Our RHS model of disease prevention identifies and treats root cause “engines of disease” to prevent disease before it starts. For example, we search for why a blood pressure is elevated. We don’t just force the numbers down with drugs, still allowing an underlying cause, such as prediabetes, to continue to damage arteries, organs, and our brain.
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that gut dysbiosis, also known as “leaky gut syndrome”, is a root cause of cardiovascular disease and likely others.
What is Gut Dysbiosis or “Leaky Gut”?
It is well established that when bacteria from our mouth enter our bloodstream through bleeding gums, they spread throughout the body and contribute to many diseases. The same happens in the intestine with leaky gut. The gateway between the intestine and the bloodstream is compromised, allowing bacteria to enter. The intestine is second only to the mouth in concentration of bacteria.
Not all bacteria are bad! Some bacteria are helpful to supporting our intestinal health. Research points to our “western diet”- full of saturated-fats & processed foods-and possibly the overuse of antibiotics, that could lead to an unhealthy bacterial mix. When bad bacteria invades the intestines, it causes inflammation and can ease the passage of bacteria into our bloodstream. Symptoms of “leaky gut syndrome” can include stool changes, constipation, gas, and even joint pains and migraine headaches.
How can I improve my gut health?
Consuming prebiotic and probiotic foods, as well as probiotic supplements, may help to create a healthy mix of bacteria. It is analogous to creating a healthy lawn by giving it seed and fertilizer to choke out the weeds. Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that normally reside in our colons. They can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Prebiotics are a certain type of fiber that can only be digested in your gut- this feeds the “good” probiotic bacteria. Prebiotic foods include: raw onion, honey, garlic and asparagus.
