedom from PPIs and restore their gut.

Every person’s situation is unique, it is a process that takes a little time and dedication, but there is no price tag on improving quality of life.  I would love to help you take steps to balance the health of your gut and optimize all of your body’s systems for wellness now and in the future. And a bit more protection against COVID won’t hurt, either! Talk to me about PPI alternatives today.

If you’d like to take steps to resolve your heartburn or GERD without PPIs or other acid blockers, you may be interested in my Gut Restoration Program — or feel free to grab a quick complimentary consultation appointment to discuss your situation.

Research-Supported Immune Boosting Strategies for Fall and Winter

Research-Supported Immune Boosting Strategies for Fall and Winter

Part 2: The Best Immune Support Supplements

Research-Supported Immune Boosting Strategies for Fall and Winter

Immune-enhancing supplements are not magic bullets, but many have solid scientific evidence backing their use. As part of a holistic immune health strategy, targeted, proven supplements can help you prevent, shorten and recover more quickly from viral illnesses like influenza and possibly COVID-19.

In part 1 of this immune health series, I talked about the role of vitamin D in optimizing immune function. I focused especially on its potential to reduce the incidence and severity of COVID-19 infections — a promise that is being increasingly studied, but that hasn’t necessarily made its way into mainstream medicine’s recommendations — yet!

Today I’d like to dig deeper into the best supplements for immune systems, including vitamins and herbs known to improve immune function and help fight off the flu and other viruses. From familiar favorites like vitamin C to surprises like the leaves of the olive tree, there are dozens of demonstrated natural immune enhancers. You can consider incorporating these into your seasonal wellness plan while working with a qualified professional.

First, it’s vital for me to stress that antiviral supplements are just one small part of your ideal strategy to increase your resistance to infection. When I meet with my clients, we focus heavily on immune health. This involves a comprehensive approach that builds on supporting optimal nutrition, healthy gut function, regular movement, quality sleep, stress management, and supportive practices like prayer or meditation. There is no one herb, formula or magic bullet that will give you iron-clad protection against illness, and each person is unique as to what may be best for their situation. However, there are SO many supportive nutrients and practices that can work together to help you build a more robust and resilient immune system.

In this time where many are fearful and overwhelmed in the face of the pandemic, I want to share scientifically-backed information that can help you take positive action. Hope and empowerment are strong antidotes to fear and paralysis, and I believe both are powerful agents in their own right for building or maintaining optimal wellness. So let’s take a look!

 

Julie’s Favorite Immune Support and antiviral Supplements

The list of evidence-based supplements for immunity is long, so I’d like to break my favorites down into seven categories and give brief info on each.

If you’re a clinician or nutrition expert, I offer more in-depth information and detailed references on nutrition, supplementation and immunity in this article I wrote for the Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) this summer.

Key Vitamins & Minerals

  • Vitamin D. This is one of the best vitamins for immune support. Vitamin D derived from sun exposure has been shown to improve immune function, prevent infection, and reduce the severity of viral illnesses. In new studies conducted since spring 2020, it’s showing promise as both a preventive and treatment option for COVID-19 — an exciting and important development you can learn more about in part 1 of this series. I often recommend Hi-PO Emulsi D Liquid (Designs for Health) for those who need to supplement. (Be sure to get your levels checked annually to determine need for supplementation.)
  • Vitamin C. Vitamin C is another great vitamin for immune support. Found in citrus fruit and other fruits and vegetables, it is a key antioxidant that protects against cellular damage, infections and cancer. It’s been shown to help prevent cold and flu symptoms and reverse the course of these illnesses, and it’s increasingly being used in high-dose IV protocols to help address antibiotic-resistant infections. I usually recommend 2000-4000 mg/day using a buffered formula in divided doses, taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
  • Zinc. Research on zinc has found strong antiviral properties against many viruses. It enhances the immune system while also reducing symptoms and spread of viruses. Zinc has also been used in some protocols throughout the country to treat COVID-19. Note: while lower doses of zinc on a daily basis may be quite safe, if you are taking larger doses above 30mg/day for longer than several weeks, copper levels may be compromised and copper rich foods or supplementation may be needed. Over time, high dose zinc can depress the immune system. It is important to work with a practitioner trained in supplements.
  • Key minerals. The immune system relies on a number of key minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and chromium for healthy functions that include producing virus-fighting cells and antibodies and helping to regulate inflammation. Including a  mineral formula as part of your multivitamin-mineral or as a stand-alone can help ensure you’re not deficient and that you have these minerals in a healthy balance.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are your body’s key defense against cellular and DNA damage from free radicals — molecules that wreak havoc by stealing electrons from others. When free radicals outnumber antioxidants, you can get an inflammatory condition called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress plays an important role in influenza and other viral illnesses and has been proposed to be critical in the lung and organ damage caused by severe COVID-19 illnesses. One way to bolster your immune system, lower inflammation and repair cellular damage is through eating antioxidant foods and supporting your body with nutraceuticals.

Glutathione is often called your “master antioxidant” and can be found in foods such as asparagus, walnuts, spinach, and avocados. Also, taking a glutathione supplement OR a supplement that supports glutathione levels such as NAC, n-acetyl-cysteine, which is a precursor, to support tissue levels of glutathione may be helpful. NAC is one of the major antioxidants in lung tissue. There is evidence that oxidative stress contributes to the pulmonary damage that may result from influenza. Studies have shown that supplements that boost glutathione have reduced the frequency and severity of influenza episodes.

Vitamin C and E are both powerful antioxidants you can obtain through a healthy whole foods diet and supplementation if needed. They also support healthy glutathione levels. Three antioxidant support formulas I often recommend are NAC (Pure), Liposomal Glutathione (Pure or QuickSilver) and Antioxidant Formula (Pure).

Herbals

  • Elderberry. This gorgeous and delicious berry could win an award for my clients’ favorite formula to take (and mine!). Its power lies in its proven ability to lessen the severity of colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses. You can take 600–900 mg/day of an extract standardized to contain 22% polyphenols and 15% anthocyanins. It would be wise to discontinue during an active COVID infection. It has been highly debated that it may or may not stimulate a cytokine storm, an increased and harmful inflammatory response.
  • Olive Leaf Extract. Extract of olive leaf has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral properties, including against influenza. A product I use often during flu season is Olivirex (Bio-Botanical Research).
  • Green Tea/EGCG. There is accumulating evidence of immune benefits from consuming green tea or its active ingredient EGCG. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of EGCG are thought to be one of the main reasons for its role in disease prevention. A double-blind trial used the combination of green tea catechins and theanine (a compound present in green and black tea) and found a decrease in the incidence of influenza in healthcare workers.

Probiotics

Probiotics support your immune system by helping to populate more healthy bacteria in your intestines. They also help your mucosal lining secrete protective immunoglobulin, which is foundational to a healthy gut lining and barrier protection, helps prevent overgrowth of bad bacteria, and optimizes your immune system. A healthy balanced gut and strong barrier lining will help reduce inflammation as well. There are quite a few quality products I recommend, but, by far, the most effective in my practice has been Megasporebiotic (Microbiome Labs) and another new favorite is Ther-biotic Synbiotic (Klaire labs).

Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans are another place where you can get powerful immune-supportive properties from something delicious: specific mushrooms and the cell wall of oats! Beta-glucans that boost your defenses against both cancer and infectious diseases are found in the highest concentrations in the more exotic reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushroom varieties. You can also get a fair amount from oatmeal, barley and seaweed. For those of you who shudder at the thought of more oats, or mushrooms or mushroom tea, supplements are a great choice. Two good options are Beta 1,3/1,6- D–Glucan (NOW) and ImmunotiX 250 (Xymogen).

Immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins are one of the top supporters for immune and gut healing that I use in practice.  They help the intestinal immune system by binding a broad range of microbes and toxins within the gut and strengthen gut barrier function. Immunoglobulins have been shown to bind microbes and toxins in the GI tract and eliminate them before the immune system is activated. As these unwanted triggers are removed, it resets healthy immune tolerance and builds a stronger gut lining barrier to help protect you.  Immunoglobulins, as compared to colostrum, which contains dairy, are dairy free and lactose free making them ideal for those who are sensitive. Top products that I highly recommend:  SBI Protect (Orthomolecular), MEGAIgG2000 (Microbiome Labs), and MegaMucosa (Microbiome Labs).

Immune Support Formulas

Many reputable manufacturers offer formulas with ingredient combinations that work synergistically to support the immune system. Three great options I use in my practice are OliveDefense (Xymogen), Immun-Zyme (Apex), and Viracid (Orthomolecular). If your head is spinning from all of the info above and you’re looking for a single, balanced supplement, one of these may be right for you. It’s nice to have one of these on hand to take at the first sign if you feel you have a cold or the flu coming on.

I’ve shared a lot of information with you and my intention is not to overwhelm you, but to help you take steps to be informed and support your health in ways that are right for you. This is the perfect time to commit to focusing on our health and resiliency.

In combination with a whole, plant-based, and varied diet; a healthy gut; and a supportive lifestyle, one or more of the above immune supports may help offer protection against COVID and this winter’s flu season. Regardless, the evidence is strong that it will increase your resistance to many diseases, both infectious and chronic, and, in my experience, offer you greater energy, vitality, and wellness.

 

If you’d like a short handout of the best immune support supplements, here is everything in one simple chart.

 

Download Julie’s Favorite Immune Support Supplements

 

Next up in my immune health series: HCL, PPIs and immune health. Stay tuned!

If you are looking for guidance on how to support your immunity through a personalized program that improves gut health and lowers inflammation and autoimmunity, consider connecting with me on a free 15-minute consultation.

Research-Supported Immune Boosting Strategies for Fall and Winter

Vitamin D, Immune Health and COVID-19 Risk

Vitamin D, Immune Health and COVID-19 Risk

Vitamin D, Immune Health and COVID-19 RiskBeyond cautionary measures like proper handwashing, masks and social distancing, your best defense against COVID-19 and influenza is a well-supported immune system. Learn how to keep it in fighting shape this season with my ongoing immune health series.

A recent comment on the national news got me so revved up it has brought me back into the blogosphere to set the record straight. Admittedly, I don’t watch much news lately, but my ears perked up when a national reporter asked a prominent MD:

“Other than following the CDC guidelines for diligent handwashing, wearing a mask, staying hydrated, and eating our veggies, is there anything else the American public can do to support their immune system?”

This was it … a great question! I was on the edge of my seat hoping this MD would come through and provide solid recent research and empowering strategies for an American public trying to weather a major pandemic.

But the MD’s response was a major missed opportunity. I was beyond disappointed by her answer, which I must respectfully call uninformed. She stated that eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough sleep was important … which I wholeheartedly endorse.

She then followed by saying there was little research at this time that supplements or other interventions are helpful to support the immune system. She added there is some inconclusive evidence about vitamin D and that medical professionals don’t recommend people necessarily supplement.

My jaw was on the floor. This interview took place just last week, after over a dozen studies on vitamin D have been released in the past 6 months examining its possible preventive role against COVID-19.

These studies are, of course, limited by the challenge of gathering data in the middle of an emerging and evolving pandemic. But several of these studies demonstrate a clear connection between low vitamin-D levels and the risk of COVID-19 infection. Further, the authors of these initial studies also connect their findings with solid prior evidence on vitamin D’s function in preventing and reducing the severity of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as its ability to enhance and modulate the immune system in general.

Here are a couple of sources working to answer the question, “does vitamin d prevent covid?”

I continue to struggle with understanding why ALL medical doctors are not checking vitamin D levels on their patients and why research-based supplementation guidelines are not being offered to help people have greater control over their health.  Individualized and monitored supplementation is necessary to promote the most favorable outcomes.

A robust immune system is the heart of both preventing COVID and minimizing its impact should you catch it. Since we know vitamin D and other supplements can support the immune system, it seems irresponsible to me not to recommend their use in the face of a deadly global infection.

The same is true for other interventions. Research is clear that lifestyle, environmental factors, and the health of your gut are vital to optimal immune health. That is why over the coming months I will be reporting on solid evidence-based research and strategies that I have been providing to my own clients and followers. I want you to find freedom from the paralysis of fear and give you effective tools that can support your immune system in the fall and winter months, and beyond.

So, keep your eye on this blog as I dive into your many options for optimizing your immunity: including diet, supplements, lifestyle practices, and how to support your immune system’s key regulator — your gut.

Before I sign off for today, let’s get back to the question of vitamin D in relation to immune support for covid.
Making The Vitamin D Decision
Are you getting enough vitamin D? Should you supplement?

Your skin produces vitamin D when exposed to the sun, and you need between 10-20 minutes of exposure on your arms and legs a few days per week, typically between the hours of 12-3pm to provide a baseline level. But this is greatly affected by cloud cover, skin color, elevation, use of sunscreen and, especially latitude. I live in Florida, where the sun is strong enough all year to trigger vitamin D production. However, most people in the US live above the 37th parallel, which means they can’t make vitamin D from the sun November through March each year. They must rely on whatever stores they’ve built up in the summer months. This is one reason why vitamin D levels plummet in the winter and seasonal infections like the flu rise at the same time.

You can get a small amount of vitamin D from foods, especially fatty fish like tuna and salmon, and some from liver, egg yolks, mushrooms and fortified foods like dairy, dairy substitutes and cereals. The recommended amount for an adult daily is 600 – 800 IU. Three oz of cooked salmon has 450 IU; an egg yolk has 37 IU, and a serving of milk offers 2 IU. As you can see, supplementing in the winter in northern states may be your only easy option to ensure adequate vitamin D levels unless you really, really like sardines.

If you choose to supplement, it’s important to use high quality products from professional supplement lines and know that proper dosing can be affected by supplement quality, concentration of active ingredients and other factors. For the highest safety and greatest benefit, it’s best to consult a qualified clinician for testing and recommendations. The typical recommended dose is 800-2000 IU/day of Vitamin D3. Those with certain genetic variations or other conditions can require up to 5000 IU/day and in some cases 10,000 IU/day may be indicated for a short time span. Supplementation should always be done in conjunction with a licensed qualified practitioner.

With the correct supplement and dosing schedule, it’s possible to restore inadequate vitamin D to a healthy level, often in a few weeks to a few months. If you have low vitamin D levels and you supplement, it is important to recheck your levels in 3-4 months.

 

2020 has taught us that our health can easily be taken for granted … But I feel it may offer a needed wake-up call! There is so much we can do. Instead of just hunkering down and surviving this pandemic, let’s all commit to emerging stronger and wiser than ever. It is my hope that, individually and collectively, we learn to take steps to prioritize our health. It is not selfish or indulgent, it is necessary. Optimal health not only helps us to thrive, but it gives us the power to care for our loved ones, our communities, and the world.

Coming soon — more research-supported supplements for immune health

SIBO – Could it Be the Cause of Your Gut Distress?

Could SIBO bet the cause of your gut distress?

The 5-R Gut Restoration ProgramDo you suffer from gut-related symptoms like bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reflux and more?  If so, you have plenty of company. And, no, it’s not always IBS. At least not at the root…

Let me explain:
Millions of Americans suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis of GERD, gastroparesis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s, and celiac disease continues to grow each year. In my practice, we seek to get to the root of what may be driving these illnesses. We also look under the hood of other health challenges that can be driven by gut issues, such as rashes, anxiety, joint pain, weight loss, and more. Food, environment, genetics, medication use, stress, and lack of sleep can be part of the problem. However, it is important to determine the state of the digestive tract to know how to provide the best intervention. You could be eating the “perfect” diet, but if your gut and body are out of balance, they will not heal until this imbalance is corrected.

Recently, research has revealed there is a digestive disorder that is much more prevalent than previously believed, and it is suspected to be the possible cause of many gut symptoms…especially IBS (1). According to the World Journal of Gastroenterology, 30-85% of IBS may be related to SIBO, and researchers suggest physicians consider excluding SIBO before giving a definitive diagnosis of IBS. (2)

The Latest Info on SIBO

AGMD Beacon of Hope Journal: SIBO- Is it causing your IBS or gut-related disorder? by Julie Bender SibbioI recently discussed SIBO and its implications for GI patients in the Summer/Fall edition of the Association of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders (AGMD) Beacon of Hope Journal.

If you have any of the above symptoms, I’d highly recommend checking out the full article to learn all about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for SIBO (yes, this is treatable, and you don’t have to live with it!).

Listen to Learn More

I also had an in-depth conversation with AMGD on their Hope Podcast about SIBO and gut-related disorders, which I hope may help you find more information about this common, but overlooked issue.

A Brief Overview of SIBO

Pressed for time? Here is a short introduction to SIBO, how it comes about, and what can be done to address it.

What is SIBO & What Causes it?

SIBO stands for “small intestinal bacterial overgrowth” and is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine. SIBO is associated with a number of conditions including: motility disorders of the intestine (IBS, gastroparesis), dysfunction of intestinal nerves/muscles (related to food poisoning), autoimmune diseases, blind loop syndrome, untreated celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and more.

Normally the muscles in the stomach and the small intestine move food through the intestine in a synchronized fashion.  These series of contractions are called peristalsis.  The migrating motor complex (MMC), a small intestine cleaning wave, occurs only when food is not present, about every 90-120 minutes or when fasting.  If the intestinal motility is altered, such as in IBS, the MMC waves occur less frequently.  These movements help clear bacteria out of the small intestines, so when the action is disrupted, bacteria and food may remain in the small bowel leading to overgrowth of microbes.

There are a number of underlying conditions believed to be associated with SIBO, such as systemic disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism, immune dysfunction); motility disorders (IBS, gastroparesis); celiac and Crohn’s disease; gastroenteritis from food poisoning; surgical alterations of the GI tract; or prior bowel obstruction with scaring.  Also the use of medications, especially proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s), stress, hormonal imbalances, age, or diet can be a factor in why someone may develop SIBO.

Low stomach acid production is one of the main contributing factors to SIBO that I see in my practice.  This is because stomach acid is protective and helps kill any pathogen or bacteria that enters the upper GI region.  Stomach acid is necessary for optimal digestion, especially protein.  Long-term use of acid suppressors such as omeprazole, prevacid, protonix, etc is a risk factor for SIBO and for less-than-optimal gut function.

How to Test for SIBO?

Testing accuracy can be limited, as there is a lack of standardization regarding the normal bowel flora.  However, the best option we currently have is the lactulose or glucose breath test.  The bacteria in the gut will produce either hydrogen or methane gas, and the breath test can detect this, helping to diagnose SIBO.  There is also a third gas that these bacteria can emit called hydrogen sulfide, and testing for this gas is still in the works. Consequently, those individuals that present with this gas will have inaccurate or false negative results.

Treatment for SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is most often treated with antibiotics. Both prescription drugs, such as Xifaxin, or antimicrobial herbs may be used to treat the bacterial overgrowth.  Treatment regimens will vary depending on the type of SIBO — hydrogen or methane gas predominant.  Elemental diets are another option for treating SIBO.  In my practice working with SIBO clients on a weekly basis, I’ve learned to tailor interventions for the individual case. This will involve key foods, supplements, probiotics, and lifestyle interventions to help kill the bad bugs and repopulate the good bacteria.

SIBO can be very challenging to treat and often individuals may experience a reoccurrence.  That is why is it important to identify the underlying cause and any factors that increase the risk of developing it again such as poor gut motility, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune dysfunction, stress, medications, and eating habits.

Can Diet Alone Treat SIBO?

No, there is no evidenced-based diet therapy for SIBO treatment or prevention.  Diet alone cannot reverse SIBO… you must work with your MD or provider to find the best treatment plan for you. However, it is important to also realize that just taking the medication is often not enough to clear the bad bugs…and a comprehensive approach and intervention is key to long-term success! So, what you eat is an essential part of the intervention plan to help eradicate SIBO. Often diets like the FODMAP diet or SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet), or GAPS may be used. In my practice, I have had very good success with the SIBO Specific Diet.

What can I do if I think I might have SIBO?

If you think you may have SIBO, talk to your GI doctor to be tested!  It is important to get to the root cause of your symptoms and not suffer.  My practice also offers testing for SIBO if your doctor does not currently make this available to you.  Remember, when treating SIBO it takes a comprehensive approach and often a team to help support you in your healing process.  It is important to give your body time to repair and heal while fighting the bacterial overgrowth and to nourish it well after.

I have worked with many clients who suffered and are now FREE from SIBO. Check out some of their success stories.  I would love to help you heal from within and find a PEACEFUL Gut!

What are the 5 R’s of Gut Restoration?

The 5-R Gut Restoration Program

The 5-R Gut Restoration Program

A properly functioning digestive system is critical to good health. Research is clear that the primary place inflammation occurs is in the gut. Gut inflammation can lead to both gut dysfunction and systemic inflammation — this may lead to fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, weight gain/loss, headaches, sinus issues, as well as serious medical conditions such as autoimmune disease (e.g. Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn’s, MS, Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s, etc.), brain inflammation, allergies, asthma, autism, ADHD, and chronic skin conditions.

In functional nutrition, which views the body as a whole and seeks to uncover root-cause solutions, we use a system to restore digestive and whole body health that goes by the simple acronym of the ‘5 Rs’: remove, replace, repair, reinoculate, and rebalance. It is the deep association between GI function and ill health that the 5-R Program is intended to address. When applied to various chronic problems, the 5-R program can cause a dramatic improvement in symptoms, and often a complete resolution of the health issue.

5-R Program Goal

The goal of the 5-R Program for digestive health is to accomplish the following

  1. To identify the timeline of health events that have led to the current health concerns and address nutrition and lifestyle factors through education and appropriate interventions.
  2. To normalize digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients, while promoting effective detoxification.
  3. To normalize the balance of gastrointestinal bacteria and eradicate any pathogens.
  4. To promote diversity within the gut microbiota.
  5. To promote gastrointestinal healing through diet, appropriate supplementation, and lifestyle intervention.

A full 5-R Program takes approximately 6-8 months to complete. If you are considering undertaking the 5-R Gut Restoration Program, it is very important that you are prepared to implement somewhat significant nutrition changes to your diet, add critical supplements, make changes or additions to your lifestyle practices, and perhaps think “outside the box” when it comes to supporting your health. Without these components, you will be unable to achieve the maximum therapeutic benefit.

5-R Program Elements

Here is a brief description of each of the 5 R’s of gut healing.

  1. Remove: Remove stressors. Get rid of things that negatively affect the environment of the GI tract including allergenic foods, parasites or other bad bugs such as bacteria or yeast. This might involve using an allergy “elimination diet” to find out what foods are causing GI symptoms or it may involve taking drugs or herbs to eradicate a particular bug. Stressors may also be emotional, related to environment, trauma, or interpersonal stress and that is why a collaborative approach is encouraged.
  2. Replace: Replace digestive secretions by adding back things like digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid and bile acids that are required for proper digestion. These may be compromised by diet, drugs, diseases, aging, or other factors.
  3. Reinoculate: Help beneficial bacteria flourish by taking in probiotic foods or supplements and by consuming the high soluble fiber foods that good bugs like to eat, called “prebiotics.”  Foods rich in prebiotics can be helpful or harmful to the gut, depending on your stage of gut healing.
  4. Repair: Help the lining of the GI tract repair itself by supplying key nutrients often in short supply in a disease state, such as zinc, antioxidants (e.g. vitamins A, C, and E), fish oil, and the amino acid glutamine.
  5. Rebalance: Pay attention to lifestyle choices. Sleep, the way you approach and eat food, your emotions, exercise and stress can all affect the GI tract. Also, activating your vagus nerve for digestive and optimal health is key!

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

You have heard it said,  “you are what you eat.”  In Functional Nutrition, we take it a step further in our belief that “you are what you eat, and then absorb, and then what you do or do not detoxify.” The GI tract performs many functions key to your overall health and well-being.

  • DIGESTION– This is the process whereby our food is broken down into smaller portions that are more easily absorbed by the intestines.
  • ABSORPTION– This is the process whereby the digested food is taken up by the intestine and delivered to the body for utilization as energy, nutrition, and other cellular functions.
  • EXCLUSION– This refers to the barrier function performed by the GI tract as it appropriately excludes substances from entering the body.
  • DETOXIFICATION– This is the complex process involving the liver and GI tract whereby toxins are metabolized for elimination from the body. Toxins include such things as medications we take that must be metabolized; the pesticides, preservatives, dyes, and flavor-enhancers we ingest knowingly in our food; and the over 4 million chemicals present in our environment not intended for use in our bodies.
  • ELIMINATION– After digestion has occurred and the metabolic phase of detoxification is complete, the GI tract must then eliminate the digestive and metabolic wastes of these processes. Some refer to this as excretion.

Reclaim a Peaceful Gut with the
6-Month JBS Gut Restoration Program

The 5 R’s are the foundation of my individualized, comprehensive Gut Restoration Program — designed to get to the root causes of your digestive symptoms and chronic illness. This is the process I used to help myself and clients just like you to restore gut health and recover overall well-being.  In just 6 months you could be free of the pain and dysfunction that have kept you sidelined from life.

7 Attainable NEW YEAR’s Goals That Will Improve Your Health…Mind, Body, and Spirit!

January is almost over…. how are you doing with your New Year’s goals?  I personally stopped setting “resolutions” years ago and now focus on specific goals for each area of my life and/or set a specific word or mantra to help me focus on what I wish to achieve.

New Year’s resolutions/goals don’t need to happen on New Year’s Day, they can happen any day! When you take control of your health and your life, you feel empowered. Choose to feel empowered any day and don’t let the calendar dictate when you establish them… let it be on your time and in your style.

Here are 7 “fast” strategies that you can begin to incorporate into your life to help balance mind, body, and spirit.  The best thing…you can start them any day of the year.  Consider choosing 1-3 that are most important to help you get closer to your Wellness Vision for a spectacular 2018!

  1. Fill your Plate with 75% Non-Starchy Veggies. Yes, this means those with LOTS of color and ideally at least 3 different colors at one time to provide an array of nutrients. Unfortunately, carbs get a bad rap. Carrots and ice cream both fall into the carbs category, but we all know one is healthy and the other isn’t. Ideally, about 75 percent of your carb intake should come from mostly non-starchy veggies with a little addition of fruit. So decide to add as much COLOR and VARIETY as possible this year.  (Both are the “spice of life” :))
  2. Go All-Out with 7 Minutes of Intense Exercise. High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, involves working at the very top end of your capacity for 45 – 60 seconds, then recovering for 3 minutes by walking or a slow jog, then returning to very high intensity for another 45 – 60 seconds. Don’t let the short time fool you! You’ll see significant fitness gains very quickly. You can do it walking, running, biking, jumping rope, dancing, or even swimming. Just focus on getting your intensity up to a 8 or 9 on a 1-to-10 scale during the intense intervals, and then allowing your system to recover as much as possible during the rest cycles. Be prepares to work up a sweat!
  3. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene. Going to sleep and waking at the same time each day creates a rhythm for your body. Only use your bed for sleep or romance. Don’t keep a television in your bedroom! Studies show the artificial, bright light can disrupt brain activity and alter sleep hormones like melatonin. (This is a hormone that can also impact your gut!) Consider an hour before bed…turn off your phone, all electronics, and find a relaxation technique (such as a hot bath, reading a book, meditation, etc.) that helps you drift into deep sleep.
  4. Spend 2-Minutes Meditating – Morning and Evening. What a great way to begin and end your day. The effects of chronic high cortisol and other stress hormones on our brains deplete brain power and leave us tired and often overweight. You don’t need 30 minutes of meditation or an hour-long yoga class to lower stress hormones. A 2-minute breathing practice, yoga, or meditation exercise can do wonders for your mind and body.   Here’s a breathing exercise called “Take 5” you can do several times each day. Sit on a chair, or propped up on pillows in your bed, or cross-legged on a cushion on the floor. Close your eyes and your mouth. Breath in slowly through your nose to the count of five. Hold to the count of five and then slowly breathe out to the count of five.
  5. Cultivate a Healthy Community. Friend power, not willpower, is the key to success with your health goals. When you shift focus and prioritize your friends, family, and coworkers, you deepen your connection with them and feel more fulfilled. Sometimes those connections might feel uncomfortable, but they’re worth it. Social media has its place, but most of us spend far more time there than we do interacting in real life, which new research shows it impacts our health and happiness. Instead, be sure to spend an intentional 5 minutes a day connecting with a loved one.
  6. Use a Gratitude Journal. There is great research that gratitude can transform your life by helping to develop greater positivity and happiness. A little reflection on your life and what you are most grateful for each day can help set your day (and perspective) up for success.  One of my favorite little finds this year that I have been using is the 5-Minute Gratitude Journal.  I love that it asks the questions and you journal your reflections both in the morning and the evening…all in 5 minutes tops!
  7. Capture Your “Mantra or Word” for the Year. What is it that you want to improve, achieve, give back, and/or strive toward in the New Year…how can you put that into one word to help you refocus and connect with your priorities for the year? Spend some time reflecting on what is most important to you. For example: “Balance”, “Authenticity”, “Fitness”, “Family” – could help you stay grounded and focused.   

Incorporate these fast, effective strategies and watch your life improve!

  Your resolutions and goals can happen any day.

Get started today  🙂

Could Hypochlorydria be at the Root of Your Digestive Problem?

Does this sound like you?

  • You get the dreaded belly bloat with cramps and pain, and you feel like food is sitting in your gut after eating.
  • After eating a healthy, normal-sized meal, you feel exhausted, hungry, or anxious.
  • You have peeling nails, low iron or B12 levels, acne, or chronic fatigue.
  • Soon after eating you have heartburn or belch repeatedly.

If so, you may be experiencing hypochlorhydria (or low stomach acid). This very common condition is widely misunderstood. Hypochlorhydria, (Hypo = low; chlorydria = hydrochloric acid (or HCl)), refers to low stomach acid production. The stomach is highly acidic – with an optimal pH of 1.5-3 – which would burn you to touch it. This acid is essential to activate a little enzyme called pepsin that begins to break down food. Without an acidic environment it becomes difficult to begin the process of digesting protein, and this impacts the effective absorption of key nutrients from food.

Why Acid Is Important

Acid in the gut is the body’s first line of defense to kill any bacteria, viruses, or harmful substances that enter the body through the mouth! The secretion of HCL is an essential part of the digestive process and protects the body from many pathogens that we come in contact with on a daily basis.

Perhaps you are thinking, what about all the people (perhaps including you) who take antacids and proton-pump inhibitors (acid blockers)? It seems as if the general public all suffer from heartburn or reflux these days, and the media is overrun by advertisements suggesting we need these pills for relief of our symptoms.

It may be hard to believe, but it is all too common that those with heartburn-like symptoms are actually experiencing LOW stomach acid, not too much! I see this in my practice on a regular basis. Originally antacids and PPI’s (proton-pump inhibitors) were only prescribed for short term use if a patient was found to have a stomach ulcer or gastritis. Next to statins (cholesterol lowering drugs) antacids are now the most over-prescribed medication in our country. Many people on acid-lowering drugs not only do not need them, but they’re making their problem worse.

How To Test for Hypochlorhydria

Testing for low stomach acid is done through something called a Heidelberg test. This essential test for anyone with hypochlorhydria symptoms is rarely done, but it’s a great option to determine the balance of acid essential for your gut.

 Keep In Mind: If you have signs of low stomach acid or ANY kind of digestive dysfunction, it is important to rule out hypochlorhydria. And if you are taking PPI’s or antacids, consider talking with your MD about tapering down the dose and eventually eliminating them — unless you have gastritis or an ulcer. Taking PPIs while you have hypochlorhydria could hold you back from healing your gut and absorbing key nutrients, and could be one of the root causes behind many digestive issues such as chronic GERD/reflux, IBS, SIBO, parasites, food sensitivities, and more.

10 Signs of Low Stomach Acid, or  Hypochlorhydria:

  1. You feel like you are unable to digest meat and/or have lost your taste for it. Most often I find that clients who are hypochlorhydric don’t enjoy meat or protein sources since they can’t digest them well! With a little HCL support, they regain the ability to digest protein
  2. Your fingernails chip, peel, or break easily. If your fingernails chip, peel, or break easily, it’s typically a clear sign of deficiencies in protein, minerals, and often also essential fatty acids. By now you’re well aware that deficiencies in protein and minerals are often due, in part, to low stomach acid production.
  3. You have anemia that doesn’t respond to iron supplementation. Iron deficient anemia is so often a gut issue, since it is typically an absorption issue. This is a very specific example of a mineral deficiency that is exacerbated by low stomach acid. Sufficient HCL is needed for iron absorption and iron regulation. This may help you understand why it is so critical to have optimal digestion in order to absorb nutrients from food and supplements.
  4. You eat (or ate) a vegan or vegetarian diet. Vegetarians eat very little animal protein; vegans eat none. Therefore, the body slows down production of HCL accordingly and this decrease in stomach acid is one of the core reasons that a vegetarian diet can be taxing for digestion. Vegans are often challenged to absorb minerals from their food, properly triggering the production of pancreatic enzymes. In addition, the secretion of HCL triggers the release of intrinsic factor, essential to the absorption of vitamin B12. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan with acid reflux, low B12 or any of the other issues in this list, take note. 
  5. You experience belching or gas about an hour after a meal. One of stomach acid’s important roles is to trigger the opening of the pyloric valve, the little valve that connects the stomach to the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). That little valve is very smart, and it knows not to open until the contents of the stomach are at the proper state of digestion. This includes a sufficiently acidic stomach environment. If the pyloric valve is waiting for a level of stomach acidity that isn’t achievable due to low acid production, the contents of the stomach start to ferment. Fermentation creates gas. Whether it goes up or down depends on your constitution, but it will be released one way or the other.
  6. You get heartburn. Contrary to popular opinion, acid reflux isn’t always caused by too much stomach acid…the acid may be just in the wrong place. Your esophagus has a pH of about 7, which is very neutral. Your stomach has a pH of 1.5-3, very acidic. The stomach secretes mucus to protect its lining, but the esophagus has no such protective coating. If you’re not secreting enough acid, the pyloric valve doesn’t open, and the contents of your stomach start to ferment. The gas it creates can build up and cause belching, which may open the esophageal valve – the valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach – to allow the gas to travel up. Sometimes, along with the gas, a little bit of stomach juices may also come up into the esophagus. The delicate lining of the esophagus is not equipped to handle such acidity and you experience “heartburn.”
  7. You have really bad breath even though you brush your teeth. Ruling out poor dental hygiene, it makes perfect sense that bad breath would be the result of digestive dysfunction. If you’re not digesting the food in your stomach properly, it’s going to create toxic byproducts, which can quickly overload your body’s detoxification abilities. Let’s face it, we live in a very toxic world and our detoxification functions are significantly overworked. Our liver has enough to do without dealing with the by-products of a poor digestive system. 
  8. You’re not hungry for breakfast. I see this scenario often! Do you find yourself eating a really large dinner, late in the evening, and then you don’t feel hungry for breakfast? You may not be hungry because your dinner is still processing and digesting upon waking in the morning due to low stomach acid.
  9. You get sleepy after meals. Becoming sleepy after meals can mean a number of things: blood sugar dysregulation, poor sleep, improper macronutrient balance, or inadequate digestion. It takes a lot of energy to digest, so if digestion is not optimal it will put more responsibility on other body systems. Feeling energized after eating is normal if good digestion is occurring.
  10.  You have undigested food in your stools. HCL triggers the release of pancreatic enzymes that help to finish the breakdown of food once it gets into the small intestine. If not enough enzymes are secreted, you won’t finish breaking down your food and will see undigested food in your stool.

What is the optimal low stomach acid treatment?

If you suspect you have hypochlorhydria, minor tweaks are often all that’s needed to boost HCL levels naturally. For others, more targeted support is required. I don’t advise that people take significant hypochlorhydria treatment into their own hands. You should only supplement HCL under the supervision of a health practitioner, and you should never do so if you have an ulcer, gastritis, or take prescription antacids.

Action Steps You Can Take At Home:

There is no one hypochlorhydria diet that I recommend for everyone. Instead, for those with mild hypochlorhydria symptoms I often suggest beginning with the following simple and enjoyable digestive supports.

  • Drink a small glass of room temperature water with ½- 1 Tbsp raw organic apple cider vinegar before meals. This stimulates the digestive process and encourages your stomach to secrete stomach acid. (Note: if doing this produces a burning sensation in your gut, stop: this is not for you.)
  • Try taking Swedish Bitters before meals, just like your great grandma did. Bitters work along the same lines as the apple cider vinegar – the bitter taste stimulates the digestive process.
  • Eat sitting down, slowly, in a relaxed state. Digestion involves the connection between your parasympathetic nervous system and your gut, meaning that it only happens when you’re in a relaxed state. If you’re under stress, your digestion is compromised. Digestion actually begins in your brain!
  • Give yourself some time to digest and take a light walk; don’t rush right into the next activity. It’s no coincidence that many cultures (with the exception of the US) enjoy relaxation after a meal. You don’t need a whole afternoon siesta, but a nice 10-15-minute stroll after lunch would be a nice gift to your gut.
  • Eat your last meal of the day at least 2-3 hours before you go to bed. This gives your body time to digest before lying down.

It is important to remember that each of us is unique. It is all too easy to pin our symptoms on just one thing, like low stomach acid or a food sensitivity. Often it may be more complex, and that is why I am here to help you address hypochlorhydria in a way that is best for you …or partner with you to get to the ‘root cause’ of your struggle so you can thrive in life 🙂 .

4 Science-Based Benefits of Practicing Gratitude… All Season Long!

Gratitude.

Gratitude helps me stay grounded while supporting my health goals. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to be reminded of this practice. Gratitude IS indeed a practice, since it takes intention and mindfulness.

As you enjoy delicious food, family time, making memories, travel, and opportunities to give back, seek ways to embrace gratitude! While most of us have good intentions for gratitude throughout the year, it is easy to slip out of focus. 

Surprisingly, only 20 percent of Americans rate gratitude as a positive, constructive emotion.  Expressing gratitude isn’t just a nice thing to do – it is one of the most basic things you can do to transform your life, and there is no better time to start!

4 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude 

Just in case you need some actual research and extra motivation after the Thanksgiving season, here are scientifically-proven benefits of practicing gratitude.

  1. Practicing gratitude will make you happier than money or “stuff.”  It is so easy to focus our attention on what we “don’t have” and strive “to get.” Concentrating our attention on what we actually “have” will impact our overall happiness more than pursuing  money or  material objects. For example, the act of using a gratitude journal each day for a month has been shown to have a 10 percent increase on subjective happiness. Believe it or not, that’s the same reported increase as doubling your income! The Gratitude Journal by Catherine Price is one of my favorites used in the JBS Detox Program.
  2. Practicing gratitude makes us stronger emotionally. Not only does gratitude improve our self-esteem and lower our risk of depression, but it also improves our resilience and ability to deal with trauma. Additionally, it reduces toxic emotions like envy, resentment, and regret! Choose gratitude over negative emotions when they creep in. It can transform your day!
  3. Gratitude heightens our immune system (aka: our gut!)  It has been shown to support blood cells to fight disease and decreases stress hormones like cortisol by up to 23 percent. It also decreases blood pressure and heart rate variability. It is important not to underestimate emotions as a root cause that lead to impacting health.
  4. Practicing gratitude helps us sleep better. Gratitude increases sleep quality, reduces the time required to fall asleep, and increases sleep duration. In one study of 65 subjects with a chronic pain condition, those who were assigned a daily gratitude journal to be completed at night reported half an hour more sleep than the control group. In another study of 400 healthy people, participants who had higher scores on a gratitude test reported significantly better sleep. Consider adding this to your daily sleep routine.

The science is in: gratitude has a positive impact on our overall well-being. When you next get a quiet moment, consider reflecting on all that you are grateful for and make a list – but don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone!

With THANKS for YOU!   

Julie

What Is Gut Dysbiosis and What Can You Do About It?

The words “gut microbiome” and “dysbiosis” have practically become household terms as research and information about the gut grows. Just the other day, I overheard two women in a local coffee shop discussing tips on how to “get their gut balanced.”

Despite increasing information, there is also much confusion and oversimplification when it comes to digestion. The gut is complex! To help you stay well-informed let’s define dysbiosis and how it may apply to you.

Within your gastrointestinal tract lies trillions of microbes – bacteria, fungi, viruses, even parasites. This unique collection of microbes is known as your microflora, or your “inner garden.”

As with most gardens, the climate, temperature, and soil all impact its well-being. The garden can easily shift out of balance compromising the health of the crop, not to mention becoming overrun with weeds if not well cared for.

Think of this as your dysbiosis definition: an imbalance and/or an overgrowth of the weeds, aka“bad stuff,” in your gut

3 Ways Dysbiosis Can Impact Your Gut

  1. The most basic imbalance is too many unhealthy microbes in the gut. An overabundance of “bad” inflammatory bacteria, too much yeast (such as candida albicans), or an unwelcome virus or parasite lead to dysbiosis. To treat this type of dysbiosis, medications, broad-spectrum antimicrobial herbs, lifestyle and dietary changes such as including fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and supplements are very effective. The key is identifying and appropriately correcting the imbalance with the correct intervention!
  2. Poor diversity or not enough microbes can be the culprit. It may not be as common as an overgrowth but lack of or under-abundance of bacteria (even the good) can be problematic! An under-abundance may indicate that the lining of the gut where the microflora lives may be compromised and needs repair. Improvement may be achieved with appropriate probiotics, prebiotics, gut lining supportive supplements (like glutamine), and healthy bacteria-friendly foods.
  3. Your bacteria settle in the wrong place. Microbes live all along the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus. It is important they live and thrive where they belong, which is primarily in the large intestines (or colon). When they begin to overpopulate and take up residence in places where they don’t belong, such as the mouth or small intestines, they begin to create problems. One of the most common disturbances is SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). SIBO occurs when the gastrointestinal microbiome has shifted and the growing and thriving bacteria migrate from the colon to the small intestines. Antibiotics, herbs, diet, lifestyle changes, and even ensuring optimal thyroid and hormonal balance are important for correcting this imbalance and preventing reoccurrence.

How Does Dysbiosis Happen?

There are many different reasons why we harbor the microbes we do. Often, your “story” related to your life and health history can be valuable in understanding how or why the gut has been impacted. Birth history, childhood, food choices, antibiotics, medications (prescription and over the counter), life circumstances, stress, environmental toxins, and food poisoning – all can impact our microbiomes.

Could YOU Have Dysbiosis?

Digestive struggle of any kind suggests an imbalance or dysbiosis of the microbes in the gut. If you have stomach upset after eating, indigestion, GERD (reflux), heartburn, slow digestion, or bloating, it is important to address dysbiosis.

If you have bowel problems, like excessive gas, lower belly pains, constipation, or diarrhea,  then dysbiosis is the prime suspect.

Dysbiosis Can Be the “Root Cause” of Seemingly Unrelated Disorders

I work with gut dysbiosis daily in my practice. Many of my clients are surprised when I suggest dysbiosis as a possible underlying cause when they are not complaining of problems they associate with their gut.

As research grows, it is obvious how much the gut is involved with overall health and its influence on our body systems and disease process. Dysbiosis may be silent gut-wise, while still causing trouble in other areas of your body. That is why, universally, I typically recommend a probiotic that fits the client’s unique needs as we begin to work on diet and lifestyle habits to promote a diverse, healthy, and a PEACEFUL gut.

Here are a few common gut dysbiosis symptoms:

  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Autoimmune disease/disorder.
  • Joint aches and pains
  • Neurological and psychiatric disease
  • Eczema, weight loss, and chronic fatigue
  • Weight loss resistance

Basically, any inflammatory process can be traced back to the gut.

To get to the root cause quickly, additional testing is often needed and valuable. Stool, breath, and urine testing can provide a snapshot of your personal microbiome. Results and information from testing offer a better “road map” on how to effectively address the dysbiosis with a highly personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan.

How to Treat Dysbiosis

  • Talk to your doctor for a referral to a good gastroenterologist who is willing to work with you. Also find a nutrition expert who is knowledgeable in gut health to partner with.
  • If you suspect SIBO, ask to be tested by your MD with a specific 3 hr. lactulose breath test. (Did you know that it is estimated that 60-80% of IBS suffers have SIBO?)
  • Take the FREE JBS Gut Assessment to see how healthy YOUR gut is.
  • Check out my 6-Month Gut Restoration Program, which utilizes specific, advanced testing to get to the root cause by providing a roadmap toward restoring the gut to good health. A blood test is used to evaluate the gut barrier and stool culture to determine potential pathogens and balance of microbiome. In addition, a highly tailored and progressive approach is taken, which involves evidenced-based protocols and guidelines, as well as regular visits to keep you on track toward optimal health.

Take good care of your ‘Inner Garden’ so you can enjoy good health – the ultimate fruit of your labor!

Your Partner for a Peaceful Gut!  🙂

Julie

Is a Food Sensitivity Making You Miserable? Find out how one client reclaimed her health AND love for cooking!

Food Sensitivities

Do you struggle with gut issues, acne, psoriasis, brain fog, or migraines?

 Have you been told you have leaky gut or IBS?

Food sensitivity testing may be something you should consider!  Helping clients get to the ROOT cause of their symptoms and health struggle is my passion.  This is just one test that I often use to get to the core of the issue…literally!

As you may know, the gut is truly the “gateway to good health”.  This is because approximately 80% of the immune system is in the gut… which is the largest area of contact with the environment.  When the integrity of our gut begins to break down due to poor health, nutritional imbalances, stress, illness, etc., the lining of our gut can become compromised.  When this happens it may activate the inflammatory response in your body in response to certain foods.  The purpose of the testing is to show which foods and/or environmental triggers are creating a chronic inflammatory response.

Acute inflammation is critical and helpful short-term for the defense of infection or injury.  However, with a food sensitivity… the immune system perceives food in the same way it perceived something that is harmful which results in chronic inflammation. By unknowingly eating foods on a regular basis that your body is reacting to, you set off this immune response. The body is reeved up- ready for a fight!  It is chronically activated, never giving the body a break. When this occurs white blood cells can release harmful chemicals and generate damaging free radicals (inflammatory agents) as they encounter  foods and chemicals that they are perceiving as “foreign invaders”.

It is often impossible to determine what food is causing a reaction, since reactions that work on the innate immune system can be delayed for several hours, even as much as a few days.  For example, you may have bloating, irritability, rash, or fatigue in the afternoon but may be reacting to something you ate at breakfast or for dinner the night before!

Food Sensitivity vs. Allergy

An allergy is a reaction that triggers the release of antibodies that results in immediate symptom onset. A true food allergy causes an immune response that can affect multiple organs and in some cases be severe or even life threatening. For example, if you have a shellfish allergy, you will know immediately after you eat shellfish!  Food sensitivity symptoms are delayed and are typically limited to digestive problems, but they can lead to chronic inflammatory health issues as well.


What Company Is Best for Food Sensitivity Testing?

In my practice I use what I consider one of the most accurate and well respected tests available today.  The Alcat Test is provided by Cell Sciences Systems Limited, Corporation,  a licensed  and  FDA complaint laboratory. The Alcat Test is the only test of its kind to have been awarded 3 patents.

The Alcat Test is an immunobiological blood test to analyze the inflammatory response of white blood cells to foods and environmental factors.  The test uses pure whole food organic extracts and all test substances are manufactured in a strictly controlled production process.  The facility is a registered FDA medical device manufacturer and ISO 13485 certified.

Clinical assessments of the Alcat Test used to guide dietary modification have shown significant improvement in many common symptoms.  The efficacy of the Alcat Test has been documented in more than 30 studies implementing rigorous double blind and often placebo controlled study designs.

References found: www.cellsciencesystems.com and I included some study referenced below!


The Alcat Test is designed to assess sensitivities to over 450 food, chemical and environmental substances. These sensitivities are shown to be associated with both acute and chronic conditions.

Chronic activation of the immune system has been linked to:

  •       IBS/ Bloating / Ulcerative Colitis/ Constipation/ Crohn’s Disease
  •       Fatigue/ Brain Fog
  •       Weight Gain
  •       Migraine/Tension headaches
  •       Eczema/ Psoriasis
  •       Arthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
  •       Anxiety/Restlessness
  •       Cognitive Impairment
  •       Attention Deficit Disorders
  •       Fibromyalgia/Joint and Muscle Pain
  •       Allergies
  •       And more……

By identifying your particular list of “trigger” foods and avoiding them for 3-6 months can help heal the gut and reduce and/or elminate symptoms.  One of the biggest misconceptions is that ALL food sensitivities have to be avoided forever!  This is NOT the case, nor is this healthy in may cases.  The key is to rest the gut and calm the chronic inflammation response.   This test can provide clarity and freedom to help you know precisely which foods are friendly or unfriendly to your body.  Together we take steps to be creative and find delicious meals and snacks to enjoy… while avoiding these foods for a time.  At the same time we are always working on healing the gut in our efforts to help you reclaim your health and achieve optimal wellness!.


JUST A FEW STUDIES….

Investigators Berardi L, De Amici M, Castello C, Torre, Giunta, Legoratto, and Vignini studied 48 patients who participated in an elimination diet based on Alcat Test results. They found that the Alcat Test-based diet improved symptoms in 71% of patients. In particular, symptom improvements were most evident in patients with higher symptom scores, dietary changes and everyday conditions. Presented at 30th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Cellular Responses to Food in Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Investigators Fell PJ, Soulsby S, and Brostoff J conducted a double blind, placebo controlled study on 20 patients which demonstrated that an Alcat Test based elimination diet dramatically improved symptoms of IBS and had a statistically significant correlation between an Alcat score and symptom provocation. Published in Journal of Nutritional Medicine, Volume 2, Number 2, 1991.

For MORE details on the ALCAT Testing – click HERE

Be sure to watch the Video and take a “Tour” through the Lab!


Inspiration…..meet Donna!

NO DOUBT…  it can be overwhelming when you find out you not only have more than one food allergy, but also food sensitivities and intolerances!  Such was the case for one of my clients.  Donna was one of those lovely southern women who always wore a beautiful smile, was ready with a hug, always looked put together, and just embraced LIFE.  However, sitting in my office many years ago, her world was flipped upside down.  Despite the cherry smile, tears took over as she admitted that she had a “love affair” with cooking and eating and felt her life would never be the same.  We worked through meal planning, how to modify recipes, and strategies for eating out.  I only saw Donna a couple times and I always wondered if she had found improvement and full recovery.  (Looking back, I certainly wish I could have delivered the expertise and the more individualized care that I now offer at my own practice!)

Guess what…. Donna reappeared in my life with a friendly phone call not long ago.   I immediately recognized the voice!  She had been looking for me (since I had gone into private practice after we met) and wanted to drop something off!  Well, I found out Donna not only reclaimed amazing health… but also reclaimed her LOVE AFFAIR with cooking…and wrote her own cookbook!  Four years of culinary creations in her kitchen and she released “LICIOUS” – Floribbean Recipes for those with Multiple Food Allergies that Just Love Delicious Food .

This is one women who when….

 “Life handed her Lemons ….so she made Lemon Quinoa!”  

(yes she did! – page 28 of her cookbook and it is delicious!)

For more about Donna, her story…and cook book.  Click HERE


 

Think Food Sensitivity and/or Environmental Testing may be Right for YOU?

Contact me today and let’s find out if this may help YOU get to the root of your health struggle!

Cheers to Your Health!

Julie

ps. I also offer many diverse testing options based on your unique situation and case.

A full listing will be available soon once the new website goes LIVE in July!  

 

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