The Power of a Balanced Microbiome
Have you tried taking probiotics and other supplements, hoping they would get rid of symptoms related to an unhealthy gut?
I used to believe I could take probiotics and my gut would heal. After years of trying every probiotic under the sun, loading up on fermented foods, and feeding them good resistant starches like cassava, artichoke, green bananas, and the like, I ended up a bloated mess. And I still had symptoms related to my unhealthy gut.
Recent studies reveal the longstanding connection between our microbiome, mood, and stress hormone levels, and how they affect one another. Probiotics can actually be super helpful when we do things right.
Diversity is essential for both our immune system and microbiome if we want to experience good health. Studies show that a lack of diversity in the gut microbiome can result from poor dietary and lifestyle choices, toxins, stress, and overuse of antibiotics. Spending time in nature, gardening, and regularly consuming different strains of beneficial bacteria can boost biodiversity and protect against pathogens, as well as support important metabolic processes such as cellular energy production.
How Stress Impacts Digestion
The relationship between mood and the microbiome is linked through the vagus nerve, which plays a role in regulating feelings of calm and relaxation, as well as controlling the involuntary muscle movements in the digestive tract.
The phrase “go with your gut” highlights this connection as the microbiome and mood are closely connected to many of the neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that contribute to feelings of well-being.
Since the digestive system is only one cell-layer thick, any inflammation or imbalance in bacteria can spread to the brain. This impacts mood, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Stress in the body can result from emotions, physical and external stress from injury, or even internal stress from infection, hormone imbalance, weak immune health, inflammation, and many others. Stress, both short-term and long-term, can have a significant impact on the microbiome by releasing stress hormones like cortisol. This can cause inflammation and inflammatory cytokines in the body, which may affect the way food is digested and the diversity of the microbiome.
Are Probiotics Helpful?
Probiotics have become increasingly popular and are now widely available. It’s important to consider the different strains of probiotics in order to ensure a diverse range of species.
One word of caution: Probiotics are typically beneficial, but in the case of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), they can cause bloating or make digestive symptoms worse.
Soil-based probiotics
Soil-based probiotics are gaining recognition as research suggests that our microbiome may be lacking in organisms that we would normally get from spending time in nature. That gives us more reason to spend time outdoors and grow our own food. These soil based probiotics:
- Can survive harsh stomach acid and support the removal of pathogens and maintain a healthy diversity in our microbiome.
- Support the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells.
- Have a positive effect on mental health and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- You can find one of my favorite spore based probiotics HERE.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a beneficial probiotic strain that can help remove harmful pathogens from the body.
- Commonly found in fermented products like kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut.
- Helps to improve symptoms of digestive conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, and lactose intolerance.
- Helps prevent urinary tract and vaginal infections.
- Reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium is the most abundant beneficial bacteria in the colon. However, their population naturally declines as we age.
- Supports the healing of intestinal permeability or leaky gut by strengthening the mucosal lining, and contributes to lasting digestive health.
- Help to support the immune system by increasing the production of antibodies and white blood cells.
- Has anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and eczema.
- Helps to reduce weight gain and improve weight loss.
A multi strain probiotic like ProbioMed 50 is helpful for getting a good balance of multiple strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
Saccharomyces Boulardii
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a specific species of probiotic that has been found to be beneficial in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and parasites.
- Has anti-toxin effects and has been found to be supportive against Clostridium difficile.
- Is a non-pathogenic yeast that has been used in the treatment of diarrheal infections and disease, and also influences inflammatory signaling pathways.
- Helpful when taking antibiotics if prone to yeast infections.
- A brand of probiotics containing Saccharomyces Boulardii may be beneficial.
Supporting Your Entire Digestive System
Probiotics can be super beneficial for some, but if you’ve tried working on your diet and taking supplements on your own with little to no results, you may need to take a deeper dive into what’s going on inside.
Creating a healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall well-being. Go With Your Gut is a comprehensive program that aims to improve health at a cellular level, potentially eliminating symptoms that have been present for years.
The important steps in this program are
- Cellular cleanse – to reduce toxins and heavy metals
- Implement a nutrient dense diet
- Reduce inflammation and leaky gut
- Rid harmful pathogens – parasites, fungus, yeast, bacterial overgrowth
- Fertilize and heal the gut to establish a healthy internal environment.
- Reprogram the microbiome and retrain the immune system to work for you instead of against you
It is essential for those with digestive issues like IBS, Crohn’s, Colitis, and Autoimmune conditions like Hashimotos and Lupus, as well as those with chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis to improve the health of the gut. Healing your gut is the best way to jumpstart natural hormone balance. This program is also beneficial for those who are told their lab tests are normal, yet know something is off.
Once gut health is achieved, the occasional use of probiotics can support biodiversity. It is important to understand the crucial role the microbiome plays in our health and to continuously work towards maintaining a healthy internal environment.
This program is for you if you’re looking for a long-term solution so you can finally heal.
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