I did a talk downtown on Leaky Gut Syndrome and the importance of our microbiome this week. The microbiome is becoming a big topic in the medical community. In fact, it is the second genome project. Microbes are believed to outnumber our human cells by approximately 10:1 and have a huge influence on our body. The microbiota is a collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, living on and within us. The number of beneficial species living within us in a healthy population is thought to be ~85% good and 15% not so good. There are 500 plus species of bacteria in us, thought to add up to 100 trillion ‘bugs’.

These gut flora are influenced by geographical location in which you grew up in, diet and even your parent’s resident gut flora. With the number of individual’s opting for a C-section versus a vaginal birth (and this is sometimes a medical necessity), it is important to remember that exposure to some of these bugs is good for you. This is why it is beneficial to be born via a vaginal birth. Getting exposed to your Mom’s bugs on exiting the birth canal is good for your young immune system. Sanitation, of course, is necessary too, but not to the detriment of the microbiome. Some drugs can harm our microbiome, especially antibiotics, but other prescription drugs like pain killers, can be hard on these critters as well.

Our resident gut flora have so many jobs to keep. Their main role is digestion and immune surveillance. If you think about your digestive tract, it is your biggest exposure to the outside world. The tube that starts at your mouth and travels all the way to your anus is a big source of exposure to bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeast and many other bugs. When the contents go through your digestive tract that you ingest, your microbiome acts as a protective barrier to keep the good guys in and the bad guys out. The gut flora help us digest our food, synthesize nutrients such as B vitamins and K2, absorb minerals, regulate inflammation, and establish the proper immune response to incoming antigens. We need to thank our microbiome for all it does to keep us well!

We need to do our part to support our microbiome. Reducing toxin intake where you can have an influence is important. For instance, buying organic food, especially when it comes to the dirty dozen can be helpful. Avoiding processed food, artificial sweeteners and food additives can support these critters. Limiting refined grains, processed meats, sugar, and emphasizing the intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes in the form of peas, lentils and beans bring in the fiber needed to support the growth and diversity of the microbiome. Prebiotic fiber source examples include apples, artichokes, asparagus, garlic, leeks and oatmeal.  Intake of these make our intestinal bugs happy. Probiotic food sources are also important for support of these bacteria. Choose raw souces of sauerkraut, kim chi, organic tempeh, organic miso, unsweetened plain organic yogurt with active cultures, for starters. Rome was not built in a day. Choose one thing you can implement today to build a better microbiome! To learn more about your microbiome and it’s critical role in your health, book into see me at Parallel Health and Wellness in downtown Calgary.

References: Eat Dirt, Josh Axe; Nature 2007

I have been using Phytogens to treat my naturopathic patients for the last few years with success. Plant buds have been used medicinally dating as far back as the Egyptians.

Phytoembryotherapy is a branch of phytotherapy that incorporates plant embryological tissues (buds and organ shoots) containing the plant’s genetic blueprint material. These tissues are rich in beneficial phytochemicals including growth factors, enzymes, minerals, plant hormones, and phytonutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Plants and plant remedies hold a vital energetic force as well as biochemical benefits that influence and assist in healing the whole of the body,mind and spirit. Because of their organic nature, they are compatible with our physiology.

Phytogens are standardized to a 1:20 extract to ensure delivery of concentrated medicine to target organs. Each plant extract is also eco-certified and highly potent at a low dose making them easy to take and cost effective. Some of the most popular Phytogens that I prescribe include alert-gen, digest-en and intesti-gen.

Alert-gen is a great nervous system regulator for people that are feeling a great deal of emotional stress. This is common, especially with the degree of lay-offs in the oil patch and the state of the economy, in general. Alert-gen helps balance the psycho-neuro-immunological axis, what this means, is that it addresses hormonal responses to emotional hyper-reactivity; it helps calm the nervous system from stress to restorative rest. It is composed of three plant buds- Silver Linden (Tilia timentosa), Fig (Ficus carica) and Olive (Olea europea) which have a tonifying effect on the nervous system. This trio offers support for people that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, as well.

Digest-en is a great phytogen to help with digestion. This gastric tonic contains Black Alder, which helps reduce inflammation in the gut. It eases malabsorption due to insufficiency of pancreatic function. Along with Fig bud, which really targets emotional stress that affects the stomach,  this tonic contains English walnut (Juglans nigra) which is great for targeting dys-biosis in the stomach. In simpler terms, English walnut kills the bad bugs in the stomach and intestines. We exist with numerous other bacteria, yeast, parasites and fungi, but it is useful to have herbal support to keep these organisms in check.

Intesti-gen helps support normal function of the intestines. Because Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is in the formula, it is helpful in supporting liver function in terms of digestion and lipid metabolism. It also supports optimal pancreatic function with its inclusion of English walnut. Lingonberry, otherwise known as Vaccinium vitis-idaea supports the peristalsis aspect of the intestines, helping to normalize transit time of the intestinal contents. This formula helps with repair of the intestinal mucosal lining and general intestinal nutrient absorption as well.

Phytogens taste good so the days of holding your nose dosing herbal tinctures is over. Come in for a naturopathic appointment at Parallel Wellness and I will see if this medicine could be a fit for you. Until then, be well.

Reference: Seroyal Educational Brochure on Phyto-gens

I have just finished reading “Eat Dirt” written by Dr. Josh Axe. He talks about how our preoccupation with sanitizing has actually put us at a higher risk for developing chronic disease. At the root is leaky gut syndrome, which originates, in part, by our overuse of antibiotics, chronic processed food intake, stress, chemicals in our environment and working life, plus our need for fast living and the price of convenience, in the end, on our health. He talks about how all health starts in the gut and this is not a new concept by any means. I see this in my clinical testing that is done on the gut; for instance, testing food allergies on patients and seeing a high number of allergens come back makes me start thinking that leaky gut may be at the basis of this individual’s problem.

Treating the gut involves a simple five step program. The first step involves “remove”; removing food allergens that may have shown up in testing. Dairy products and gluten grains and in some cases, all grains, may have to be removed for the gut to fully heal. Sugar, hydrogenated oils including canola, soybean, corn and vegetable oils can also contribute to inflammation. Genetically modified foods and toxic chemicals should also be removed.

The second step is called “reseed” which involves putting beneficial bacteria back into the gut. He likes soil based organisms and emphasizes getting a large diversity of probiotic strains when you are supplementing. Getting exposed to dirt whether through putting your hands in garden soil or riding horses, swimming in lakes and oceans is encouraged as is consuming fermented foods and medicinal mushrooms.

The third step is “restore” instigated by eating gut healing foods like bone broth, raw cultured dairy, fermented vegetables like sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, miso and kimchi. These foods have lactic acid bacteria that help balance the production of stomach acid. Fermented beverages like apple cider vinegar, kvass and kombucha, coconut milk and other coconut foods are very good for gut health. Prebiotic foods such as artichokes,cabbage and chia seeds start off a long list of beneficial high fiber foods which feed and support the growth of good bacteria.

The fourth step is “release” which focuses on releasing stress whether it be emotional or psychological. He makes suggestions like having a lavender bath at the end of your working day, getting a massage, the importance of exercise, listening to music, forest bathing and the need for exposure to nature.

The last step is “reseal” which looks at healing leaky gut and restoring the integrity of your intestinal lining using supplements such as probiotics, digestive enzymes, l-glutamine, licorice root and slippery elm powder to name a few.

Dr. Josh Axe goes on to talk about five gut types that need slightly different approaches depending on the type you are. I highly recommend reading his book if you want to learn more about leaky gut syndrome which is at the root of many chronic health problems. Until next time, be well! Please book an appointment if you want to talk about leaky gut or any other health problem.

Reference: Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe