Gut Health Protocol

Question 1

What systems are connected with the digestive tract?

Answer 1

endocrine system
Immune system
Nervous system

Question 2

What is the gut-brain axis?

Answer 2

This is where the nervous system and GI tract interact via bidirectional communication

Question 3

How does cortisol affect the gut?

Answer 3

How the colon moves
What it absorbs
How much and what kind of mucus it produces
The microbiome itself (cortisol slows the system because body prioritizes current stress)

Question 4

What is insulin’s gut connection?

Answer 4

Healthy GI tract helps with blood sugar management (unhealthy GI can increase insulin insensitivity

Question 5

What is estrogen’s gut connection?

Answer 5

Estrobolome - gut bacteria that produce/break down estrogen; this is important in terms of avoiding estrogen dominance

Question 6

What is progesterone & testosterone’s gut connection?

Answer 6

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
Leaky gut - LPS crosses the gut barrier and can affect ovaries/decrease progesterone production
LPS may also play a role in PCOS by increasing insulin and testosterone levels

Question 7

What is the thyroid gland’s gut connection?

Answer 7

LPS may be connected with Hashimoto’s
Unfriendly bacteria make autoimmunity more harmful (friendly bacteria help manage it)

Question 8

What is the uterus’ gut connection?

Answer 8

Endometrial lesions interfere with gut’s ability to keep waste products moving, contributing to SIBO and microbiome imbalance
LPS can worsen endometriosis

Question 9

How can a health coach support clients with gut health?

Answer 9

Encouraging to seek medical evaluation and treatment
Supporting them with diet and lifestyle
Empowering them around personal and preventative care
Continuing to consult with doctors about any suggestions

Question 10

What is the goal in resolving gut issues?

Answer 10

Optimizing digestion and restoring gut dysbiosis so that the immune system can function effectively

Question 11

What is basic gut health protocol?

Answer 11

1. Reduce exposure to inflammation-causing agents and toxins to improve leaky gut
2. After improvements, balance/re-establish beneficial bacteria in the gut
3. After the previous steps are routine and familiar, improve stomach acid production

*Keep in mind always bio-individuality, what works for one client, may not work for another

Question 12

What are some inflammatory foods?

Answer 12

Wheat, dairy, soy, corn, refined sugar

Question 13

What are some inflammatory substances?

Answer 13

Alcohol, antibiotics, birth control, synthetic drugs

Question 14

What would be some beneficial things in reducing exposure to inflammation?

Answer 14

Drinking bone broth, introduce gelatin or collagen, introduce L-glutamine, consume turmeric, include zinc carnosine and quercetin supplements

Question 15

What are some food recommendations for the gut health protocol?

Answer 15

Fermented foods, probiotic capsules, digestive enzymes, thorough chewing, foods containing prebiotic-resistant starch, fiber

Question 16

What can help to light the digestive fires as part 3 of the protocol?

Answer 16

Determine low stomach acid
Stimulate stomach acid production
(Warm water + 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice first start in the morning)
(Add 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar to 8 oz warm water and drink 15-30 mins before a meal)
Try digestive bitters
Supplement with Betaine HCL (caution here with anti-inflammatory meds or stomach ulcers