 The Master Endocrine GlandAs a gut health-focused dietitian, I find it important to address not only gut-specific symptoms and strategies, but to also look at the other parts of the body that impact the functioning of our gut. One of these areas is our thyroid health. The thyroid is a small gland that sits at the base of the throat and is considered the master gland of the endocrine system, as it directly interacts with every other gland in the system. This means that a healthy thyroid is essential for properly-functioning digestive, reproductive, immune and stress adaptation systems in the body, so taking good care of it has huge health implications. The roles of the thyroid include making and storing thyroid hormone, regulating body temperature. and regulating metabolism--this role is important for weight maintenance, but also determines how quickly our body processes food to use it for energy, impacting digestion. Good thyroid health is also needed for fertility in both men and women, and for development and growth of the fetus during pregnancy. In children, it is needed for proper development, both physically and cognitively. As part of the HPAT axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-thyroid), the thyroid influences hormone balance in the endocrine system, along with helping to maintain balance of the reproductive hormones. This little gland has big implications in the health of our whole body. The Thyroid-Gut ConnectionWhile we can see the role of the thyroid in our hormones and metabolism, the connection between the gut and the thyroid is lesser-known. However, the presence of a "gut-thyroid" axis is becoming more widely accepted, as the functioning of the thyroid and the digestive system are directly linked. Because the thyroid influences metabolic rate, it then impacts digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients, as well as gut motility, which is how quickly food moves through the GI tract. For those with dysbiosis, an imbalance in beneficial and pathogenic microbes, in the gut, slow gut motility can be a major factor contributing to overgrowth of pathogen, leading to diagnoses like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), fungal overgrowth, or H. Pylori. As with its influence on other glands, the thyroid helps to regulate pancreatic function, which can impact digestive enzyme production and overall gut function. Plus, adequate thyroid function is needed for secretion of digestive juices, from salivary enzymes to stomach acid production and bile flow, all needed for proper breakdown and absorption of food and nutrients. Every cell in the body has thyroid hormone receptors, and the gut is no different. The cells in the lining of the gut require thyroid hormone to work properly, which can have implications for intestinal permeability, lack of healthy mucosa and poor gut immune functioning. While a well-functioning thyroid is needed to keep things moving properly through the digestive system, conversely, a healthy gut supports proper thyroid function. Having a balanced microbiome, healthy gut mucosa, integrity in the gut lining and adequate stomach acid all have connections to a properly-working thyroid. Poor gut health can lead to impaired absorption of nutrients, which can lead to inability to make thyroid hormones, and nutrient deficiencies a major factor for thyroid dysfunction. The liver, which is needed to get rid of toxins and excess hormones, can impair thyroid function if not working properly, as the thyroid is very sensitive to toxins like heavy metals. Plus, much of the thyroid hormone is activated in the liver, and some in other part of the gut, so we need the liver to work well to allow our body to have the usable form of thyroid hormone it needs (T3). If leaky gut is present, particles from our food and environment can cross the gut barrier, instead of being excreted in waste, and cause inflammation and even an autoimmune response. Many thyroid conditions are autoimmune in nature, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) and Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism), so having strong gut integrity may help protect the thyroid. Healthy overall immune function is also necessary for protection from autoimmunity, as well as infections in the gut and the entire body. Poor immune functioning is often seen in both gut and thyroid conditions, and addressing this is necessary for the gut-thyroid axis to be healthy. The thyroid has very specific nutrient needs and is also very sensitive to toxins and inflammation, so it is no wonder why so many have dysfunction in not just one, but both of these systems, as they are intricately connected. Taking special care to nourish and protect the thyroid though diet and lifestyle may be a piece of your gut-healing puzzle.  What Can Thyroid Dysfunction Look Like?How would you know if your thyroid isn't working as it should? Some common symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (which can be under- or overactive) include:
If you experience these symptoms above, it is certainly worth getting a full thyroid panel run by your doctor to determine if an imbalance of thyroid hormones is part of your health picture. Medication may be necessary, but there are often other areas to address as part of your care plan, including nutrition, lifestyle facotrs and healing the gut. When there are issues with the thyroid, you must address your gut health, even if you don't have overt symptoms like gas, bloating or diarrhea, as you can still have dysbiosis in the gut without these symptoms. If you do have issues with the gut, especially GERD, dysbiosis or constipation, be sure to address thyroid health by getting labs done and ensure you are getting proper nutrition for the thyroid as part of your diet.  Nutrients Needed to Support Thyroid HealthSo we know we need to take good care of our thyroid, for our gut and our overall health, but how do we do that with nutrition? Well, starting with a protein-rich, nutrient-dense ancestral diet that avoids processed foods builds a good nutritional foundation, but there are also some very specific nutrients that the thyroid needs to run like a well-oiled machine. Many of these are inadequate in the modern diet, which makes sense when realizing how many millions of people thyroid dysfunction impacts. Some of the nutrients needed to support the thyroid are used in the synthesis, activation, or metabolism of thyroid hormone, or they play a role as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories as protection. Others support gut health to, in turn, benefit the thyroid. Here are the main nutrients of concern when it comes to the thyroid:
 My Top 12 Foods to Support the Gut-Thyroid AxisKnowing which nutrients we need can only get us so far, so let's put that knowledge to good use and get practical! There are so many nutrient-dense foods that can help to nourish the thyroid, but here are a few key foods to get you started on supporting your thyroid (and gut!) though nutrition:
 Habits to Help Support Thyroid HealthAs with supporting every aspect of health, diet is not the only change to consider to improve the health of your thyroid. This gland also needs protection from toxins, stress and inflammation, and there are some changes to make to the lifestyle to accompany dietary changes when looking to heal the thyroid. If you are looking to support your thyroid, here are some other lifestyle modifications to address:
It is important to note that diet and lifestyle may not be substitutes for prescriptions, but may be adequate for some to improve their thyroid health or can be used in conjunction with medication. This is why working with doctors and nutrition professionals in complicated health conditions like these is so necessary.  Do I Heal the Gut or the Thyroid?Because the gut and thyroid have a direct connection, it is a bit of a chicken or egg situation, so it can be confusing to know where to start when it comes to making dietary changes. The main thing to remember is that, if dysfunction in one area exists, there may be imbalance in the other, so expanding your idea of what your healing protocol might include is important. In short, you almost always need to address both--it is a two-way street. If you struggle with certain gut conditions, especially constipation, bloating or SIBO, then addressing thyroid nutrition and lifestyle strategies is essential, especially if these symptoms or infections keep coming back. Of course, other gut-healing protocols will be a focus of your plan, but you will likely need to nourish your thyroid using the foods and nutrients listed above in order to support gut health. Conversely, when thyroid dysfunction exists, especially when there is autoimmunity present (Hashimoto's, etc.), you must consider gut healing as part of your journey. You will certainly need nutrition and lifestyle modifications to ensure your thyroid is adequately nourished but also take care to address your gut function. Adding in strategies to balance the gut microbiome, ensure adequate stomach acid, seal leaky gut, lower gut inflammation, and support liver function and bile flow, all can be part of supporting thyroid health. Digging deeper into either side of this gut-thyroid axis is important, especially if you have chronic, ongoing issues on either side that don't seem to budge or improve despite your best efforts. In these cases, it's really time to consider if there is more going on in your health struggles.  Need More Support?When experiencing issues thyroid and/or gut health, it can be difficult to know what changes to make and even harder to do it alone. But you don't need to DIY it! It can be so beneficial to get support from a healthcare professional when you're on this healing path, helping to get the right tests (like your complete thyroid panel with antibodies, vitamin D, iron status, and comprehensive stool testing), implement diet changes to ensure nutritional adequacy, add proper supplementation and medication if needed, and use gut-healing protocols as part of your plan. If you think some gut-healing could be beneficial as part of supporting your thyroid and want help, reach out! Visit my website to learn more about my services, book a package or set up a FREE 15-minute consult to see if working together might help you on your healing journey! Sources:
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 So you know fermented foods are a MUST for maintaining good gut health, and you want to make your own ferments at home but don't know where to start...then this is the post for you! The world of fermentation can be scary to dive into, but I promise it can be easy and fun! I have been fermenting my own foods at home for over twelve years, starting with home brew kombucha in my college apartment, so you know you don't need much extra tools or space to start fermenting. First, let's talk about the kitchen tools you'll need to get started. For the most part, the utensils and gadgets will you need are basic items you may already have on hand, with a few extra pieces to make your fermentation process ever better. With the list below, you can ferment almost anything, from kefir and kombucha to sauerkraut and yogurt--and with so little cost compared to buying pre-made ferments at the store. Pair these simple items with organic, seasonal produce and other high quality, whole-food ingredients and you are on your way to homemade, nutritious ferments. Here's my list of 12 fermentation essentials, plus a few extra fun gadgets if you want to get a little nerdy with it.  1. Big Cutting Board For vegetable fermentation projects like making sauerkraut or kim chi, you're going to need a nicely-sized cutting board to have room for all your chopped veggies. You can opt for a wooden or plastic cutting board, whichever you prefer, using one that is sturdy and durable. I like a big cutting board for these jobs, so I can spread out and make a big mess that stays (mostly) on the board. I prefer wooden cutting boards in general, but keep in mind that wooden cutting boards must be cleaned and sanitized before using for fermentation projects and remember that they can stain easily when you are chopping turmeric or beets, or hold odors like onions and garlic. I typically use a plastic board just for fermentation for these reasons, but stick to wooden for all my other cutting needs.  2. Chef's Knife (and something to keep it sharp) I like to chop my veggies by hand, so having a good, sharp chef's knife is key for vegetable ferments. You could certainly use a food processor to do the cutting for you, but I like interacting with the produce, adding in my own microbes while also getting some movement in instead of having a machine do it for me. See the "bonus" list for more on using a food processor. If you are making mega batches of kraut, I totally get not doing it by hand, but for smaller projects, a good chef's knife is a must. Be sure to keep it sharp both for ease of cutting and for safety, storing knives in a block or on a magnetic strip--never in the drawer!--to keep them sharp even longer. Depending on your fermentation project, you may want a small paring knife on hand as well, so keep that in mind when stocking your ferment-friendly kitchen.  3. Other Sharp Stuff: Graters and Peelers Like I said with the chef's knife, I like to do things by hand. This carries over to the box grater as well. Instead of using a food processor, I go for the four-sided box grater for shredding vegetables to go into my ferments, such as carrots or beets. One of the sides on mine is a zester, which works well for citrus peel and ginger, but if yours doesn't have this feature, you could purchase a separate zester to play with. Less crucial but somewhat helpful is a vegetable peeler. I typically keep my peels on for fermentation and cooking, but if you like or need to peel your veggies before using, keep a nice, sharp peeler on hand for your projects.  4. Wooden Spoons Whether for mixing vegetables with salt, stirring sugar into tea for kombucha or using the handle to press kraut into a jar, a sturdy wooden spoon is a must for fermenting. Wood is preferable over plastic or metals for utensils, as it is non-reactive so you can mix more acidic foods with it, and it will probably make its way into most of your kitchen projects anyway, so it is essential to have around. You could even carve your own if you were so inclined!  5. Large Mixing Bowls Big mixing bowls are great for filling with cabbage and salt, then massaging the heck out of it to make kraut. You can also use them for brining Napa cabbage for kim chi and making sourdough bread. I typically use stainless steel bowls as they are easy to clean and aren't breakable, but ceramic or glass bowls work well, too. Try to avoid using plastic bowls if possible and have a set of quality bowls as part of your fermenting kit. 6. Funnels of Varying Sizes To prevent making (more of) a mess when I am transferring my cabbage into jars for kraut and kim chi, I like to use a wide mouth canning funnel. I tend to use stainless steel, but if you have a plastic one that will do. I also like to have a smaller, more narrow-mouthed funnel for bottling kombucha, kefir or ginger ale for their second ferments. Using funnels not only keeps your kitchen tidier, but I find that I lose less to spillage, saving money and food, which I love.  7. Glass Jars and Plastic Lids Once your veggies are chopped, they need somewhere to ferment, and my go-to is the Mason jar. So many of my ferments are made in glass mason jars, so I have a lot on hand at all times. My krauts, kvass, pickles, yogurt, kefir and even my sourdough starter all live in glass jars, so these are essential if you want to do many different fermentation projects. Now, if I am looking to make a really big batch of something like pickles, I will go for my gallon-sized ceramic crock, but even then I will sometimes use two half gallon jars instead for ease of storage and to be able to check on the ferment's progress. For making kombucha or jun, I use a gallon-sized glass jar that works really well, so having multiple sizes of glass jars lets you ferment so many different things. I love that I can see in the jar to watch how my ferments change over time, and also to easily check for scum, mold and yeast on the surface. The pint and quart jars are nice for making small batches when you are experimenting with flavors or have a smaller amount of produce to use up. For lids, I use the BPA-free plastic lids when I ferment in jars because they don't rust or corrode like the metal ones do, and they are a single piece, making them easier to clean. I ensure that the lid doesn't touch the actual ferment by avoiding over-filling my jars. You can certainly use metal canning lids for fermentation, but be sure to place a piece of parchment paper between the jar and lid to prevent corrosion.  8. Kitchen Scale I measure almost everything in my kitchen by weight, as it is the most accurate way to measure. Maybe I am just being a food snob (likely), but I often find better results with weight than volume. For making sauerkraut, the amount of salt required is based on weight of vegetables, so using a scale is really important for successful and safe ferments in this case. If you are unsure about purchasing one, trust me, you will find many ways to use a kitchen scale in addition to fermentation, like making good coffee or bread, so it won't just take up space in the cabinet until you are ready to ferment. I like to use digital for better precision and more units of measure, but if you find a lovely vintage analog scale, go for it.  9. Swing-Top Bottles If you are going to be making fermented beverages and you want to safely carbonate them, then I really urge you to get a set of flip-top bottles, sometimes called "Grolsch" bottles. The seal that the swing-top provides lends itself to well-carbonated, bubbly beverages like kombucha, water kefir and ginger ale, as opposed to reusing other jars that don't have as tight of a seal. I use amber bottles that are round in shape because the amber glass prevents damage from light and the round shape of the bottles helps to prevent explosions when your ferments begin to bubble, making them safer to use. These are often used in home-brewing beer, so you can find these through brewery supply stores or online retailers. A set of a dozen will enable you to make many different fermented beverages, keeping you hydrated and full of probiotics, with very little cost up front.  10. Fine Strainers Fine mesh strainers are great for removing tea leaves when brewing kombucha or for removing kefir grains once a batch is done fermenting. I like to have a larger and a smaller size so I can tailor it to whatever project I am working on, but I find I use my small one a lot more when I am making fermented beverages. It can also be nice to keep cheesecloth on hand to strain yogurt or kefir for making thickened dairy products like Greek yogurt or labneh.  11. Mixing cups and spoons Precision is important in fermentation, both for safety and for quality. A set of measuring utensils for liquid and solid items is key for a ferment-friendly kitchen, as well as probably a million other kitchen uses. You'll need measuring cups for sugar in batches kombucha or water kefir and measuring spoons for starter cultures, salt in krauts, pickled veggies, and more. Liquid measuring cups are needed for making brine, useful in kvass, pickles, and kim chi.  12. Fermentation Weights To keep your veggies submerged in their brine and prevent molding, a weight can prove very useful. You can see one floating in the pickles in the above picture! There are several companies now, such as Pickle Pebbles, making glass weights that fit into both wide- and narrow-mouth glass jars, to ensure everything stays safely under the brine. I also use them to keep small pieces of kraut keep floating to the top of the jar, or with pickled veggies that are larger and like to float. If you don't want to purchase specialty fermentation weights, you can use a smaller jar fit into a larger jar as a makeshift weight; in this case, you'll need to cover the jar with a fine weave cloth in leiu of a lid. There you have it! The twelve items I use very regularly for fermenting vegetables, dairy, and beverages. These are all low tech, electricity-free items, so homesteaders off the grid and apartment dwellers alike can use them with ease. Ok, so you have all the basics, but maybe you want a few extra gadgets to make fermenting more fun or easier...here are 5 more items you could keep on hand for fermenting fun! Food Processor Many people bust out the food processor when prepping a large amount of veggies. As I said above, I prefer hand tools, but with a mega large batch of kraut, it would probably be smart to use a food processor to save you some time. More "power" to you! If you have arthritis or another level of ability that makes chopping difficult, a food processor would certainly make fermentation more accesible to you. making this an essential tool in that case. This can also be handy for making fermented herb pastes if you don't have a mortar and pestle or to puree beans for a lacto-fermented hummus. Kraut Pounder (aka a "pickle packer") This item has come back into popularity over the past few years as a tool for packing sauerkraut into crocks. It is really nice for packing kraut or kim chi into a bigger vessel, but since I tend to use glass jars for my ferments, I tend to use a wooden spoon for my packing. I do have one around for when I need or want to use it, but you can get along fine without it. A wooden cocktail muddler would also work for smaller-mouthed vessels like mason jars. Airlocks Airlocks, which allow CO2 to escape your jars but no air to come in, can make fermenting much easier and fool-proof. If you are new to making ferments, it may be helpful to use one of these on your jar to help prevent mold or yeast from forming. I have used them before with success, but don't use them on a regular basis. People fermented veggies almost forever without using airlocks, but they can be a useful tool for newbies or those nervous to ferment. Ceramic Crock Earthenware crocks are a very traditional way of making sauerkraut and other fermented foods, as glass is pretty new compared to pottery and ceramics. Kim chi is traditionally made in a special type of crock called an onggi, so you could search those out for an every more authentic kim chi method. Crocks are also great to use if you want to explore more advanced fermentation such as making miso. Crocks come in larger sizes, from one gallon to over ten or more gallons, so you can make a very big batch of pickles and store them in your root cellar for the whole year. Many even come with a ceramic weight to fit inside and even some with lids. Just be sure your crock is lead-free, especially if it is a vintage crock. I started out making sauerkraut in a gallon crock and have since moved to the glass jars, but that is purely preference. Even when making ferments in a crock, I transfer them to a glass jar for storage in the fridge, which is why the jars made the essential list and the crock didn't. They both are awesome to have around! Plus, having a big crock on your counter will give you major homesteader points. Food-Grade Gloves I very frequently find myself wearing gloves when making my ferments. Not for sanitary reasons, but for whenI am chopping and massing spicy peppers or hand-staining turmeric in batches of kraut or kim chi. Also, if you have a cut with a bandage on it, gloving up is usually a good idea. If you only ever make sauerkraut with cabbage and salt and no other ferments, perhaps you won't ever use these, but I hope you get wild and need gloves sometime.  Now that you have stocked your kitchen properly, you are ready to ferment almost anything. Be prepared to heal your gut, nourish your family and impress your friends!
Have all the gear but need to learn some skills? I got you covered! If you want to learn how to ferment with me, check my website for upcoming fermentation workshops, both in-person and virtual! I teach classes on fermenting vegetables, beverages, cultured dairy, sourdough bread and more, so keep any eye on my website for classes that can help you reach your fermentation potentials...let's do this!  Parasitic Infections: Another Potential Gut Health DisruptorWhen addressing gut health, we often think of overgrowth in the gut caused by bacteria (such as SIBO or H.pylori infections) or yeast (such as candida), but parasitic infections in the GI tract can also be to blame for disruption in the gut. Examples of parasites found in the GI tract include: Giardia Cryptosporidium Blastocystis hominis Entamoeba histolytica (dysentery) Ascaris (roundworm) Pinworms Hookworms The term "parasites" or "worms" may conjure up images of underprivileged countries with lack of clean drinking water or farmers raising livestock; however, while these are certainly situations that are higher-risk for parasite infections, they can happen even in "modernized" nations and to those who don't spend a lot of time with animals. These can happen to anyone and can cause digestive symptoms as well as other significant symptoms throughout the body. Some common symptoms of parasite infections include:
Some of these symptoms are acute, such as diarrhea during an infection, while other symptoms can be more chronic, such as IBS, lasting for a longer period of time following an infection. It is worth noting that some of these symptoms can be cyclical, as in they can come and go over a period of several weeks the parasites move through their life cycle. Because it can be hard to pin down some of these symptoms, which can be attributed to many different infections and illnesses, testing properly to diagnose if they are due to parasites or not is extremely important. Some parasitic infections can not only cause the gut and other symptoms above, but some can cause long-term damage if left untreated, such as Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia, which can damage the liver and bile duct, respectively. This is why one of the reasons that testing and working with a practitioner are so important if you have any GI symptoms and especially if you feel you may have contracted parasites. Testing can be done using stool tests through your doctor or you can opt for an at-home stool testing kit (I use the GI Map) to see what infections, parasitic or otherwise, are present. This is the best way that your symptoms and infections can properly be diagnosed and treated, either with herbs or a combination of herbs and prescription treatment if necessary.  How do we Get Parasites?Parasitic infections can be picked up in many different ways, both in rural and urban settings, in poor or wealthy communities, with different organisms appearing in different environments. Those typically affected with severe infections are those living in or traveling to areas with poor water quality and unsafe drinking water. However, some of these organisms can be acquired from foods (such as undercooked pork or fish), pets and farm animals, swimming in natural waters, animal or insect bites, and even walking barefoot. Apart from drinking or swimming in contaminated water, most of these activities or settings do not necessarily have to be avoided, and some even have health benefits--I would never recommend not walking barefoot or petting sweet pups!--but it is important to understand they are risk factors and possible ways to "pick up" a parasite, especially for those with weak immune systems or compromised gut health. It is worth noting that many people can carry around some "load" of certain, less harmful, parasites with no symptoms or health problems. Some can either fight them off on their own or find they are not affected by these microbes, and some population of certain parasites may be considered normal. However, many people affected by these organisms will have symptoms, some severe and some mild, and do need to seek treatment.  Herbal Remedies for ParasitesSo what are some of best herbs that help support your body if you have a parasitic infection (acute or chronic)? Herbs that provide different medicinal compounds, including saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, have been used for centuries all over the world for their anti-parasite and anti-microbial activities. Many of these herbal remedies not only affect parasites, but also help control overgrowth of bacteria and yeasts, which often are concurrent with parasitic infections as, often, this overgrowth has a root cause. I typically like to address parasites before other types of overgrowth, though some herbs can be used for both. There are certainly more herbs that have anti-parasite action than what I have listed here, but these are some of the commonly used and more easily accessible traditional remedies to treat parasites, helping bring balance back to your gut. Herbs with Anti-Parasite Activity
I typically like to do a combination of herbs, as some parasites will be more affected by one herb over another. These herbs can be prepared in a tincture, tea or or capsules, but I have an affinity for tinctures myself. However, many of these herbs are not highly palatable, especially for a tea or culinary preparation, so capsules can be preferable for some. Tinctures with a combination of wormwood/black walnut/clove are easy to find, and this could be paired with an encapsulated supplement containing stronger-tasting herbs like berberine, garlic, and thyme oil or oregano oil. If herbs are too strong for you, consider homeopathy as an alternative as well, or incorporate foods that have been shown to have anti-parasite action, such as pumpkin seeds, raw honey, high fiber foods, and culinary preparations of anti-parasite herbs like garlic, onion, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric rather than their stronger remedy preparations (such as capsule or tincture).  The Root Cause of Gut InfectionsSince we can't avoid nature and anything potentially harmful at all times, whether concerning parasites and darn near all other aspects of health, is it important to understand the root cause of how we got to this point in the first place. If you experience chronic gut infections, parasitic, bacterial or fungal, these are often the result of an underlying imbalance that allowed these infections to take over in the first place. If the diet is of poor quality and the gut is not functioning properly--including low stomach acid, lack of beneficial microbes, poor immune function, and compromised gut integrity (leaky gut, lack of healthy mucous membrane)--parasites are more able and likely to become a problem as your body cannot fight them off. These health factors, paired with an overburdened body from our toxic load (personal products, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals, etc.) and stress, can make us more susceptible to gut infections, including parasites. I believe that getting infections of many types is normal at different points in our life and is part of our body's natural healing processes, but chronic infections like this that interfere so much with our health should be able to be fought off by a healthy immune system, robust gut microbiota and adequate stomach acid production, not allowed to take over by a healthy gut environment. This is why it is necessary to address these underlying health and lifestyle issues in conjunction with herbs when it comes to parasitic infections. If not, they will either not clear up or they will come back, because the environment of the gut is not able to protect against them.  Digging Deeper: Other Gut Support to ConsiderAs I mentioned above, it is essential to consider address the root cause of overgrowth and support gut healing in addition to herbal remedies when approaching parasitic infections. Incorporating herbal remedies, either alone or complementing prescription therapies, are important and usually necessary, but we must look at healing the gut in addition to these treatments to repair and rebuild going forward. Other gut support to consider in conjunction with herbal anti-parasite remedies include:
 Don't Go It Alone! Why to Work with a Provider on Gut HealthGut infections, parasitic and otherwise, can be very serious medical conditions and deserve the care and treatment you can find by working with the right providers.
If you have acute or chronic gut symptoms and have potentially been exposed to parasites, seek medical treatment find out what is causing your symptoms, especially to prevent medical complications. This helps takes the guesswork out of your treatment plan and gets you the right diagnosis--I cannot recommend against self-diagnosis enough! Testing, rather than guessing, when it comes to GI infections helps you know which microbes may be overgrown, (parasitic and otherwise), if beneficial microbes are lacking, and how to get right treatment, including if herbal/complementary treatment is enough or if you need medical attention and prescriptions in addition to diet and lifestyle modifications. Lastly, gut issues, especially those chronic, ongoing symptoms are stressful! By getting help from providers, you get not only help with a treatment plan, but also the personal coaching and support that is necessary when on a healing journey. If you want extra support with your gut healing path, visit my website to see if working together could be helpful for you, and sign up for a free 15-minute call to make your decision even easier! In good health, Laura  Celebrating Spring with Wild FoodsI know without a doubt that spring is here in Southwest Wisconsin because the ramps have arrived, and that is fantastic news! If you are unfamiliar with ramps, they are a wild allium, that have a flavor resembling onion and garlic. They have a white and sometimes pink stalk like a scallion, with wide, flat green leaves. Ramps grow on shaded forest floors, usually on a hillside that is on a North-facing slope. In recent years, foraging ramps has become more popular in the culinary world, so being careful while wild-crafting is extremely important to ensure we are able to enjoy these for many years to come. Read my previous post here for more on sustainable harvesting of these tasty treasures (and another great ramp recipe!). If you don't have access to a rural area where ramps are available, or are unfamiliar with foraging, you may also be able to find ramps at higher-end grocery stores or health food stores depending on where you live. Whether you forage or buy ramps, cooking with them is a reason to celebrate, as it is one of the first wild foods that emerges after a long winter. With a short growing season and only harvesting a small amount per year, I hold ramps very near and dear to my heart and always look forward to cooking with them in the Spring.  How do You Use Ramps?You can use ramps like you would most other herbs or alliums, such as onions and garlic. You can harvest only the green, leafy tops or use the whole ramp, including the white bulb, much like you would with scallions. I like to throw them into sauces and pastes, pickle the stems and even put the green tops on pizzas or toasted sandwiches. One of my favorite ways to use ramps is in chimichurri, an Argentinian sauce that would typically be put on grilled meats like flank steak or chicken. Chimichurri is full of fragrant herbs blended into olive oil, so it is akin to the Argentinian version of a pesto. I love this on all sorts of grilled, roasted or slow-cooked meat--beef, pork, chicken and fish all pair beautifully with this herbaceous blend-- and it is even delicious on eggs. This comes together easily in a blender or food processor and takes very little time and is truly our house favorite when it comes to sauces. If you don't have ramps available where you live or you want to make chimichurri outside of ramp season, you can easily substitute scallions, diced red onion or even a few garlic scapes if they are in-season. Wild Ramp Chimichurri
Makes ~2 cups Ingredients: 4-6 ramps, chopped (or sub 1 cup chopped scallion or red onion) 1 bunch cilantro, chopped--about 2 cups) 1 bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped--about 2 cups 4 cloves garlic, diced 1/2-1 jalapeno pepper, diced (can use more pepper or try a hotter pepper if you like more spice) Zest and juice of 1 lime 2 Tbs red wine vinegar 1 Tbs dried oregano 2 tsp dried basil 1 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/2-3/4 cup olive oil Directions: 1. In a blender or food processor, pulse together all of the ingredients except for the olive oil, until the mixture has become roughly chopped. 2. With the blender running, drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture comes together into a smooth paste. If you want a thicker paste, use about 1/2 cup of olive oil, or increase this to 3/4 cup for a thinner sauce. 3. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use, where it will keep for 2 weeks in the fridge. Alternately, you can make a double batch and freeze extra to use later.  When people are looking to heal their digestion, the first place they tend to look is food. Don't get me wrong, I believe that nutrient-dense, traditional foods are one of the keys to achieving and maintaining gut health. However, it is just as essential to understand that there are so many other ways to help your gut that are not centered around nutrition, and that these areas must be addressed when we look to start on a gut-healing protocol. This holistic understanding of the gut-healing process can be a relief to many who find this journey to be an uphill battle with food. While healing diets and changing our food choices can help our microbiome and other digestive health factors, this excessive focus on what we do or don’t eat can often make us too focused on or even afraid of food. Elimination diets, though very useful, can also limit our dietary choices so much that we can end up with nutrient deficiencies or an overly-restrictive, unenjoyable diet, continuing this negative cycle. Also, we often find that just changing the diet--even to a seemingly “perfect” one--doesn’t quite get the job done when it comes to gut healing. There is hope offered, then, as well look at ourselves in a zoomed-out, whole-person way; as we look to heal our gut, we can find comfort in the fact that, in addition to a wonderfully healing diet, there are other ways we can help ourselves to improve digestive function, microbiome diversity, and more. I encourage you to look through my past writing to dig deeper into foods and supplements that can help with healing digestion, but I’m here today to offer some simple ways that you can start sending your gut a little love today, no special diet or even supplements required. These are all things you can do at-home with little to no extra tools required, helping to empower you in taking charge of your gut health. Here are my top 10 (Non-Food, Non-Supplement) Tips |
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Other Factors to Support Decreasing Dependence on Tech
Health outcomes are certainly my main motivation to remove wireless and Bluetooth devices from your life, but other reasons also exist. These devices drastically decrease your privacy, as they are constantly collecting transmitting your data, while also tracking your every move. They also inhibit your ability to ground and connect with the people and the tangible world around you.
Some measures we have used to increase our privacy online include: Turn off location services, microphones and cameras (or even cover the camera lens) on your computers/devices when not using them; ditch Google and use Smart Page or Duck Duck Go for search engines; switch to Brave Brower over Chrome or Edge for your web browser; use Linux as an operating system over Microsoft; and my husband insists on using ProtonMail over Gmail for email purposes, but I am still working on transitioning to this myself.
Removal of unnecessary devices also helps re-train you to communicate and interact more for real: make phone calls, play games with your family, do more physical activity (can you get up to turn on the light, or do you really need a smart lightbulb??), and get out more in nature, without so much assistance from and distraction by technology.
I am not necessarily against all technology—hello, I am typing this on a computer right now--but I encourage us to view it as a tool and not as a measure of status or progress that must continue to expand into more areas of our lives and become more advanced. I like to try and compartmentalize it as best I can: use it for work when necessary and for entertainment in moderation, choosing devices and appliances that decrease my electromagnetic load.
Some measures we have used to increase our privacy online include: Turn off location services, microphones and cameras (or even cover the camera lens) on your computers/devices when not using them; ditch Google and use Smart Page or Duck Duck Go for search engines; switch to Brave Brower over Chrome or Edge for your web browser; use Linux as an operating system over Microsoft; and my husband insists on using ProtonMail over Gmail for email purposes, but I am still working on transitioning to this myself.
Removal of unnecessary devices also helps re-train you to communicate and interact more for real: make phone calls, play games with your family, do more physical activity (can you get up to turn on the light, or do you really need a smart lightbulb??), and get out more in nature, without so much assistance from and distraction by technology.
I am not necessarily against all technology—hello, I am typing this on a computer right now--but I encourage us to view it as a tool and not as a measure of status or progress that must continue to expand into more areas of our lives and become more advanced. I like to try and compartmentalize it as best I can: use it for work when necessary and for entertainment in moderation, choosing devices and appliances that decrease my electromagnetic load.
Want to Learn More?
For more information (like, way more) on the history and effects of these technologies on our health, I encourage you to read the book The Invisible Rainbow by Arthur Firstenberg. He goes in-depth into the damages these technologies do to our bodies, including our microbiome and immune system, our mental health and so much more.
The Weston A. Price Foundation has a great series of podcasts diving into EMF information and effects, which you can check out here: https://www.westonaprice.org/podcast-category/emfs-5g/
There are also several great blog posts and articles on these sites: Children's Health Defense Fund, EMF Empowerment, and EMF Academy if you want to learn more about news, products, and steps to take to protect your health.
The goal here is not to be perfection or piety; the goal I am proposing is simply the commitment to better health through decreasing our electromagnetic load, in addition to nutrition, movement and more. The process of untangling from wireless technology may be slow I, but is necessary to support gut health and overall wellbeing—and our household is proof that it can be done!
Start with one step, a few or even all of them, doing what you can to gradually move away from incessant technology use and bombardment with harmful radiation. What steps have you and your family taken to help decrease your EMF load? Let me know in the comments!
The Weston A. Price Foundation has a great series of podcasts diving into EMF information and effects, which you can check out here: https://www.westonaprice.org/podcast-category/emfs-5g/
There are also several great blog posts and articles on these sites: Children's Health Defense Fund, EMF Empowerment, and EMF Academy if you want to learn more about news, products, and steps to take to protect your health.
The goal here is not to be perfection or piety; the goal I am proposing is simply the commitment to better health through decreasing our electromagnetic load, in addition to nutrition, movement and more. The process of untangling from wireless technology may be slow I, but is necessary to support gut health and overall wellbeing—and our household is proof that it can be done!
Start with one step, a few or even all of them, doing what you can to gradually move away from incessant technology use and bombardment with harmful radiation. What steps have you and your family taken to help decrease your EMF load? Let me know in the comments!
What Is SIBO?
An Introduction to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
SIBO is an acronym for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. This essentially means there is a dysbiosis, or imbalance of good and bad bacteria, in the small intestine. The gut, along with the entire body, has an invisible ecosystem of microbes, such as bacteria, yeasts, worms, and more, called the microbiome. A healthy microbiome is not only needed for proper digestion, but has also been linked to immune function, lowered inflammation, weight management, clearer skin, and even better mental health.
In a healthy, normal digestive tract, there is a robust and diverse population of these beneficial microbes, nourished by a healthy mucous membrane, which help to digest and absorb food in the small intestine.
However, in the case of SIBO, there is not enough of these "good" microbes in the gut and unwanted bacteria take over. This can be caused by multiple factors, such as a nutrient-poor, industrialized diet, chronic use of antibiotics or other medications, history of certain types of infections, poor gut motility, low stomach acid, hypothyroidism, and even chronic stress.
When the gut doesn't function properly, food doesn't get adequately digested and move through the GI tract as it should, allowing undigested food to remain longer in the small intestines This is where opportunistic, pathogenic bacteria can thrive and take over.
Certainly, everyone has some of these "bad" microbes in the gut at various times. However, when their population grows and there aren't enough commensal, or beneficial, microbes to keep them at bay, they encroach into parts of the gut where they don't belong. The beneficial microbes are then able to do their jobs, and problems in the gut will arise.
In a healthy, normal digestive tract, there is a robust and diverse population of these beneficial microbes, nourished by a healthy mucous membrane, which help to digest and absorb food in the small intestine.
However, in the case of SIBO, there is not enough of these "good" microbes in the gut and unwanted bacteria take over. This can be caused by multiple factors, such as a nutrient-poor, industrialized diet, chronic use of antibiotics or other medications, history of certain types of infections, poor gut motility, low stomach acid, hypothyroidism, and even chronic stress.
When the gut doesn't function properly, food doesn't get adequately digested and move through the GI tract as it should, allowing undigested food to remain longer in the small intestines This is where opportunistic, pathogenic bacteria can thrive and take over.
Certainly, everyone has some of these "bad" microbes in the gut at various times. However, when their population grows and there aren't enough commensal, or beneficial, microbes to keep them at bay, they encroach into parts of the gut where they don't belong. The beneficial microbes are then able to do their jobs, and problems in the gut will arise.
Symptoms of SIBO
SIBO can have a variety of symptoms, many of which are digestive issues. Some of these include gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, chronic pain, weight changes, eczema, brain fog, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies from malabsorption.
SIBO is becoming more prevalent due to poor diets and all of the industrial chemicals in our world, as well as our increased stress and disconnection from nature (a great source of beneficial microbes!). There is growing evidence that SIBO is connected, if not the underlying cause of, other digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with one study showing between 30-85% of patients with IBS also having a SIBO diagnosis.
The overlap of IBS patients and SIBO diagnoses demonstrates the strong connection between dysbiosis and inflammation in the gut. When bacterial overgrowth occurs, it can lead to inflammation and damage in the gut lining, with a lack of healthy mucosa (mucous membrane) for protection, which can then cause dysfunction and increased permeability in the gut, such as in the case of IBS or leaky gut syndrome.
Many of the SIBO symptoms can also be symptoms of other digestive issues and diseases, so getting tested to ensure you pursue the right course of treatment for your body's needs is important.
SIBO is becoming more prevalent due to poor diets and all of the industrial chemicals in our world, as well as our increased stress and disconnection from nature (a great source of beneficial microbes!). There is growing evidence that SIBO is connected, if not the underlying cause of, other digestive issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with one study showing between 30-85% of patients with IBS also having a SIBO diagnosis.
The overlap of IBS patients and SIBO diagnoses demonstrates the strong connection between dysbiosis and inflammation in the gut. When bacterial overgrowth occurs, it can lead to inflammation and damage in the gut lining, with a lack of healthy mucosa (mucous membrane) for protection, which can then cause dysfunction and increased permeability in the gut, such as in the case of IBS or leaky gut syndrome.
Many of the SIBO symptoms can also be symptoms of other digestive issues and diseases, so getting tested to ensure you pursue the right course of treatment for your body's needs is important.
Diagnosing and Treating SIBO
SIBO is commonly diagnosed through a breath test, using the glucose and/or lactulose breath tests. It cannot be diagnosed through stool tests like some other GI conditions, nor can it be diagnosed by symptoms alone. These tests, which are less expensive and less invasive than other tests for SIBO (such jejunal aspirates, the "gold standard" for SIBO testing), are measuring for hydrogen and methane in the breath, which are metabolites of bacteria.
These gasses would normally only be produced by large intestinal bacteria in a healthy gut, which would not show up in a breath test. If there is overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines, they will produce these gasses and these will be then measurable in a breath test. The best testing protocols look for both hydrogen and methane, as different bacteria will have different metabolites and only testing for one of these may not give an accurate diagnosis.
Other testing, such as stool tests, are great to have in conjunction with the breath tests, to see if other pathogens are contributing to symptoms, such as SIFO (fungal overgrowth) or H. pylori, as well as seeing if there is a low population of beneficial microbes, which is all helpful information for making a treatment plan with a provider.
Conventional treatment for SIBO typically uses antibiotics, sometimes accompanied by diet changes and/or probiotic recommendations. The antibiotic Rifaximin has been shown to be the most effective antibiotic treatment for SIBO, with some other antibiotics being used with less consistent results. However, this prescription medication can be expensive, is not always covered by insurance, and can come with side effects as well.
Plus, overuse of antibiotics can be counterproductive to creating a healthy microbiome and often plays a role in how many arrive at SIBO in the first place.
These gasses would normally only be produced by large intestinal bacteria in a healthy gut, which would not show up in a breath test. If there is overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestines, they will produce these gasses and these will be then measurable in a breath test. The best testing protocols look for both hydrogen and methane, as different bacteria will have different metabolites and only testing for one of these may not give an accurate diagnosis.
Other testing, such as stool tests, are great to have in conjunction with the breath tests, to see if other pathogens are contributing to symptoms, such as SIFO (fungal overgrowth) or H. pylori, as well as seeing if there is a low population of beneficial microbes, which is all helpful information for making a treatment plan with a provider.
Conventional treatment for SIBO typically uses antibiotics, sometimes accompanied by diet changes and/or probiotic recommendations. The antibiotic Rifaximin has been shown to be the most effective antibiotic treatment for SIBO, with some other antibiotics being used with less consistent results. However, this prescription medication can be expensive, is not always covered by insurance, and can come with side effects as well.
Plus, overuse of antibiotics can be counterproductive to creating a healthy microbiome and often plays a role in how many arrive at SIBO in the first place.
Herbal Remedies Shown to Help with SIBO
Luckily, herbal medicine has much to offer for the treatment of this bacterial overgrowth. Many herbs are known for their anti-microbial properties and have been used in traditional medicine practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries.
To accompany this traditional wisdom, several anti-microbial herbs have actually proven in studies to be as effective as Rifaximin in the treatment of SIBO. Science is finally able to prove what herbalists and traditional healers have known for a very long time. These alternatives are not only more cost-effective, but are often safer to use with fewer side effects and are remedies given to us by nature. Below is a list of some of my favorites.
To accompany this traditional wisdom, several anti-microbial herbs have actually proven in studies to be as effective as Rifaximin in the treatment of SIBO. Science is finally able to prove what herbalists and traditional healers have known for a very long time. These alternatives are not only more cost-effective, but are often safer to use with fewer side effects and are remedies given to us by nature. Below is a list of some of my favorites.
Herbal remedies used to help treat SIBO:
Many of these herbs not only act as anti-microbials for SIBO, but have other digestion-promoting properties as well, making them helpful in a gut healing regimen. For example, oregano oil and garlic also act as anti-fungals; wormwood also acts as an anti-parasite and it, along with ginger and chamomile, have bitter compounds to stimulate digestion; chamomile and lemon balm help soothe the nervous system; licorice supports adrenal health and is a demulcent to support healthy mucosa, along with chamomile. Ginger is not only anti-microbial, but it also is anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and promotes gut motility by acting as an herbal prokinetic...this is just an all around dynamite herb for digestion!
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, but is a good start if you are looking to add herbs to your SIBO protocol. Plus, all of these have been shown in studies to be effective at treating SIBO; many more exist with clinical and/or anecdotal support behind them.
These herbs can be taken as tinctures or capsules, and some in tea form as well. I like to use enteric-coated capsules to ensure they reach the small intestine when using encapsulated herbs, especially in those formulas with essential oils, as they can be irritating to the stomach in sensitive individuals. Some work well in tincture form, such as the more bitter herbs, whereas a tea may be quite unpleasant to drink, but tasting the herbs does provide some benefit in stimulating digestion, as this process starts in the mouth.
Typically, I like to do a combination of these herbs as part of a SIBO protocol, in order to offer the best defense and account for individual differences amongst clients. Combining enteric-coated essential oils with other anti-microbial herbs can be very beneficial. There are some brands and products on the market aimed at SIBO and related issues, that include a combination of many of the above herbs, so you and a provider can decide what is right for your body and price point.
Here are a few of my favorite products out there with SIBO-fighting herbs (I have no affiliation with these brands, I just like their combination of herbs for SIBO) : Atranil, Dysbiocide and FC-Cidal from Biotics Reserach, Candibactin AR and Candibactin BR from Metagenics, Microdefense wth Oregano from Pure Encapsulations, Oregano Oil Complex and Peppermint Oil GI from Protocol for Life Balance, Thorne, Peppermint-Oregano Oil Complex from Natural Factors, Peppermint Soothe from Nature's Way, and Iberogast (which itself has evidence as a SIBO treatment).
Some practitioners will also recommend taking herbs or supplements that disrupt the biofilm, or protective layer, emitted by these pathogens, to improve the efficacy of the anti-microbial herbs on these bacteria. Beneficial microbes use biofilm to protect themselves as well, so this is an important mechanism that plays a role in a healthy microbiome; however, it can inhibit the efficacy of antimicrobial herbs in a treatment regimen.
Examples of natural biofilm disruptors include: nattokinase, curcumin (from turmeric), linoleic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid), and berberine. Use of these additional remedies may be considered if an antimicrobial treatment does not seem effective or infections recur.
Other herbs may be used as well that can relieve symptoms of SIBO until it is resolved, including carminatives for gas and bloating, anti-spasmodics and astringents for diarrhea, laxative herbs for constipation, bitter herbs for stimulation and motility (and many other symptoms), as well as nervines and adaptogens to support the stress response and the nervous system, as we know the strong connection between stress and gut health.
These, of course, are not health care recommendations, but are examples of products with proven anti-SIBO herbs in them. Always consult your own health care provider before using supplements and I highly encourage you to work with a practitioner to get the right treatment rather than taking shots in the dark in hopes of treating yourself.
- peppermint oil
- oregano oil
- other aromatic essential oils: tarragon, rosemary and thyme oils
- berberine-containing herbs: barberry, Oregon grape root, coptis, and goldenseal
- olive leaf extract
- garlic (especially helpful for methane-dominant SIBO; available as allicin extract for low FODMAP individuals)
- ginger
- horsetail
- horse chestnut
- neem
- cinnamon
- wormwood
- licorice root
- chamomile
- lemon balm
Many of these herbs not only act as anti-microbials for SIBO, but have other digestion-promoting properties as well, making them helpful in a gut healing regimen. For example, oregano oil and garlic also act as anti-fungals; wormwood also acts as an anti-parasite and it, along with ginger and chamomile, have bitter compounds to stimulate digestion; chamomile and lemon balm help soothe the nervous system; licorice supports adrenal health and is a demulcent to support healthy mucosa, along with chamomile. Ginger is not only anti-microbial, but it also is anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and promotes gut motility by acting as an herbal prokinetic...this is just an all around dynamite herb for digestion!
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list, but is a good start if you are looking to add herbs to your SIBO protocol. Plus, all of these have been shown in studies to be effective at treating SIBO; many more exist with clinical and/or anecdotal support behind them.
These herbs can be taken as tinctures or capsules, and some in tea form as well. I like to use enteric-coated capsules to ensure they reach the small intestine when using encapsulated herbs, especially in those formulas with essential oils, as they can be irritating to the stomach in sensitive individuals. Some work well in tincture form, such as the more bitter herbs, whereas a tea may be quite unpleasant to drink, but tasting the herbs does provide some benefit in stimulating digestion, as this process starts in the mouth.
Typically, I like to do a combination of these herbs as part of a SIBO protocol, in order to offer the best defense and account for individual differences amongst clients. Combining enteric-coated essential oils with other anti-microbial herbs can be very beneficial. There are some brands and products on the market aimed at SIBO and related issues, that include a combination of many of the above herbs, so you and a provider can decide what is right for your body and price point.
Here are a few of my favorite products out there with SIBO-fighting herbs (I have no affiliation with these brands, I just like their combination of herbs for SIBO) : Atranil, Dysbiocide and FC-Cidal from Biotics Reserach, Candibactin AR and Candibactin BR from Metagenics, Microdefense wth Oregano from Pure Encapsulations, Oregano Oil Complex and Peppermint Oil GI from Protocol for Life Balance, Thorne, Peppermint-Oregano Oil Complex from Natural Factors, Peppermint Soothe from Nature's Way, and Iberogast (which itself has evidence as a SIBO treatment).
Some practitioners will also recommend taking herbs or supplements that disrupt the biofilm, or protective layer, emitted by these pathogens, to improve the efficacy of the anti-microbial herbs on these bacteria. Beneficial microbes use biofilm to protect themselves as well, so this is an important mechanism that plays a role in a healthy microbiome; however, it can inhibit the efficacy of antimicrobial herbs in a treatment regimen.
Examples of natural biofilm disruptors include: nattokinase, curcumin (from turmeric), linoleic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid), and berberine. Use of these additional remedies may be considered if an antimicrobial treatment does not seem effective or infections recur.
Other herbs may be used as well that can relieve symptoms of SIBO until it is resolved, including carminatives for gas and bloating, anti-spasmodics and astringents for diarrhea, laxative herbs for constipation, bitter herbs for stimulation and motility (and many other symptoms), as well as nervines and adaptogens to support the stress response and the nervous system, as we know the strong connection between stress and gut health.
These, of course, are not health care recommendations, but are examples of products with proven anti-SIBO herbs in them. Always consult your own health care provider before using supplements and I highly encourage you to work with a practitioner to get the right treatment rather than taking shots in the dark in hopes of treating yourself.
Other Considerations for the Treatment of SIBO:
Stress, Diet and Lifestyle Practices and Associated Health Conditions
Treating the microbial overgrowth associated with SIBO is an initial, important step in getting your digestive system back on track and symptoms under control. But, it is important to remember that SIBO itself is a symptom. There is a reason that these pathogenic microbes were allowed to run rampant, and it is essential to address these when considering how to resolve the dysbiosis and dysfunction in the gut--taking anti-microbials to control SIBO is not a stand-alone protocol.
Anti-microbial herbs are not to be taken indefinitely, as they can be counter-productive for the beneficial microbes as well if taken for too long. Getting their population low enough to decrease inflammation and symptoms, while allowing beneficial microbes to thrive and help repair the gut is the goal. A practitioner can help not only select the right herb combination, but also with appropriate duration of the treatment, as well as other important approaches like the addressing the diet.
Dietary changes, both a short-term healing protocol as well as lifelong improvement in the diet, cannot be overlooked in improving gut health. You may consider a dietary approach such as the low FODMAP or GAPS/SCD diets after herbal treatment to provide further healing and relief, working with a practitioner to find the right course of action for you and to ensure elimination diets are followed properly to prevent nutrient deficiencies and unhealthy relationships with food.
Other areas to address for SIBO, IBS and related conditions include:
- Oral health and oral microbiome, presence of mercury fillings
- Inadequate stomach acid or other upper GI issues like GERD and H.pylori infections
- Digestive enzymes and pancreatic/liver/gall bladder function
- Impaired gut motility (this is huge with SIBO!)
- Low thyroid function
- Stress and mental health, mindfulness and counseling (this absolutely must be addressed with SIBO or other GI conditions!)
- Ileocecal valve function
- Inflammation and allergies
- Exercise and movement
- Body work, acupuncture, and abdominal massage
- How we eat (not just what we eat)--chewing, meal timing, fasting, etc.
- Environmental toxin exposure, such as pesticides and antibiotics in food, plastic use, etc.
- Time spent in nature--we get some of our microbiome from earth, natural water, air, plants, and animals!
- Nutrient deficiencies--including B vitamins, copper, zinc, iron, vitamins A and D
- Methylation and MTHFR mutations
- Support and repair of the intestinal lining and mucosa with bone broth (collagen, L-glutamine), demulcent herbs, anti-inflammatory herbs, and prebiotics when tolerated
What about probiotics?
There is a need to repopulate with the gut with beneficial microbes after antimicrobial treatment and elimination diets. Of course, dysbiosis is not just presence of unwanted microbes, but even more so, lack of beneficial microbes. However, this is not typically the first line of treatment, as many with SIBO and IBS do not actually tolerate probiotic supplements and foods at first, because of the inflammation, dysbiosis, histamines and other reasons.
Once you are ready to add probiotics in, however, it is important to select species/strains proven to support SIBO/IBS, including supplements that include: b.clausii s. bouldarii, b. infantis, s. thermophilus l. reuteri, l. rhamanous, l. acidophilous, l. platarum, b. coagulans, b.subtillus, b. breve, b.longum, b.lactis; many of these have been shown to help with IBS symptoms and may be beneficial to include to improve the gut biome.
I like to use supplements that provide a combination of lactobacillus, bifidus, and bacillus (SBO, or spore-forming) species, as well as fermented foods when tolerated (these also provide postbiotics and prebiotics--the total package!)
Remember that SIBO is rarely one-and-done with herbal treatment, where one round of herbal antimicrobials makes all signs of SIBO disappear. Consider if these additional, whole-person approaches can offer long-term healing once antimicrobial treatment is finished. The gut is so complex and is affected by so many parts of our life--the goal is not just to kill of anything potentially harmful, but to heal and rebuild with a healthy, robust microbiome.
Want some guidance on your gut healing journey?
If you are looking to approach SIBO, IBS and gut-healing in a new way, you may want some help and support in your healing journey. This can be overwhelming and confusing...but there is hope and a way forward!
Reach out to me by clicking the "Work with Me" tab at the top of the page or click here, where you can purchase a health coaching package or schedule a FREE 15 minute discovery call to see if working together is right for you!
Reach out to me by clicking the "Work with Me" tab at the top of the page or click here, where you can purchase a health coaching package or schedule a FREE 15 minute discovery call to see if working together is right for you!
Brine & Broth
Laura A. Poe, RD
I am a gut health-focused nutritionist and online health coach based in Southwest Wisconsin. My recipes and philosophies center around traditional, nutrient-dense foods that support robust gut health.
My goal is to provide you with simple and delicious recipes that fit into real life, and information for choosing healthful real foods. Enjoy!
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