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The gut is one of the most important organs in our body since it affects every aspect of our general health, including immunological function, mental health, and even cognitive health. The stomach is tremendously strong, yet it may also be rather sensitive. The billions of fungus, bacteria, and microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome regulate digestion, and when anything upsets the balance, you’ll probably notice it in a variety of ways. Dr. Chris Damman is the subject of our interview. He discusses the significance of the gut microbiota, how to avoid an unhealthy gut, and the symptoms of such a condition.
1 — Gut Microbiome and Its Importance
Dr. Damman explains to us, “The gut microbiome may be seen as our health’s companion and a collective of microbial diplomats, educators, and factory workers. The instructors calibrate our immune system to help avoid allergy or autoimmune overload, the factory workers take the undigested food like fiber and change it into chemicals for healthy development, and the diplomats seek to placate invading invaders to protect us from becoming ill. Some of these molecules are food supplements for us, including B vitamins and amino acids. Other metabolites, such as precursors to neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (such as butyrate), are mostly acquired from our microbiota and are not present in significant quantities in our food. All of these molecules are essential for giving our body, immune system, and brain the components it needs to control metabolism, inflammation, and cognition.”
2 — The Four M’s and Four F’s Can Aid in Preventing Gut Illness
Dr. Damman clarifies: “In order to maintain a healthy microbiome, I concentrate on balancing the Four Lifestyle M’s and Four Food F’s. The four lifestyle Ms are: mind (sleep & mindfulness vs. sleeplessness & anxiety), movement (exercise vs. sedentarism), molecules (food vs. pollutants), and microorganisms (environmental microbiomes vs. pathogens). Recent studies confirm the significance of maintaining balance in each of these areas to support gut and microbial health. The most straightforward piece of advice is to consume foods that promote our microbiota (see the four F’s), exercise, relax, and spend time outside gardening and with dogs! The Four Phonetic Food F’s—Fibers, Phenols, Ferments, and excellent Fats—are crucial for the development of a healthy microbiome. Whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are examples of fibrous foods. In essence, the advice is to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables since phenols are the phytonutrients that give them their color. It has been shown that fermented meals promote gut microbiota diversity and reduce inflammatory responses in the body. Particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods like avocados, almonds, and seeds, are considered good fats.”
3 — Tough or Loose Stools
Dr. Damman notes that this is likely the most evident symptom and may indicate a microbiota imbalance in the stomach. “An adult’s gut health is associated with their gut microbiota, which is supported by a diversified diet. We are discovering that every person may have a unique diet that is maximized for gut and overall health, and that engaging with a health expert might be beneficial for identifying this in each person.”
4 — Cravings for Food
Dr. Damman says “In a macabre twist, we may see ourselves as puppets controlled by our microbial masters. This may be especially true for our desires and hunger, which are regulated by chemical signals from our microbiota that may activate and deactivate our “ileocolonic brake.” One of the best methods to apply the brakes and manage cravings may be fiber.”
5 — Skin Rashes and Allergies
Doctor Damman claims, “Immune system calibration occurs in the gut, which also maintains gut and skin barrier integrity and immune system accuracy via chemicals like butyrate. Recent studies have shown that butyrate administration may reduce allergic rashes, at least in mice, and that infants with greater Bifidobacterium levels are less likely to develop asthma and allergies.”
6 — Worried or depressed mood
Dr. Damman says that “The stomach really is the “second brain,” and it has a link to the brain that may affect our emotions. We are finding that eating wholesome meals or taking supplements rich in certain forms of fiber, such as resistant starch, may be particularly crucial for maintaining a positive attitude on life. When our gut is happy, our brain is happy.”
