Gut health seems to be a booming topic of conversation these days. Suddenly, people who used to doubt and judge all the things I preached about gut health are asking me for advice on what to and what to take! Funny that. The truth is, gut health has been around long before MindBodyGreen or Goop starting posting articles about it.
Without a healthy gut, there is no healthy body, and certainly no healthy mind. 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. Gut health starts from the time we are babies and some even believe that vaginal births and breastfeeding are far more beneficial in terms of acquiring healthy bacteria than C-sections and formula. But, if the mother's microbiome is off or not as healthy as she thinks, then the baby won't acquire substantial good bacteria, no-matter how much or long you breastfeed for. And, if as a child you received antibiotics regularly, you better believe it messed up your gut. (1)
Children who take/took antibiotics regularly and/or at an early age are far more likely to develop eczema, asthma, allergies and other health issue further down the line. A study done in 2013 estimates that babies given antibiotics are 40% more likely to develop eczema. 40%! (2)
Yes, antibiotics are a major major cause of poor gut health, especially the way it is handed out so recklessly (my personal opinion) these days. (Not dissing them, as they can be lifesavers in certain situations and very needed in others.) I cannot tell you how many times a doctor has written me an antibiotic prescription for a virus or a bad cold. Other causes of poor gut health can be eating processed and refined foods, consuming too much sugar which can contribute to candida (excess yeast in the gut), parasite infection, stress, heavy metal toxicity and more.
At this point, not only will you have poor gut health, but poor brain health as well. "Hormones, neurotransmitters and immunological factors released from the gut are known to send signals to the brain either directly or via autonomic neurons."states the NCBI. (3) Many studies link problems with the microbiome and the effect on various CNS [central nervous system] disorders, including, but not limited to anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and autism. Yikes.
My gut health story begins when I was a toddler, but got worse during my teens and early 20s. By the time I was 26, everything changed. I was always bloated and in severe pain from anything I ate or drank. Severe distention and bloating caused me to look five months pregnant at all times. I gained weight, I developed food allergies, migraines, mood swings and worsening of anxiety.
After lots of stool testing, I went on an elimination diet eventually completely cutting out dairy and gluten. Since then, I have been on endless diets, not to lose weight, but to help my gut. You name a diet, I've bee on it. At the same time as being on these diets, I've been on countless probiotics and other gut supporting supplements.
What I have learned is no-matter how many probiotics you throw at the gut, if parasites or yeast or heavy metals are an issue, your gut health will always be poor, and unfortunately for me, I have all those issue. But, the right probiotics can help some of the terrible symptoms associated with poor gut health. You must also eat very clean and very supportive of the gut. Apple Cider Vinegar, bone broth daily, fermented foods and celery juice are all great for gut health.
When beginning to take probiotics, the first few days can amplify your symptoms, which means the gut is repopulating good bacteria. See how you feel after 2-3 weeks. If you notice no difference, then the strain you are taking may not be right for you. In addition, not all probiotics are made the same so you must do your research! The strains vary, for example, some Saccharomyces Bouldarii probiotics carry 9 billion CFUs, while others carry 3 billion and others even less.
For me, the probiotics I have had success with only last for so long, then I have to switch and by trial and error find new ones that help me. I cannot remember all the brands I took, but the cocktail I am on now I find is helping a bit.
I take now (this has been updated)
Professional Probiotic TruBifido Pro (in AM)
Professional Probiotic Theralac Pro (in PM)
MEGASPORE Biotics
I have taken in the past
Prescript Assist (success with this brand)
Bio-Kult (no success)
Reuteri (mixed success)
HMF Forte (took this during Lyme treatments and parasite cleanses and did not notice support but also my stomach was going nuts at this time so hard to tell).
Metagenics UltraFlora (mixed success. I do not use Metagenics brands anymore as their quality is not excellent)
Allergy Research Group Saccaromyces Bouldardii
Throne Bio-Gest (before eating)
Boost Digestion Enzalase (digestive enzymes are an integral part of gut health). This particular brand also breaks down biofilms!
Read my post about parasites and cleansing here