WHAT S THE GUT GOT TO DO WITH IT? Did You Know? The gut is home to 80% of our immune system and produces approximately 95% of the body s serotonin a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining mood balance, appetite, sleep, and memory. HEALTHY GUT MICROBIOME IS ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTH DYSBIOSIS it s a word we all need to learn. It s the term used to describe an imbalance in gut bacteria, which contributes to a variety of unhealthy and diseaseproducing conditions. Anything that alters the balance of the gut microbiota antibiotics, oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, acid-suppressing medications, and corticosteroids, can harm the intestinal ora we rely on for not just digestion, but overall health. Other factors that can diminish the quality of gut flora include gastrointestinal infections, surgery, chronic constipation, a diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, and stress, which often leads to inflammation. GUT INFLAMMATION Gut inflammation can cause something commonly referred to as leaky gut which allows toxic particles to enter the bloodstream and these foreign invaders put more stress on the immune system as well.
GUT HEALTH & HORMONE BALANCE The gut microbiome also has direct influence on hormone balance. Approximately 50% of the estrogen couples formed in the liver are excreted via the bile into the intestines. The successful journey of these couples through the intestine depends on healthy microflora. Specific gut bacteria produce an enzyme that helps metabolize estrogen and eliminate it from the body. If the microbiome is not functioning properly, estrogen metabolites are not carried out of the body efficiently and this can lead to symptoms and conditions associated with estrogen dominance. Some of the common hormone disorders associated with estrogen imbalance include infertility, fibroids, endometriosis, PMS, and hypothyroidism. THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION In recent years the gut microbiota has become a major topic of research, and what scientists have learned has been astounding. The gut bacteria, often viewed as lowly little creatures, are actually quite sophisticated in their social interactions. In fact, they communicate with one another through electrical signaling and other mechanisms that very much resemble how neurons communicate in the head brain. Studies show that the role of the gut brain is to monitor and integrate gut functions, but that s not all. It also forms a link between the emotional and cognitive centres of our brain. Through a two-way communication network linking the brain and the gut, alterations in the makeup of gut microbiota can have significant effects on our health and well-being causing a broad range of diseases such as autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation-based illnesses, and mood or cognitive disorders including depression, memory problems, and learning disabilities.
ASSESSMENT Just as dysbiosis, gut imbalance has many causes. It also manifests in a variety of ways. The questionnaire on the right, adapted from the work of Dr. William Crook, MD, will help you determine what degree of dysbiosis you may have. For each yes, add the number of points to your total. DYSBIOSIS QUESTIONNAIRE GENERAL HISTORY 10 Have you taken tetracyclines (e.g., Minocin) for acne for one month or longer? 10 Have you taken, or do you take, antibiotics for infections more than four times per year? 10 Have you taken birth control pills for more than two years? 5 Have you taken birth control pills for six months to two years? 10 Have you taken prednisone or other cortisone-like drugs (e.g., asthma medication)? 10 Does the smell of perfume, tobacco, or other odours or chemicals make you feel sick? 5 Do you crave sugars and breads? Total Score
SYMPTOMS Vaginal discharge or irritation Frequent bladder infections or incontinence Premenstrual syndrome or fluid retention Difficulty getting pregnant Frequent infections (sinus, lung, colds, etc.) Allergic to foods or environmental substances Feel worse on rainy and snowy days, around molds or musty basements Feelings of anxiety and/or irritability Insomnia Gas and bloating Constipation or diarrhea Bad breath Difficulty concentrating (feel spacey ) Muscle weakness or painful joints
Nasal congestion Irritation of, or pressure behind, the eyes Frequent headaches Don t feel well without an explanation or diagnosis Thyroid issues Muscle aches or weakness Total Score From All Sections If you scored: Under 50 You are considered to have mild dysbiosis. 50 90 You are considered to have moderate dysbiosis. 90 120 You are considered to have severe dysbiosis. DIET AND LIFESTYLE TIPS There are three components to the treatment of rebalancing intestinal microflora: Restore beneficial microflora Make dietary changes to starve out harmful microbes that feed on sugars
Take a supplement that kills the harmful bacteria DIETARY APPROACHES TO DYSBIOSIS The objective of the moderate dysbiosis diet is to reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars, as these encourage the growth of harmful yeast and bacteria. Carefully follow this diet for an eight-to-ten week period. FOODS TO AVOID Sugars of all types, and foods that contain refined or simple sugars Dried fruit (e.g., raisins, prunes, dates) Fruit juices, both fresh and frozen Yeasted breads, pastries, and other baked goods (alternatives include corn tortillas and burritos, crackers (no yeast) or rice cakes, sprouted breads, as well as yeast-free and sugar-free breads) Alcoholic beverages, especially beer Cow s milk (use in moderation on cereal or in coffee; alternatives include almond milk and goat s milk) Antibiotics I usually allow my patients one cheat day a week, during which they can indulge in dessert or a few ounces of an alcoholic beverage.
SUPPORT FOR RESTORING BENEFICIAL MICROFLORA Berberine, with its anti-microbial properties, is a very effective supplement for dysbiosis. Garlic supplements, grapefruit seed extract, peppermint, oregano oil, and olive leaf extract all kill the unfriendly microbes (take for six weeks). The two most important friendly bacteria in our bodies are Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum. These bacteria are found in the fermented foods such as yogurt, miso, tempeh, kefir, sauerkraut, and fermented juices. A high-quality lactobacilli and bifidobacteria supplement provides greater colonization of the friendly bacteria. Daily use of probiotics is recommended during and after adapting to a dysbiosis diet. The dysbiosis cleanse program should be considered as part of your general health program to maintain a healthy balance of hormones for mental/emotional health. Karen Jensen (retired ND) Over the years my patients have been the fuel for the fire that has kept my passion alive in the field of medicine. By listening empathetically, I was able to keep in touch with both the art and science of medicine while staying grounded in caring for the needs of my patients. Although I am retired from clinical practice I continue to speak and write books, in order to educate and support people to make healthier choices to achieve optimal health!