Let's play a game of "Did you know?"

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.

"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 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 

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.

If proteins and fats aren't being digested well, it affects the body's ability to produce sex hormones (progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone) and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, This leads to decreased energy, brain fog, and memory issues, increased inflammation, increased symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased symptoms of PMS, perimenopause and menopause.

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 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. There has been great success eliminating pathogens using herbals and it is even more important to improve the health of your gut so pathogens can no longer reside there.

​

To learn more about leaky gut, click here.

Skin issues such as acne and eczema are very tied to the gut microbiome and each has a certain pattern of micro-organism imbalance and pathogens that are associated with them. And, if the pathogens are eliminated and the gut is healthy and has the proper balance of microbes, these issues often improve or completely resolve. This can be achieved with herbals/supplements and diet and lifestyle changes.

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 in the gut are more active at night and can cause sleep issues in their hosts.

​

Another interesting fact about parasites: they can absorb toxins and heavy metals to keep their host healthy, so when parasites die, the toxins are released and someone may feel worse before feeling better. 

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 in supplement and food form aren't always good for everyone. Overuse of probiotics can sometimes lead to an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria which is actually not beneficial for the gut because it creates imbalance. Additionally, those with histamine issues should avoid strains known to produce a  histamine response and also things such as sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha because they can create an increased histamine response.