Skip to main content

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

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Where Do Gut Issues Come From

  Where Do Gut Issues Come From Introduction: A Question Without a Simple Answer As a colon hydrotherapist, nutritionist, and educator, one of the most common questions I hear is: “How did I end up with these gut issues?” Constipation, bloating, IBS, inflammation—it often feels like they appeared out of nowhere. But the truth is: gut dysfunction is rarely sudden. It is layered, complex, and influenced by a constellation of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. What I know today as a practitioner may evolve tomorrow. That’s the beauty—and challenge—of science. But what remains constant is this: the gut is the center of our health , and understanding its roots can unlock powerful healing. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the key contributing factors to gut dysfunction—many of which I explore in my book RYSE From Within: A Guide to Heal Your Gut —and the science behind how they shape our digestive health. 1. Genetics: The Blueprint—but Not the Destiny Som...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Navigating Travel Constipation: Tips for Maintaining Digestive Health on the Go Traveling—whether for leisure or business—can be exhilarating, but for many, it also disrupts a crucial part of daily wellness: regular bowel movements.  Travel constipation is a common yet often overlooked condition that affects both frequent flyers and occasional vacationers.  Understanding its causes and implementing preventive strategies can help support gut health, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is memorable. What Causes Travel Constipation? Constipation during travel is typically multifactorial. The primary contributing factors include: Changes in routine : Our digestive system thrives on regularity. Travel often alters meal times, sleep schedules, and bathroom habits, disrupting the body’s natural rhythm (Staller, 2017). Dehydration : Long flights, hot climates, and increased caffeine or alcohol intake can lead to fluid loss, reducing the wa...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Beat the Bloat: Travel-Friendly Foods and Digestive Tips for Life on the Go Whether you're catching flights or navigating packed schedules, keeping digestion smooth and bloat-free can be challenging. Bloating is a common gastrointestinal complaint that can arise from dietary triggers, stress, irregular meals, or poor hydration—especially when traveling.  Choosing the right foods and maintaining simple habits can help keep your gut calm and digestion efficient, no matter where life takes you. Understanding Bloating and Its Common Triggers Bloating can occur when gas builds up in the gastrointestinal tract or when the body retains water. Common culprits include: High-FODMAP foods (fermentable carbohydrates) Carbonated beverages Artificial sweeteners (like sorbitol or xylitol) Dairy (for those with lactose intolerance) Poor hydration and irregular eating Eating on the go or while stressed (Ford et al., 2020) Bloat-Free Foods for On-the...
Post a Comment
Read more