Posted on Leave a comment

Advanced Gut Health: How to Handle H. Pylori

Have you heard of Helicobacter Pylori? Research tells us that this ancient bacteria may actually be beneficial for some, but for others, it causes digestive symptoms that range from miserable to lethal.

An active H. Pylori infection can go unnoticed for years, so uncovering this crafty bacteria early is the key to avoiding complications down the road. The good news is that H. Pylori is relatively simple to treat once it has been diagnosed. With the help of your doctor, you can combat this tricky bug and restore your gut to ideal functioning.

What Is H. Pylori?

Helicobacter Pylori is a small, spiral-shaped bacteria often seen in the gut. This unassuming bug is quite common and often asymptomatic. It can even be considered a “normal” member of the gut flora. However, when your gut balance is off and H.Pylori proliferate unchecked, it can lead to disastrous results such as ulcers and even cancer.

A Very Common Bacteria

While widespread, many people aren’t aware they have Helicobacter Pylori. Its asymptomatic nature makes it very easy for it to hide. Many times the infection occurs in childhood and persists untreated. It is estimated that up to 50% of people have H. Pylori in their gut. (In developing countries, this number jumps even higher — up to 70%.)

What Damage can H. Pylori Cause?

Beneath the surface, H. Pylori causes chronic low-grade inflammation in the lining of the digestive system it inhabits. Eventually, this inflammation (called gastritis) starts causing symptoms such as an upset stomach, pain, hiccups, or belching.

Peptic Ulcer

In 10-15% of cases, an H. Pylori infection can develop into a gastric (aka peptic) ulcer. Symptoms of a gastric ulcer include:

  • Dull, sharp, or burning pain in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss

Stomach Cancer

This pervasive bacteria is uniquely capable of causing cancer growth. Infections of H. Pylori are the single greatest risk factor for developing gastric cancer. MALT lymphoma (a lymphatic cancer associated with the mucous membrane of the stomach) is also a major concern.

Long Term Health Consequences of H. Pylori

Our bodies respond to an H. Pylori attack by creating inflammation. In some cases, this inflammatory response can lead to insulin resistance, iron-deficiency anemia, or heart disease.

Through this inflammatory process, H. Pylori has also been linked to leaky gut, skin diseases, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

How Do You Get H. Pylori?

Kissing

For many, H. Pylori transmission occurs orally. The infection is transferred by sharing unwashed utensils or kissing (called an “oral-oral route of transmission”). Sexual transmission is also possible.

Contaminated Water

Another method of transmission is water that has been contaminated with fecal matter and is unknowingly swallowed – this can happen when swimming in lakes or streams.

Animals

Interestingly, H. Pylori is a zoonotic bacteria; it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Sheep, goats, cows, and cats can transfer the infection via both milk and feces.

No matter the cause, it’s important to resolve an H. Pylori infection to avoid further complications. If you’re concerned you may have H. Pylori, reach out to your doctor for testing.

Testing for H. Pylori

There are several ways to test for H. Pylori:

  • Urea breath test
  • Stool antigen test
  • Scope test and biopsy
  • Blood testing

Breath Testing

The urea breath test is the most common method of diagnosing an H. Pylori infection. Carbon molecules are placed in a liquid, pill, or pudding solution and ingested by the patient. If Helicobacter pylori are present, the tagged carbon is released by the bacteria’s urease enzymes during digestion. The carbon is then detectable in your breath.

Stool Testing

A stool antigen test can determine if H. Pylori antigens are present in your digestive tract. (An antigen is a foreign particle that stimulates our immune system.) There are numerous types of stool tests, but it is important to make sure that your antigen test specifically confirms the presence of H. Pylori bacteria.

While a urea breath test or stool antigen test are preferred for detecting H. Pylori, there are other methods:

Biopsy

Your doctor can take a biopsy after placing a scope into your digestive tract. This small sample of tissue is then sent to a lab for investigation. While invasive, a biopsy can definitively diagnose H. Pylori.

Blood

Blood testing is the least effective method of uncovering or keeping track of an ongoing H. Pylori infection. This is because our immune system develops antibodies to fight antigens that remain in the blood long after the infection clears.

So a blood sample can’t distinguish between previous infections or a current case of H. Pylori.

How Does H. Pylori Survive?

H. Pylori Alters Stomach Acidity

H. Pylori is a hardy bacteria that has adapted to survive by changing the high acidity of the stomach. The urease enzyme released by H. Pylori (mentioned above) alters your stomach acid to create a more favorable environment. By reducing this acidity, thereby reducing how effective the stomach is at initiating the digestive process, the bacteria can survive comfortably in your gut.

H. Pylori Burrows Into the Gut Lining

H. Pylori is also mobile. A long whip-like tail — called a flagellate — helps the bacteria careen toward the gut lining. Once it lands, this acidophilic (acid-loving) bacteria burrows deep into the lining of the stomach and locks in place, quickly colonizing the gut lining.

How Does H. Pylori Spread In the Body?

From the safety of the gut lining, H. Pylori releases toxins. These toxins attack and kill stomach cells. But the bacteria doesn’t stop there. It detaches from its previous position and migrates forward to kill more cells. One by one, holes begin to form in the gut lining.

Our immune system notices and fights back. This leads to more inflammation and gut damage.

While H. Pylori largely inhabits the lower portion of the stomach (the antrum), it can also make its way to the intestines. The duodenum, the first portion of the small intestine that is closest to the stomach, is often affected.

How Do You Treat H. Pylori?

Step 1: See Your MD

It can be tricky to treat an H. Pylori infection as this bacteria is very adaptable. To combat the potential for resistance, a cocktail of multiple antibiotics under the supervision of your medical doctor is usually necessary. Treatment varies considerably depending on whether the infection has progressed to peptic ulcers or other gastric issues.

Step 2: Once H. Pylori is Gone, the Healing Starts

Once you have successfully eradicated the problem, it is vital to do the necessary work to bring your body back into balance. A Functional Doctor can help you to replenish your gut microbiome after the heavy antibiotic treatment.

Your practitioner is also well equipped to help soothe and heal the damage H. Pylori may have caused to the lining of your stomach and small intestine, as well as uncovering and addressing any auto-immune issues that may have developed.

If you suspect you have H. Pylori, don’t hesitate to contact your health care professional. Working in conjunction with your medical doctor and functional medicine doctor is your best line of defence for eradicating the bacteria and preventing serious damage.

References:

Bravo D, Hoare A, Soto C, Valenzuela MA, Quest AF. Helicobacter pylori in human health and disease: Mechanisms for local gastric and systemic effects. World J Gastroenterol. 2018;24(28):3071-3089. doi:10.3748/wjg.v24.i28.3071

Diaconu S, Predescu A, Moldoveanu A, Pop CS, Fierbin?eanu-Braticevici C. Helicobacter pylori infection: old and new. J Med Life. 2017;10(2):112-117.

Ghasemian Safaei, Hajieh & Rahimi, Ebrahim & Zandi, Ashkan & Rashidipour, Alireza. (2011). Helicobacter pylori as a zoonotic infection: The detection of H. pylori antigens in the milk and faeces of cows. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. 16. 184-7.

Parikh NS, Ahlawat R. Helicobacter Pylori. [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan.

Posted on Leave a comment

How to Approach Arthritis Naturally

If you’ve ever suffered from joint pain, you know how much of a headache it is. All the aches and pains of arthritis make moving your joints unnecessarily difficult, and the prospect of your symptoms worsening over time is daunting, to say the least.

What if I told you there are therapies available that are both natural and effective?

In this article, we’ll take a look at what the latest research says about supporting arthritis naturally.

What is Arthritis?

There are a number of reasons arthritis can develop: from autoimmunity to gout, infectious bacteria, and even Lyme disease… the list goes on, and there are as many varying symptoms as there are causes.

Today, we’ll focus on the two main categories of arthritic pain:

  • Autoimmune
  • Degenerative

Autoimmune Arthritis

Autoimmune arthritis is what we see in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Lupus.

These conditions are systemic — meaning the entire body is affected. Inflammation courses throughout the body and disturbs the delicate joint cavity. Often, the body’s own immune system malfunctions and directs excessive inflammation to the joints.

Antibodies Attack Your Own Tissues

In rheumatoid arthritis, an auto-antibody (called rheumatoid factor) is created which mistakenly attacks one of the body’s natural antibodies: IgG. Only a portion of IgG is targeted, but it leads to a larger problem: cross-reactivity – an antibody attack on your own tissues.

Once this auto-antibody attack has occurred in the body once, rheumatoid factor can no longer distinguish between IgG and the synovial membrane of the joint. As a result, the joint itself will be slowly destroyed.

How Autoimmune Arthritis Progresses

Autoimmune types of arthritis often affect joints symmetrically (meaning both sides of the body are equally affected). This chronic disease leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range-of-motion in multiple joints. But it may start slowly with just a few small joints – stiffness in the hands is a typical early symptom.

If you have autoimmune arthritis, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to obtain a diagnosis and develop an ongoing maintenance and prevention plan. Some arthritic conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can be life-threatening.

Degenerative Arthritis (aka Osteoarthritis)

Degenerative joint disease — or osteoarthritis — is the most common disorder of the joints, occurring in about 10% of people over the age of 60.

Why Do Some People Develop Osteoarthritis?

Previous Joint Issues

Often considered an “inevitable” part of aging, osteoarthritis is a bit of a misnomer. While there is inflammation (hence the “-itis”), the inflammation occurs after joint damage or in a naturally malformed joint.

Metabolic Conditions

Most people suffering from osteoarthritis typically have no precursing conditions. It can, however, develop as a result of metabolic disorders (such as diabetes).

How Does OA Attack the Joints?

The wear and tear seen in degenerative joint disease targets the “hyaline cartilage”, which is there to ensure friction-free movement and proper dispersal of weight across the bone.

Protective chondrocytes

For years, this damage is mitigated by chondrocytes. These helpful little cells replace the worn-out cartilage with fresh, strong hyaline cartilage. As we age, however, it’s hard for them to keep up.

Conventional Treatments for Osteoarthritis Increase Degeneration

It’s common for doctors to prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for arthritic pain. Unfortunately, these NSAIDS prevent chondrocyte formation — this only exacerbates the loss of cartilage.

So what other therapies are there to treat arthritis?

We’re glad you asked!

Supporting Arthritis with Functional Medicine

While conventional treatment options for your arthritis may differ depending on whether it’s autoimmune or degenerative, some natural therapies prove helpful regardless of the type of arthritis causing the pain. We’ll go over a few of these today.

Arthritis is different for everybody, and every body is unique, so make sure you talk to your Functional doctor to determine which options are best for you.

Herbal Support for Arthritis

Anti-inflammatory Herbs

We can’t emphasize the impact inflammation has on arthritis enough. So how do we prevent further joint degeneration by inflammation? One of the most well-researched anti-inflammatory herbs is… (drum-roll please) — Turmeric!

Turmeric

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, has a well-established track record for fighting inflammation in the body. But the bioavailability of turmeric (how much enters the circulation and thus affects the body) is often poor.

Fortunately, recent research indicates how to get the biggest bang for your buck. You’ll want to take a nano-particle turmeric supplement.  Your functional doctor can help you find the right version.

Analgesic Herbs

Analgesic medications relieve pain. The same is true of botanical analgesics which come in all shapes and sizes.

Cayenne Pepper

Topical analgesics can be extremely helpful for your arthritic pain. One prominent botanical is cayenne pepper. Often delivered as a salve, cayenne pepper can be rubbed onto the skin over sore joints.

Essential Oils

Wintergreen, camphor, and eucalyptus also make excellent topical analgesics. The volatile oils in these herbs absorb easily through the skin and have been researched for their effectiveness in reducing pain.

CBD

One increasingly popular analgesic botanical is cannabidiol (or CBD). This non-psychoactive compound is a close cousin of THC. Found in cannabis and hemp, CBD is particularly effective as a topical analgesic for joint pain (especially in rheumatoid arthritis).

Navigating the new world of CBD products can be daunting for some. Feel free to reach out to your functional physician for help.

While pain relief doesn’t address the underlying cause of your arthritis, it can help you get back on your feet and into the world you love.

Hydrotherapy

Speaking of pain relief, one fast-tracked route to happier joints is hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy uses contrasting water temperatures to circulate blood and lymph throughout the body. Warm water is a vasodilator: it relaxes blood vessels (which lowers blood pressure). Cold water, on the other hand, is a vasoconstrictor: the blood vessels narrow and pressure jumps.

By alternating the water temperature, the blood vessels around your joint first relax and dilate, and then quickly (under cold water) tighten and constrict. By repeating this back-and-forth, you can effectively flush the blood, lymph, and inflammation that has accumulated around the joint.

How to Get Started with Hydrotherapy at Home

The technique is very simple.

Place your painful joint under the faucet or showerhead. Start with warm water (enough heat to make your skin pink). Once the skin shows a flushed tone, switch the temperature to cold — as cold as you can handle. Blast the chilly water for 20-30 seconds.

That’s all there is to it!

Repeat the warm-cold sequence for about two minutes. You may find yourself at the faucet several times a day. It’s quick, free, and easy to do when you’re in pain.

Lifestyle Factors That Can Support Arthritis

More than ever before, researchers are uncovering direct links between auto-immune conditions and gut health.

Gut Health

Recent studies on rheumatoid arthritis reveal changes in the gut microbiome (the diverse bacteria in our GI tract). Two species in particular show specific alterations in RA. The Haemophilus species are depleted, while the lactobacillus salivarius species are over-represented.

What do these changes mean?

In cases of auto-immune arthritis, it means that the gut microbiome may be involved in the development of the condition. This can translate into actionable therapeutic options in light of other recent studies.

Probiotics & the Microbiome

The use of probiotics to alter the gut microbiome, for example, is a hot topic in the health community.

Probiotics have shown therapeutic benefits for rheumatoid arthritis. Comprised of tiny exogenous bacteria, probiotics have immune-modulating effects (helping the immune system function appropriately) and can help decrease inflammation. Talk to your FD to see if probiotics are a sensible option for you.

Reducing Arthritis Triggers With an Elimination Diet

Along a similar vein, let’s examine elimination diets.

If you have autoimmune conditions, your food sensitivities can affect the overall reactivity of your immune system. The idea is that by identifying and removing food triggers, your immune reaction (read: inflammation) may decrease.

You can start an elimination diet with the help of your functional medicine practitioner. Your doctor can give you a list of foods that are potential triggers. You’ll stop eating these for a while, and then (one by one) re-introduce each food. Any sensitivity or reaction is noted and addressed.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Your doctor may decide to order food-sensitivity tests, too, which can provide you with a list of potential suspects unique to you which may not be on the list of typical trigger foods.

Some foods are easier to avoid than others. A diet plan can help you find the right recipes and natural ingredients to help you enjoy your meals while reducing the risk of an overactive immune response.

The Role of Exercise In Arthritis

When you suffer from joint pain, exercise and physical movement can be rather difficult. But remaining physically active is an important component for your overall health. It is important to try and stay active even with arthritis.

If you experience a flare-up of your arthritic pain, scale back your daily exercises. No harm, no foul.

Functional Movement

Functional exercise trains the body for the everyday movement and activities performed in real life and boasts many benefits for arthritis. It can delay Rheumatoid Arthritis disease development, according to recent studies. These exercises also enhance joint function and reduce painful joints, including morning stiffness.

Rest

In general, rest helps swollen and inflamed joints. If you feel fatigued, it’s also important to rest and recuperate. However, during these times, gentle range-of-motion (ROM) exercises help keep your joints flexible.

Final Takeaway

As you can see, there are many natural ways to support your body when suffering from arthritis. You have options! Functional and lifestyle therapies have been shown to offer significant, medication-free relief for those dealing with arthritis. Use caution when starting a new regimen even with natural therapies, it’s always best to work with a professional for guidance specific to your unique body and health issues.

Your Functional doctor can help you find solutions for your arthritis. Acupuncture, laser therapy, and even liver support may all play a role in your individualized treatment plan. Reach out for more details today!

References:

Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. J Med Food. 2016;19(8):717-729. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.3705

Mohammed AT, Khattab M, Ahmed AM, Turk T, Sakr N, M Khalil A, Abdelhalim M, Sawaf B, Hirayama K, Huy NT. The therapeutic effect of probiotics on rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Dec;36(12):2697-2707. doi: 10.1007/s10067-017-3814-3. Epub 2017 Sep 15. PMID: 28914373.

Wang L, Gao C, Zhu D, Chen LH. [Effect of functional exercises on patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2018 Dec 18;50(6):991-997. Chinese. PMID: 30562770.

Zhang X, Zhang D, Jia H, Feng Q, Wang D, Liang D, Wu X, Li J, Tang L, Li Y, Lan Z, Chen B, Li Y, Zhong H, Xie H, Jie Z, Chen W, Tang S, Xu X, Wang X, Cai X, Liu S, Xia Y, Li J, Qiao X, Al-Aama JY, Chen H, Wang L, Wu QJ, Zhang F, Zheng W, Li Y, Zhang M, Luo G, Xue W, Xiao L, Li J, Chen W, Xu X, Yin Y, Yang H, Wang J, Kristiansen K, Liu L, Li T, Huang Q, Li Y, Wang J. The oral and gut microbiomes are perturbed in rheumatoid arthritis and partly normalized after treatment. Nat Med. 2015 Aug;21(8):895-905. doi: 10.1038/nm.3914. Epub 2015 Jul 27. PMID: 26214836.

Posted on Leave a comment

Could You Have a Gluten Sensitivity?

Bread in a basket; could you have a gluten sensitivity?

The topic of food sensitivities has become more popular over the last several years, with gluten sensitivities being one of the most popular. Gluten-free foods have shown up in nearly every grocery store and restaurant, and more and more people have chosen to adopt a gluten-free diet. Many critics of the gluten-free movement claim that only people who have celiac disease should eliminate gluten from their diet, but research has increasingly shown that there is a large group of people (estimated to be up to 13% of the population) who have mild to severe sensitivities to gluten, often called non-celiac gluten sensitivity. There are also many personal reports of people feeling better and having symptoms disappear when they removed gluten from their diet, and experiencing the same symptoms again when gluten was reintroduced. Anyone could have a gluten sensitivity, and it often affects each person differently.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains including wheat, spelt (a grain closely related to wheat), barley and rye. Oats do not naturally contain gluten, but they are often grown in the same fields as gluten-containing grains. They also often share processing and packaging facilities with gluten-containing grains, and can become contaminated with gluten. This is why you should opt for oats that are certified gluten-free if you are avoiding gluten. Gluten-containing grains are common in baked products because the gluten proteins are sort of ‘sticky’ and can hold dough together, and give it the elasticity bakers and pizza makers often need.

Why is Gluten Suddenly Bad?

Some researchers claim that humans have been consuming gluten-containing grains for over a hundred-thousand years. So why are so many people suddenly developing problems with something humans should be used to eating? Researchers aren’t completely sure as to why this has happened, but there are several theories. One theory is that the wheat now being grown and consumed has a higher amount of gluten in it that it has throughout human history. Much of the wheat grown today has been bred or modified to contain more gluten because it acts as a natural insecticide. Another theory posits that in the developed countries people may be too clean, and don’t come into contact with the bacteria, fungi, and parasites that people in less-developed countries often do. Most people think the cleaner the better, but some research has shown that by not being exposed to some of these organisms, our digestion is negatively affected, and could be one of the reasons that food allergies are virtually unheard of in many parts of the world. Many other countries also consume fermented foods every day or nearly every day, which provides good bacteria for the gut, enhancing digestion and overall health. Some other theories include the overuse of antibiotics and the drastic increase in wheat consumption in the developed world.

Possible Symptoms

Many people believe that a food sensitivity would primarily cause digestive symptoms, but that isn’t always the case. Some of the most common symptoms can include headaches and migraines, fatigue, brain fog, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, depression and/or anxiety, and bloating. It can also cause dizziness, joint pain, muscle pain, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne, and potentially contribute to the development of certain autoimmune disorders. Some people have even had these symptoms misdiagnosed as medical conditions when it was actually due to a food sensititivity they didn’t know they had. This is why testing for food sensitivities is so important, because it can be difficult to tell if you have one, especially if you have had mild symptoms for years that you may not have noticed.

What if I Keep Eating It?

One of the common questions about food sensitivities is about what happens if a person continues to eat a food they are sensitive to. Since the symptoms often vary, it can be different for each person. However, when a person consumes a food they are sensitive to, it typically triggers an immune response that can range from mild to severe. This immune response can cause your body to create antibodies for that specific food protein, and it also causes inflammation. Inflammation can be helpful in certain situations like fighting off an illness, but chronic inflammation is what many experts believe is one of the main reasons for the staggering increase in chronic diseases over the last few decades. So, if you are sensitive to a food as common as gluten, you are likely eating it every day, potentially triggering an inflammatory response every day.

Can I Eat It Occasionally?

Food sensitivities do not care if it’s a cheat meal, your body will still react to it. Even if you only eat it once a month, it will still trigger inflammation, and can trigger symptoms that persist for days to weeks, sometimes longer. This is especially true for gluten sensitivities. If you are sensitive to gluten, eating it just one time can cause your body to create new antibodies against it that can stay in your system for three to six months, with some studies showing they may stay as long as two to three years.

How to Go Gluten-Free

Choosing to follow a gluten-free diet can be daunting, and it is often difficult at first. You may feel like you can’t eat anything because it seems like everything has gluten it. Unfortunately, many of the foods that the average person consumes each day contain gluten, and eating at restaurants can be particularly difficult. However, it gets much easier after just a few weeks. You do have to make some big changes, and getting in the habit of reading ingredient labels on all packaged foods and beverages you consume is important. (You might also be surprised at the chemicals found in some of these foods.) This may sound difficult, but eventually you’ll know what foods are more likely to have gluten hidden in them, and you’ll probably begin to remember what foods are gluten free without having to reread ingredient labels.

Gluten-Free at Restaurants

Eating gluten-free at restaurants can be more difficult because there usually isn’t a complete list of ingredients. Many larger chain restaurants post full ingredient lists online, so you can check and see what you can eat before you visit the restaurant. You can also ask your server about a particular food you are unsure about, and they will usually give you the information you need or offer to have the chef speak to you. Meats, vegetables, and fruits are naturally gluten-free, but be careful of any sauces or seasonings as many of them contain gluten. One example of this is hard-shell tacos. Most people would think that they don’t contain gluten because the taco shell is made from corn, and the rest is seasoned meat and toppings, but most restaurants use taco seasoning that contains gluten. This is just one example of things to watch out for when eating at restaurants, and another reason to cook and season your own food at home.

Cross-Contamination

In kitchens or processing and packaging facilities that use both gluten-free and gluten-containing foods, there is always the possibility of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when a gluten-free food like french fries comes into contact with something that contains gluten, like frying oil used to fry breaded items (which is why most french fries aren’t considered gluten-free). This is why restaurants will say that they cannot guarantee something is gluten-free because it shares a kitchen with regular foods. With cross-contamination, you never know if you are getting little to no gluten, or a lot of gluten, and it is virtually unavoidable if you eat at any restaurants that don’t exclusively prepare gluten-free foods. Choosing to avoid all chances of cross-contamination is a personal decision, as a tiny amount of gluten may not affect people with more mild sensitivities whereas it would affect a person with a severe sensitivity. If you have celiac disease, cross-contamination can potentially be dangerous, and getting “glutened” (the term often used to describe when a person unknowingly eats something containing gluten) can be debilitating. People with celiac disease have even reported getting sick from kissing someone who had recently eaten gluten-containing foods. So, cross-contamination affects each person differently, and is something you should be aware of if you have any food sensitivities.

What to Look for on Ingredient Labels

Gluten is hidden in many foods, behind many different names. When trying to figure out if a food contains gluten, look for these ingredients:

  • Wheat/Wheat Protein/Wheat Starch
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch
  • Wheat Gluten
  • Wheat Germ/Wheat Germ Oil
  • Enriched and /or Bleached Flour
  • Bread Flour
  • Barley
  • Rye
  • Couscous
  • Farina
  • Spelt
  • Bulgur
  • Malt/Barley Malt
  • Seitan
  • Modified Food Starch

This is not a complete list, but it is a good place to start. If you feel overwhelmed with trying to remember what to look for, you can choose to purchase only foods that are certified gluten-free.

Foods to Eliminate or Replace

Gluten-free diets have become incredibly popular over the last few years, so there are gluten-free alternatives for nearly every common food.

Some of the more obvious foods to eliminate or replace with gluten-free versions include:

  • Bread
  • Pasta
  • Tortillas
  • Cake/Cookies
  • Biscuits/Rolls
  • Crackers
  • Pancakes

There are also some foods that most people would think are already gluten-free, but in fact often have gluten in them. These include:

  • Soups
  • Cornbread
  • Sauces
  • Dressings
  • Chili
  • Cheese Dip/Sauce
  • French Fries (could have gluten from cross-contamination, or certain seasonings)

Testing for Food Sensitivities

Having a food sensitivity test done is the most accurate way to determine if you have a food sensitivity. You can try an elimination diet, but they are very strict and require consistent, accurate descriptions of symptoms daily, and closely following the elimination and reintroduction guidelines which can be difficult. Tests can often show if you are sensitive to several different foods, and some tests can even show the degree of the sensitivity. Our Wheat Zoomer/Leaky Gut/Food Sensitivity Panel Profile 1 tests for wheat sensitivities, wheat allergies, gluten sensitivities, and celiac disease. It also measures intestinal permeability.

Choosing to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle can be intimidating and difficult at first, but it gets easier over time. Although it can be a lot of work at first, it’s worth it to give your body a chance to recover from years of eating something you were sensitive to.

You can listen to our Is Gluten the Hidden Cause? podcast episode here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on Leave a comment

Heartburn and Indigestion

Chili peppers; acid, indigestion, and bloating.

Heartburn and indigestion are common problems that can make eating difficult and stressful. There are several potential causes, and the solution often depends on what is causing it. Poor gut health and poor digestion is believed to be one of the root causes of many common health issues including heartburn, and repairing the gut may be key to heartburn and indigestion relief. Healing the gut also has many other potential benefits like a healthier immune system, increased energy levels, decreased brain fog, etc. Let’s discuss some potential causes of heartburn and indigestion, and what you can do to help support your gut health.

Causes

There are several medical conditions and habits that can contribute to heartburn, indigestion and other digestive issues. Many people assume heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, but it is often the opposite. Low stomach acid is a relatively common problem that often goes undiagnosed. When there is not enough stomach acid, it is difficult for your body to digest your food, often leading to slow/poor digestion which can cause heartburn, indigestion, belching and bloating. Another potential cause is a hiatal hernia, which occurs when a portion of your upper stomach pushes up through your diaphragm and into your chest cavity. This increased pressure can push stomach acid and food back into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Hernias are relatively common and there are a few different types, and many people who have them are unaware.

There are some other risk factors that can contribute to the development of heartburn and indigestion. Things like a diet high in spicy and/or acidic foods, being overweight or obese which can lead to increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, excessive alcohol consumption, eating large meals, laying down after eating, and smoking can all contribute to digestive issues like heartburn and indigestion.

Possible Solutions

There are some natural remedies for heartburn, but it often depends on what is causing it. If the cause is low stomach acid, then increasing the stomach acid through supplementation with betaine may help. If the cause is due to a diet high in spicy and acidic foods, decreasing consumption of these foods may be the solution. Everyone is different, and it often takes some trial and error to find the cause of your heartburn. Some other things that may help include losing weight if you are overweight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake. Avoiding excessively large meals, and not laying down or bending over after eating are also good habits to have if you suffer from heartburn.

If you frequently experience heartburn, indigestion or other digestive issues, consider making some changes to your diet and every day habits. There are also some supplements that may help, including GI Support as it contains deglycyrrhized licorice root extract, L-glutamine and several other ingredients that may help soothe the stomach. Digest Ease is another great product that provides almost immediate relief from acid reflux for many of our patients. Probio Ease is a great probiotic that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and help promote regular bowel movements.

You can listen to our Acid, Indigestion, and Bloating podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on Leave a comment

The Importance of Optimal Digestion

Easy-to-digest soup; the importance of optimal digestion.

With the rise of leaky gut syndrome, food allergies, and gastrointestinal disorder, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your gut health. Having a healthy gut is more difficult than it used to be due to the large number of environmental toxins, food additives, poor diets, and stress we face every day. Much of your overall health is related to or dependent on the health of your gut, and having good digestion is a key part of a healthy gut. Good digestion is crucial for nutrient absorption, bowel regularity, immune system function, and much more. Let’s take a look at the importance of optimal digestion, and what you can do to help improve yours.

Potential Causes of Poor Digestion

There are many different things that can interfere with your digestion. Things like being stressed, smoking cigarettes, and having a poor diet can all have negative effect on your digestive system, as well as other parts of the body. Consuming too little fiber and water are also common problems that can lead to constipation, bloating, and dehydration. One lesser-known habit that can lead to digestive issues is not chewing your food enough. Digestion begin in the mouth when you take a bite of food, and your saliva starts to work on breaking down the food. However, each bite needs to chewed into small enough pieces for the stomach to break it down properly. Eating too quickly and not chewing each bite enough can cause pieces of food to stay in the stomach too long, leading to gas and bloating. It may also make it difficult for it to pass through your intestines and can lead to constipation. Try to chew each bite of food, especially tougher foods like meat, 20-30 times.

What Can You Do?

There are some simple changes you can make that may help your digestive system function better. You should drink plenty of water each day which is about 2 liters for the average person, but hydration needs vary from person to person. Eating plenty of fiber in the form of organic fruits and vegetables is a great way to help promote regular bowel movemenets, along with the added benefits of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in the fruits and vegetables. Engaging in exercise and stress-reducing techniques, and reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking may also help improve digestion. Some people do not produce enough digestive enzymes to properly break down their food, so for these people, taking supplemental digestive enzymes like Digestive Essentials with each meal may help. Taking a good probiotic like Probio Ease every day is also a great habit to get into as it helps promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn may help promote gut health, digestion, immune system health, and mood. The health of your gut is so important to your overall health, so take good care of it!

You can listen to our Better Health Through Digestion podcast episode here. You can also listen to it on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on Leave a comment

What to Know About Candida

A table of sweets; What to Know About Candida.

Candida overgrowth is a hot topic and we often get questions from our patients about whether it could be the cause of their symptoms. While it could be the cause, it is often blamed for many different health issues that it is not always responsible for. There are many potential causes and symptoms, and it shares some of these with other conditions. So, it can be difficult to know if it really is a candida problem. Let’s go over some possible causes, symptoms, and lifestyle changes and help you learn what you need to know about candida.

Possible Causes

Candida overgrowth has many potential causes, and it is not always clear what the cause is. While candida is present in nearly everyone’s gut microbiome, it can become a problem if it multiplies too much, leading to an overgrowth. It is believed that frequent consumption of alcohol, sugar, grains and processed foods may contribute to candida overgrowth. Overuse of antiobiotics is another potential factor, as antibiotics can reduce the “good” bacteria that typically help keep candida under control. Chronic stress and certain medications may also contribute to candida overgrowth.

Possible Symptoms

Candida has been said to cause certain autoimmune diseases, sinus infections, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, and many other health conditions. However, candida overgrowth is not always responsible for all of these, and it is often not the sole cause. A candida overgrowth can manifest in many different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Symptoms can include brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, bad breath, food cravings (especially for breads and sweets), UTI’s, sinus infections, and many others. However, as mentioned above, many health conditions have similar symptoms, so having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have an overgrowth of candida. If you are having any serious symptoms, see a doctor right away.

What You Can Do

If an overgrowth of candida is suspected, dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary to help heal it and prevent it from recurring. Greatly reducing or eliminating consumption of processed foods and high-carb, sugary foods is one of the best things to help “starve out” candida. Candida is often said to feed on sugar, so reducing its food supply may help reduce the problem. Having regular bowel movements may also help.

So, eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables to get the fiber you need to stay regular, and drink plenty of water to flush that fiber out. Taking a supplement like Candida Support may also be beneficial. It contains ingredients like Pau D’arco extract, berberine sulfate and others that work to help restore balance to the intestinal bacteria. Candida overgrowth is believed to be a common condition, and eating a balanced diet low in processed foods and sugar is a great option for overall health. So, if you are not sure if you have it or not, just work on eliminating sugary foods and replacing them with whole foods like organic fruits and vegetables and good-quality meats.

You can listen to our podcast episode Candida – Getting to the Gut of the Matter here. You can also listen on our YouTube channel here.

Posted on Leave a comment

Bad Gut Habits

Potato chips as an example of bad gut habits.

Gut health is so important to your overall physical and emotional health. An imbalance in the gut may contribute to the development of issues like allergies, skin conditions, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even some autoimmune diseases and certain types of cancer. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help heal your gut and reduce inflammation, but how did the gut get inflamed in the first place? Let’s take a look at some bad habits that might be hurting your gut, and some good habits we can replace them with.

Processed Foods and Sugar

When we use the term “processed foods” we are referring to unhealthy pre-packaged foods that contain unnatural and unhealthy ingredients. Things like artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, trans fats, refined vegetable oils, high-fructose corn syrup, and MSG (monosodium glutamate – an excitotoxin) just to name a few. You can read more about artificial sweeteners and excitotoxins here. Trans fats increase LDL “bad” cholesterol and lower HDL “good” cholesterol, while vegetable oils corn and canols oils are high in inflammatory omega-6 fats. High-fructose corn syrup can increase inflammation and may contribute to insulin resistance, obesity, non-acoholic fatty liver disease, and some types of cancer. These are just a few examples of some inflammatory ingredients that can be found in processed foods. This is why it is best to choose natural whole foods, and always read ingredient labels on pre-packaged products.

Many processed foods also contain large amounts of sugar. Consuming too much sugar can increase your risk of developing a number of different health conditions. High sugar consumption has been linked diabetes and heart disease, among others. In addition to its affects on blood sugar levels, sugar can also increase inflammation in the body. It can also “feed” bad bacteria in our guts, allowing them to flourish.

Overuse of Antibiotics

Antibiotics can be a life-saving tool to fight off infections, but they can also kill off good bacteria. We have more bacteria in our bodies than cells, and these bacteria play important roles in our health, so it’s important to keep them balanced. If you frequently take antibiotics, it may be killing off too much of the good bacteria in your gut. These bacteria are still being studied, but researchers have found that some types of bacteria in our gut play important roles in synthezising neurotransmitters like serotonin. This is one reason why gut health is believed to influence emotional health. The bacteria in our guts are also a key part of our immune system. Taking a probiotic each night may help increase your good bacteria.

Good Gut Habits

We need to cut out the bad gut habits and replace them with good habits. You can start by cutting out processed foods and sugars as much as you can. Replace these foods with whole foods like fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, and good fats like coconut oil. Eating these foods will help give your body the nutrients it needs to work on reducing inflammation and healing any damage the inflammation may have caused. Consuming the right nutrients can also help boost immune system function.

There are also many supplements you can take to help heal your gut. These include GI Support Vanilla, SBI Support (available in powder or capsules), Saccharomyces Boulardii, and many others. Consuming organic bone broth is another great way to help heal the lining of your gut and reduce inflammation. Bone broth also contains amino acids and collagen that can help improve gut health and digestion.

Eating a diet rich in natural foods and low in processed foods and keeping your immune system healthy can help reduce inflammation which may help reduce your risk of developing many different health conditions. Getting rid of bad gut habits is a great step towards better health. When it comes to nutrition and lifestyle changes, every little bit helps. Healing takes time, but you’ll be glad you did it!

You can listen to our What Gut Type Are You? podcast here. You can also listen to this podcast on our YouTube channel here.