For those of you with good energy, clear skin, consistently healthy bowel movements, you probably have a diverse gut microbiome. For those of you with any ailment, your microbiome is likely not optimal. For some, the altered microbiome is the cause of undesired states of health, such as skin rashes, acne, IBS, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings. For some with more significant medical conditions, the poor gut microbiome is an end-result of that state.
What does this mean for you? If you are suffering from any medical condition, your gut needs attention.
If you are open to functional medicine testing, there is a stool test called GI-MAP I can order for you. This will tell me about the diversity of your gut microbiome and if you have any parasites.
What can you do TODAY to improve your microbiome? Begin to eat whole foods, with plenty of organic vegetables, wild fish, and pastured meats. Drink bone broth. Bone broth is full of amino acids that help to heal the gut lining. Food combining is a GREAT way to improve your digestion. I can teach you about food combining.
If you work with me, we address which probiotic supplements or foods are right for you. We will test to see if you have any parasites or bad bacteria to eradicate that would require an antibiotic or an antifungal.
“The leaky gut” What is this?
Leaky gut syndrome, also called increased intestinal permeability, occurs when the walls of the intestine begin to allow undigested food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream.
What are the symptoms?
Fatigue, skin conditions, bloating, gas, weight gain,
The root cause is multifactorial but in most cases, can be healed with change in diet and stress reduction.
Why does it matter?
Undigested food particles in the bloodstream lead to an autoimmune response that can cause a broad range of symptoms.
In my opinion, most people have a degree of this, and it can be difficult to catch if you don’t have a high degree of suspicion. The symptoms are so broad.
How to make lasting change
At Heal MD, I want to set my patients up for lasting change. Most of the work we do together is formulating a plan that relies on lifestyle changes. Also known as changing habits! We all know this can be tough, and nearly impossible at times. SO where is the problem? Carrying out the plan! Because want and do are different things.
I have two techniques that I prescribe to most of my patients.
The first is called Tiny habits by BJ Fogg. You can join a free 5-day program at tinyhabits.com.
The second is what I call an “energy shift toward wellness”. The Tiny Habits method offers a proven and practical method for change. But sometimes, the issue with change is deeper, and I find that patients need an “energy shift toward wellness.” How do you get someone to take the first step in their lifestyle shift? Or how do you get them back on track after a set back? Find a way to shift the energy around this situation. There are many ways to do this…. an exercise class, meditation, dancing to a great song, hypnotherapy, or a spiritual experience.
I truly enjoy helping my patients with this part of their wellness plan.
Reach out to me today to discuss further!