“All disease begins in the gut” – Hippocrates.
Even though we can’t see it, our digestive system is the gatekeeper to whole body health. Seemingly small or insignificant symptoms such as bloating or constipation could indicate the beginnings of other health problems. Starting from what we put in our mouths to what comes out, our digestive system can give telltale signs about what is going on in the rest of the body. Along the same lines, the health of the rest of the body is often a reflection of what is going on inside the gut.
THE GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION
We all know that emotions can control our digestive systems. Even thinking about eating will start the digestive process. However, did you know that our gut can affect the function of the brain? In fact, the gut is being considered as our “second brain,” called the “enteric nervous system” (ENS). While our intestines aren’t capable of thought on their own, a growing number of studies are now linking healthy gut bacteria to positive mood and emotional health. In contrast, imbalances in the micro biome as well as other nutritional deficiencies has been linked to disorders such as depression and anxiety. There is evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system can send signals to the central nervous system (the big brain) that triggers mood changes.
Beauty from the inside out…
The skin is our largest organ in the body. The digestive system is basically the continuation of our skin on the inside of the body. So if you’re experiencing symptoms such as acne, psoriasis, eczema or rosacea, this is often a reflection of the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) is a sign of inflammation in the digestive tract, which can quickly become systemic inflammation and contribute to skin disease as well as other organ damage.
Dr. Maria’s Approach: HEALING THE GUT
Dr. Maria strongly believes in healing the gut as a core treatment principle. This involves optimizing the 4 pillars of gastrointestinal health: Digestion, Elimination, Microflora Balance and Gut Integrity.
Digestion
Poor digestion results in decrease absorption of nutrients, which can lead to fatigue, sluggish metabolism and susceptibility to illnesses.
Elimination
Proper elimination and regular bowel movements are just as important as digestion. It is essential to eliminate wastes from the body, otherwise toxic compounds or excess hormones can build up resulting in hormone imbalances or other chronic illnesses.
Microflora Balance
As mentioned above, the intestines are the housing for the second brain, which is governed by an ecosystem of microscopic bacteria. These organisms regulate the functioning of the gastrointestinal system as well as other functions of the body such as mood, skin health, immune function and more.
Gut Integrity
The intestinal walls act as a barrier between our external environment and our body, regulating what enters the body. Intestinal permeability results in a leaky gut, which can result in the passage of harmful substances into the body leading to chronic illnesses such as food allergies, Crohn’s disease, skin issues and an impaired immune system.
Interested in finding out more? Click the button below to talk with me about your health concerns!