What are the origins of MY GI Issues?

What are the origins of MY GI Issues?

The most common question besides how often I should get poop is, what are the origins of my GI issues?  That is a great question. I will attempt to answer this below. 

Doctors and scientists have been exploring the origins of digestive issues for decades, and numerous theories have developed from their work.

Gastrointestinal issues are complex, and they don't just appear overnight. In fact, research shows there are often genetic and hereditary factors at play. We know that trauma and stress affect the microbiome and digestion.

Research also indicates that how babies are fed in utero, born, and fed after birth plays a significant role in the development of the microbiome. Babies born naturally absorb bacteria from their mothers that are not transferred during cesarian births, and breastmilk is shown to also carry over bacteria from the mother to the infant, building a more diverse microbiome for the growing child.

The invention of antibiotics was a major milestone in treating infections, but we are now being overprescribed antibiotics, often when there is no infection to treat, but as a preventative measure. Anytime we take antibiotics, they kill not only bad bacteria but also good bacteria. It decimates our microbiome.

At the turn of the last century, we farmed and raised most of our food locally. Today, we source our food from all over the world. Our grains, fruits, and vegetables are doused in pesticides and preservatives to kill pests and preserve the food for transport over long distances. The overuse of synthetic hormones and antibiotics to livestock to increase growth and stave off infections has led to a significant increase in antimicrobial resistance, which means there is an increase of bad bacteria carried by livestock now being transmitted to humans. We have warehouses full of ultra-processed, packaged foods that will last long. These foods are cheap to transport and store and are easy to prepare. Our microbiome is fed by what we eat and how we eat it, so by switching to ultra-processed meals, we are depriving our systems of the nutrients it needs to flourish.

We live in an instant-gratification society, and while it has inspired many innovations that make our lives easier, it has come at a cost. We no longer eat diverse meals grown locally, around a table with loved ones. We usually eat an ultra-processed power bar while commuting to work. The high level of daily stress, lack of sleep, and inadequate hydration also impact the development of our microbiome, which, as we have learned, impacts our overall health and well-being.

10 Tips to Improve GI Health:

1. 8 hours of Sleep

2. Reduce Stress

3. Get outside

4. Eat wholefoods

5. Eat at least 30-40 grams of fiber

6. cook at home

7. Limit or minimize antibiotics 

8. hydrate

9, Increase minerals ( sea veggie) and electrolytes 

10. create amazing relationships. If they are not serving you, let them go

Comments

What Are Electrolytes and How Do They Affect Your Digestion?

What Are Electrolytes and How Do They Affect Your Digestion? We've all heard that electrolytes are essential for staying hydrated, especially during intense physical activities. But these essential minerals do more than just help us replenish fluids. They are also important for regulating nerve and muscle function, balancing pH levels, and aiding in digestion. So, what exactly are electrolytes, and how do they affect your digestion? In this post, we will explore these essential minerals and their importance in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Firstly, let's define what electrolytes are. Electrolytes are charged minerals that conduct electrical impulses in our body, helping to regulate various functions. Electrolytes are primarily found in bodily fluids like blood, sweat, and urine. Some of the most important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. Now, let's talk about how electrolytes affect your digestion. Elect

Histamines: How They Impact Digestion

Histamines: How They Impact Digestion Histamines are molecules that play an important role in our immune system. They are responsible for triggering an inflammatory response to protect us from harmful foreign substances. However, histamines can also have a negative impact on our digestive system if they are not properly regulated. In this blog post, we will be shedding light on the truth about histamines, what they are, and how they can affect your digestion. We will also discuss ways to manage histamine levels to improve gastrointestinal health. As mentioned, histamines are a natural component of the immune system. They are produced by mast cells, which are found in various tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract. When the body encounters a potential threat, such as an allergen or pathogen, mast cells release histamines into the bloodstream. This causes the blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow to the affected area, leading to swelling, redness, and oth

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems Understanding the human body involves understanding the systems that keep it functioning optimally. Two of these systems are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are integral parts of the autonomic nervous system. They ensure the body's internal functions run smoothly and adapt to various situations - whether we're calm and relaxed or facing a stressful event. The sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as our 'fight or flight' response, kicks into gear during times of stress, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, while diverting blood flow from non-essential functions like digestion to more critical tasks. This can result in slowed digestion and alterations in the gut microbiome. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system, or our 'rest and digest' response, predominates in times of relaxation. This system promotes digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzyme

Refresh Your Soul

Search This Blog