Fermented Foods Aren’t for Everyone (Here’s Why)

This could be why👇

Just because fermented foods and probiotics are promoted far and wide for gut health does not mean they are for everyone!

➡️ Some people already have an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria.

➡️ Some people have inflammation, sensitivities, and compromised digestion. 

➡️ Some people need to do some healing before being able to handle these foods. . 

What’s best for you depends upon the composition of your unique microbiome at this moment. 

That’s why, if you’re struggling with gut health, it’s so important to work with a qualified practitioner on a personalized plan. 

Does any of this surprise you? 

Let me know in the comments ⤵️

Who Cares About the Microbiome? (YOU Should!)

When it comes to the microbiome, the stakes are high 😬

We don’t see it, we can’t feel it, and yet it has power over nearly every aspect of our health.

Those trillions of microorganisms on and in us influence digestion, detoxification, immune function, brain health, and more.

Evidence-based research (PMID: 34584224) shows that changes in the gut microbiome have been associated with all of these conditions:

▪️ Rheumatoid Arthritis

▪️ Type 1 Diabetes

▪️ Type 2 Diabetes

▪️ Eczema

▪️ Asthma

▪️ IBD

▪️ IBS

▪️ Fatty Liver

▪️ Cardiovascular Disease

▪️ Chronic Kidney Disease

▪️ Mental Health Disorders

The microbiome is not the only contributing factor to these conditions, but it is one that is often overlooked.

And it is one that we always consider from a functional perspective.

Because in functional medicine, we do more than treat a diagnosis. We look for underlying causes and optimize the structure and function of all body systems.

If you want a holistic and root-cause approach...

🥾 Take the first step through the link in our bio.

Reference

Vijay A, Valdes AM. Role of the gut microbiome in chronic diseases: a narrative review. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022;76(4):489-501. [link]

5 Surprising Things that Disrupt the Microbiome

Check out this list ⬇️⬇️

If you want to support your digestion, immune system, metabolism, and brain…

…you’re going to need to have your gut microbiome on board. 

So it’s important to avoid (or at least minimize) exposure to the things that most directly disrupt microbiome balance. 

These include:

▪️ Antibiotics

▪️ Glyphosate (an herbicide residue on conventionally grown foods)

▪️ Artificial Sweeteners

▪️ Processed Foods

▪️ Stress!!

There are also plenty of things you can do to support a healthy microbiome, such as eating a variety of plant foods and exercising outdoors. 

It’s all about tipping the scales in favor of health.

Wondering if microbiome balance could be an issue for you?

We can help you find out. 

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

References

Ahmad SY, Friel J, Mackay D. The Effects of Non-Nutritive Artificial Sweeteners, Aspartame and Sucralose, on the Gut Microbiome in Healthy Adults: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomized Double-Blinded Crossover Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3408. [link]

Beurel E. Stress in the microbiome-immune crosstalk. Gut Microbes. 2024;16(1):2327409. [link]

Juul F, Vaidean G, Parekh N. Ultra-processed Foods and Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential Mechanisms of Action. Adv Nutr. 2021;12(5):1673-1680. [link]

Patangia DV, Anthony Ryan C, Dempsey E, Paul Ross R, Stanton C. Impact of antibiotics on the human microbiome and consequences for host health. Microbiologyopen. 2022;11(1):e1260. [link]

Walsh L, Hill C, Ross RP. Impact of glyphosate (RoundupTM) on the composition and functionality of the gut microbiome. Gut Microbes. 2023;15(2):2263935. [link]

3 Exercises for Digestion

Ready for better gut health?

It’s easy to get focused on food and nutrition, but don’t forget movement! Here are 3 exercises that are backed by research to support digestion.

🚶‍♀️ Walking

Walking helps to stimulate the digestive tract so you experience better bowel movements and less gas and bloating. Plus, research shows that physical activity supports a healthy gut microbiome!

🧘‍♀️ Yoga

Yoga puts the nervous system into the parasympathetic “rest and digest” mode, while also directly stimulating digestion through certain poses (like downward dog or triangle pose). Research has shown that yoga improves quality of life in people with functional digestive problems.

🏋️‍♂️ Crunches

Crunches, sit-ups, and other exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles can help to ease gas and bloating—just do them on an empty stomach!

But if you’re doing everything “right” and still struggling with gut health, we are here to help. 🥾 Take the first step through the link in our bio.

Reference

Ramos C, Gibson GR, Walton GE, Magistro D, Kinnear W, Hunter K. Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on the Gut Microbiome of Older Adults. Nutrients. 2022;14(3):674. Published 2022 Feb 5. [link]

Song BK, Han D, Brellenthin AG, Kim YS. Effects of core strengthening exercise on colon transit time in young adult women. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2021;19(3):158-165. [link]

Wilke E, Reindl W, Thomann PA, Ebert MP, Wuestenberg T, Thomann AK. Effects of yoga in inflammatory bowel diseases and on frequent IBD-associated extraintestinal symptoms like fatigue and depression. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;45:101465 [link]

3 Beverages for Gut Health

Looking for something different to drink that will support a healthy gut? 🥤

Try these ➡️

🫚 Golden Milk

Golden milk gets its color from turmeric. It’s made by warming 2 cups of a milk of your choice on the stove with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and any other spices or sweeteners to taste (cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, black pepper, vanilla, maple syrup, etc.) Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to benefit the gut!

🧉 Kombucha

Kombucha is a fizzy fermented tea that can be purchased at the store or made at home (you’ll need a SCOBY for the fermentation process). It’s rich in B vitamins as well as probiotic bacteria to support the gut microbiome.

🍵 Green Tea

Green tea is rich in catechins, which are antioxidant polyphenols that have been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

Do you have a favorite gut-friendly beverage? Let me know in the comments!