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 ⤵️

Microbiome Diversity: Top Tips!

📍Save this post!

You’ll want to come back to it whenever your microbiome needs a reset—especially when you want to rebuild microbial diversity.

My top tips:

1️⃣ Consume probiotic-rich foods or drinks, like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.

2️⃣ Increase prebiotic-rich foods, like artichokes, asparagus, onions, and bananas.

3️⃣ Focus on diversity in your diet, emphasizing colorful whole foods rather than processed ones.

4️⃣ Stay hydrated with water and tea, keeping alcohol to a minimum.

5️⃣ Exercise at least 30 minutes a day at least 3 days a week.

6️⃣ Follow a regular sleep schedule for a healthy circadian rhythm.

And remember: You are unique!

If you feel like you are doing everything “right” but still struggle with gut health, I can help.

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

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]

Is Your Microbiome Calling for Help?

Signs of microbiome imbalance ⬇️

Changes in the balance of microorganisms in the gut (also called dysbiosis) can lead to these gut-related issues:

▪️Gas

▪️Bloating

▪️Smelly Stools

▪️Loose Stools

▪️Constipation

▪️Bad Breath

Or these systemic issues:

▪️Brain Fog

▪️Skin Rashes

▪️Anxiousness

▪️Fatigue

▪️Aching Joints

This is not an exhaustive list, and every person is unique!

The good news is that we can correct, protect, and support the microbiome with functional medicine. The key is to test and then create an individualized plan.

📲Tag a friend in the comments who might want to hear this!