359: New Year, New Gut: SIBO, Fungal Overgrowth and More Functional Medicine Secrets | Dr. Michael Ruscio
Ancient Health Podcast
Deep Dive
What is the connection between gut health and mood?
The gut-brain connection is significant, with gut issues often correlating with mood disorders like depression. Probiotics have been shown to improve mood by reducing gut symptoms, which in turn normalizes the activation of the limbic system, the brain's fear center. Studies using functional MRI have demonstrated that as the gut heals, the limbic system becomes less overactive, reducing fear and stress responses.
Why do people with bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) feel better on a diet high in starches like white rice and potatoes?
People with bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) often feel better on a diet high in starches like white rice and potatoes because these foods starve the bacteria. Starches are not easily fermented by bacteria, which reduces bacterial overgrowth and alleviates symptoms. This is why the preparation diet for a SIBO breath test, which consists mainly of white rice and meat, often makes people with SIBO feel better.
What is the elemental diet and how does it help with gut health?
The elemental diet is a predigested shake that is hypoallergenic and easily absorbed within the first few feet of the small intestine. It gives the gut a rest by reducing the workload on the digestive system, which is particularly beneficial for conditions like leaky gut, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. This diet allows the gut to heal by minimizing the irritation caused by food passing through an inflamed tract.
Why are probiotics effective for treating constipation?
Probiotics are effective for treating constipation because they help balance gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and improve gut motility. Studies have shown that probiotics can significantly increase bowel movements, although this improvement may take up to two or three months to become noticeable. Probiotics also help reduce methane-producing bacteria, which can slow gut motility and contribute to constipation.
What is the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in improving mitochondrial function?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves mitochondrial function by increasing oxygen supply to the mitochondria, which helps them produce more energy. This therapy can also grow more mitochondria and make existing ones larger. It is particularly beneficial for conditions like Lyme disease, where mitochondrial function is often impaired. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and breaks down biofilms, making it a powerful tool for supporting overall health.
Why is it important to differentiate between bacterial and fungal overgrowth in gut health?
Differentiating between bacterial and fungal overgrowth is crucial because the dietary approaches for each are almost opposite. Bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) benefits from a diet with moderate carbohydrates and starches, while fungal overgrowth requires a low-carb, low-sugar diet. Misdiagnosing the type of overgrowth can lead to ineffective treatment and prolonged symptoms. Understanding the specific overgrowth type allows for targeted dietary and therapeutic interventions.
What are the potential downsides of excessive testing in functional medicine?
Excessive testing in functional medicine can lead to unnecessary financial stress and confusion for patients. Many tests, such as those for Candida or parasites, are expensive and may not provide clear or actionable results. Additionally, treating lab markers without considering the patient's symptoms and response to treatment can result in chasing inconsequential findings. A more balanced approach focuses on patient history, symptoms, and response to therapy, with testing used selectively to confirm hypotheses.
How does childhood trauma relate to constipation?
Childhood trauma has been linked to increased rates of constipation, likely due to its impact on the brain-gut connection. Trauma can overactivate the limbic system, the brain's fear center, which in turn affects gut motility and function. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is clear that psychological stress and trauma can manifest physically in the gut, leading to chronic constipation.
What is the triple therapy approach to probiotics?
The triple therapy approach to probiotics involves using three different types of probiotics: traditional lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces boulardii (a healthy fungus), and spore-forming bacillus species. This approach aims to provide a diverse array of probiotics to heal the gut comprehensively, similar to the concept of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). By using multiple types of probiotics, this method maximizes the potential benefits for various gut-related conditions.
Why is fiber a double-edged sword in gut health?
Fiber can be a double-edged sword in gut health because while it helps some people by improving bowel movements and feeding beneficial bacteria, it can worsen symptoms for others, especially those with bacterial overgrowth or inflammation. Fiber can cause bloating, gas, and even constipation if not consumed with adequate water. It is often recommended to introduce fiber supplements only after initial gut healing has occurred to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
Shownotes Transcript