GI Issues from Inflammation & Environmental Toxins
Did you know that 90% of chronic disease is driven by inflammation due to the environment? During a Functional Medicine Conference I heard again and again how important it is to reinforce learning about environmental issues that cause inflammation. Even the food we eat can cause inflammation. Take white potatoes for example, did you know that they can activate approximately 62 genes for inflammation?
Isn’t that an amazing fact? This doesn’t mean you can never have white potatoes again or enjoy a serving of your favorite potato chips… This simply means YOU just got smarter about what you eat and that gives you so much more control than blaming your lack of health or energy on your genes. Genes are not someones destiny, it’s the combination with the environment. Genes play approximately 30%. Health is not just a game of luck, it’s a game you have the power to win.
Nutrient Absorption and Better Vitamins
Here at Excell, we sell the highest quality vitamins for best absorption. I am also learning quite a bit about SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), another reason for low vitamin absorption, and the diseases it can cause patients. For example there is strong evidence that there is a correlation between SIBO and IBS. Some studies have shown that up to 75% of patients with IBS also suffer from SIBO! If you have IBS or unexplained abdominal pain with gas and bloating we can order a test and look into this possibility.
Because of issues like SIBO and leaky gut, people aren’t getting enough of what they need from a standard American diet. This is where supplements come into play until they are ready to make the dietary changes and still will need extra of what the body doesn’t absorb well.
Poop to Detox!
If you are constipated, you are toxic! We cannot stress this enough: you need to poop to detox. Supplements to help with bowel movements include Ortho Biotic (up to twice) daily, Vitamin C (up to 3000 mg) daily, or our Reacted Magnesium 2 twice per day.
Consider helping heal your gut even more by taking prebiotics. These are the food for the good bacteria found in probiotics to encourage the good bacteria from Ortho Biotic to colonize instead of so many just being eliminated. Good studies show that prebiotics and probiotics can help depression
Other tips for healthy BMs are increase water and increase fiber. Fiber also helps prevent insulin spikes. (Too much insulin in the bloodstream can also be toxic!) Glutamine (one of the main ingredients in GlutaSheild) is amazing for repair! From the orthomolecular website: “L-glutamine is a main source of fuel for the cells of the small intestines and essential to tissue repair throughout the body. Enterocytes use the amino acid to help maintain the health of the mucosa.”
Finally: Reduce Toxins in Your Environment!
Top ten ways to decrease toxin exposure
Avoid pesticides and herbicides.
Filter water with carbon filter.
Use non-toxic cleaning agents.
Build with non-toxic materials/install higher quality carpets.
Use natural cosmetics.
Organic food is best to eat when possible. However prioritize organic meat and dairy.
Be careful of consumption of large predator fish.
Don’t get amalgam fillings/consider removal
Avoid living near highways
Clean furnace filter regularly and consider air purifier.
Purchase unscented items when possible.
Eat cruciferous veggies, citrus, NAC.
Eat soluble fiber to help with detox and sweat!
