Hippocrates’ famous words are still eagerly cited over 2000 years later. But what does it really mean that all disease begins in the gut? Many chronically ill people have never experienced any digestive symptoms so how can they relate?

The gateway to good health

The answer is in the INDIVIDUAL MICROBIAL ECOSYSTEM, also called the microbiota, microflora or microbiome. Although every part of the body has a unique microbial environment, most organisms colonise the gut and include bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists and viruses.

We now know that the human body has approximately ten times more microbes than cells, and it has been estimated that our gut carries around 2 kilograms of various organisms. While we all have a similar DNA, only around 5% of microbial genetic code is shared among people. Depending on the type and strain, the microbes produce all sorts of messengers, nutrients and toxins, making us who we are (yes, personality too!), energising us, keeping our metabolism in check or causing disease. While microbial imbalances can disrupt digestion, they often don’t, which depends on the specific organisms and their action within the human body.

Factors that positively influence gut microbiota:

• Maternal health and diet during pregnancy
• Being born through a vaginal birth
• Being breastfed
• Optimal diet and lifestyle throughout life
• Contact with animals and nature
• Getting your hands dirty (e.g. gardening)

Major disruptors of microbial balance:

• Antibiotic treatments and other medication (e.g. anti-fungals or the pill)
• Inappropriate diet
• Stress
• Living in a sterile environment

One man’s meat is another man’s poison

The main factor that influences health and diversity of our microflora is food. After all, we may not be what we eat but rather what our unique microbes can eat and process into beneficial or toxic substances. This brings nutrition onto a truly personalised level and is the main reason why I become a nutritional therapist. Out of all therapies, food has the most direct effect on the microflora, therefore influencing our biology and addressing the root cause of illness, making disease optional. While the reasoning and research behind Hippocrates’ words are relatively new, I hope that it will be the future of medicine.

While eating a whole food diet is great for anyone, there are no universally healthy foods. The various microbes feed on different substances, and what makes one person healthy can be inflammatory to another. For example, while some people do great on raw fruit and vegetables, others may get bloated after eating apples or carrots. Many are unable to tolerate fermented foods which are routinly recommended as a blanket remedy for gut health. The rule of thumb is: if something gives you a digestive discomfort, it’s most certainly a source of toxicity and therefore illness. The same goes to template diets; while one person may be doing great on a ketogenic diet, another will need a lot more carbohydrates.

Have you ever wondered what what foods you are designed to eat? Have you ever truly felt on top of the world, with plenty of energy and vitality, knowing that you’ve reached your optimum?

Functions of microbiota

• Coating the gut, preventing it from toxins and allergens (i.e. preventing from the ‘leaky gut’)
• Production of antimicrobial substances
• Digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Production of nutrients
• Appetite modulation
• Detoxification of hormones
• Modulation of cholesterol levels
• Immunity
• Metabolism
• Energy production
• Ageing
• Binding and excretion of heavy metals

Health problems that originate in the gut

We are just starting to understand the microbiome but below are some health conditions that have been well researched in terms of their relationship to unhealthy microflora:

• Allergies, intolerances
• Autoimmune diseases
• Respiratory infections like asthma or chronic sinusitis
• Mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, schizofrenia)
• Neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
• Skin conditions
• Weight gain / obesity / metabolic syndrome
• Digestive issues
• Cancer
• Physical degeneration, e.g. arthritis

What about probiotics for gut health?

While there are many wonderful products on the market, probiotics should be recommended by a professional. Each strain corresponds to specific health properties so without the expertise, it’s easy to waste a lot of money and time. However, personalised, targetted probiotic therapy can do wonders.

How I can support you

In order to address any health complaint, I first analyse the function of the gut which covers digestive capacity, microbial balance, infections, gut integrity, inflammation and oral tolerance to foods. I can also offer advanced functional testing for all health concerns, with testing kits delivered to your preferred location. Based on the information I have gathered, I formulate a recommendations plan which includes a personalised list of optimal foods, meal ideas, lifestyle tips and supplementation. For more information, visit my website: www.welcometoglow.com

 

By Maya Flynn

www.welcometoglow.com