Posted in Health & Wellness, Nutrition
Tagged autoimmune, autoimmunedisease, bacteria, brainfog, constipation, digestion, digestivehealth, fatigue, functionalmedicine, guthealth, hashimotos, hormones, hypothyroid, intestinalpermeability, leakygut, microbiome, nutrition, probiotic, thyroid, thyroidhealth, thyroidhormone, weightloss
There exists a growing body of fascinating research that continues to point to the gut as the seat of all health or disease. This notion has been around since Hippocrates, and thankfully appears to be taking center stage as more frustrated patients search for what they’ve been lead to believe are solutionless health problems.
We’ve touched on the various aspects of why this is so important in previous posts, and virtually everyday with patients in the office. Today we will break down yet another eye opening correlation between gut dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease.
You should know by now that the gut is home to billions of vital bacteria. The bulk of these bacteria are coated in something called LPS (lipopolysaccharide). This is all good for the function of these bacteria and thus us, provided they stay in the gut and are not allowed passage into our bloodstream.
The only way LPS gains access into our blood is if we have intestinal permeability or a “leaky gut.” This can occur for a plethora or reasons including gluten consumption (for everyone, not just Celiac sufferers), habitual antacid or anti-biotic use, or glyphosate (the unwashable, carcinogenic herbicide that laces your GMO food) exposure.
Once the intestinal wall is permeable or leaky, items that should not get into the blood and thus the rest of your body, get in. This creates an immune response and a cascade of issues from there. The test used to determine whether or not someone does indeed possess a leaky gut does so by determining whether or not these LPS are present in the blood, because as we stated they should remain self contained in the digestive tract if all is well.
The game changing correlation that has been observed in numerous studies is the presence of LPS in the blood and a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s; even Autism all have been shown to also carry the presence of LPS in the blood. To take it one step further, in many cases the level of severity of the condition is in proportion to the volume of LPS detected in the circulatory system.
For those that still have a tough time correlating intestinal issues to much beyond heartburn, constipation or diarrhea, this is yet another wake up call. The gut has been called the second brain and is in close two way communication with it via the vagus nerve. The linkage between the two and direct impact one has on the other is becoming more and more well documented.
As always, at this point the question becomes what are you going to do about it? We already know that knowledge without application is useless. Get ahead of the curve and be sure to build the foundation for health and longevity by fortifying, healing and sealing that gut if for no other reason than the fear of the devastating diseases mentioned above.
This is something we do weekly with those motivated and open minded patients, with exciting and hope restoring results. This is something we live ourselves.
As always, if you would like to learn more about this empowering knowledge or get to work on fortifying your own foundation for a better quality and quantity of life, make a move and reach out today (321-848-0987). It is our passion on both a personal and professional level, and we’re here when you’re ready to take control.
Posted in Nutrition
Tagged Alzheimer's, antacid, anti-biotic, autism, constipation, diarrhea, digestive health, flora, GERD, glyphosate, GMO, Heartburn, intestinal permeability, leaky gut, MS, Parkinson's, probiotic
ESSENTIAL SUPPLEMENT OF THE MONTH
PROBIOTICS
As we’ve stated in the past, it would be ideal to keep the number of supplements to a minimum while obtaining all the externally derived nutritional support from our diet. However, due to poor quality of our food source as well as the hazards we are exposed to, certain supplements would be advantageous to our wellbeing. A couple of months ago we started this list with a daily dose of high quality Omega 3 fatty acids. (https://clarkechiropracticwellness.com/2014/03/12/supplement-series-the-good-fats/)
The second supplement that virtually everyone can benefit from is a high quality probiotic. This term has become somewhat of a buzz word in the mainstream as more and more research emerges backing the benefits behind making sure your “good” bacteria is at a premium.
As with all supplements, you want to make sure you’re spending your money and efforts on a quality product. Certain strains of bacteria are more likely to survive the stomach acid bath en route to your intestines, so you want to make sure those are included on the label.
You also want to be wary of certain foods (yogurts are notorious for this) that falsely tout the added benefit of various live cultures or strains of bacteria. If a product is pasteurized, which most dairy is, the beneficial bacteria which they use as a selling point have most likely been destroyed by the heating process. Unpasteurized is becoming a selling point like organic or gluten free so if it doesn’t make mention of it, assume it’s pasteurized.
In addition to the immune and digestive benefits (which should not be understated) the gut – brain connection is a major reason why a good probiotic makes my list of essentials. We carry and take the brand pictured at Clarke Chiropractic and Wellness. However, if you have questions about another brand or supplement, your inquiries are always welcome.
Posted in Nutrition, Supplements
Tagged Alzheimer's, anti-biotics, autoimmune, bacteria, depression, digestion, flora, GMO, gut, immune system, intestines, leaky gut, probiotic, processed food, supplement
Clarke Chiropractic and Wellness 