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