Your body is infinitely smarter than you will ever be. The complexity involved in maintaining homeostasis of all systems through the coordinated release of biochemicals, as well as the processes that are needed to create them, is truly mind-boggling. We used to think the brain did the vast majority of this work; We looked to the brain for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of emotional disturbances, autoimmune disorders, hormonal and nervous system imbalances... and the resulting remedies ranged from downright HARMFUL to partially effective. Why partially? Because these approaches and solutions neglected what scientists are now calling the second brain- our GUT!
By now, you've probably heard there are as many microorganisms living in or on you as there are cells in your entire body, your microbiome. 99% of this beneficial ecosystem lives in our gut AKA colon AKA large intestine. It turns out the bacteria in our gut produce 90% of our serotonin, which helps more than your mood... Serotonin is required by the cardiovascular and immune systems for proper functioning. The gut microbiome produces a host of biochemicals that regulate some part of every system in the body and have the power to turn gene expression on or off.
In addition, the gut lining houses roughly 80% of your immune system. Your gut microbiome serves as protection for this delicate lining but can actually seek to destroy it if not in balance. The lining is also important because it separates food waste, toxins, bacteria, viruses and other harmful agents in the colon from entering the body and the bloodstream- leading to inflammation, autoimmune disorders and disease.
This is so interesting to students of Ayurveda because we learn that aama (undigested food particles and/or toxins) is created from imbalanced digestion and can disseminate and accumulate all over the body, especially in areas of weakness, to bring about blockages, disease and chronic conditions. We also learn that Ayurveda's ojas (immunity and vitality factor) is the finest product of digestion and will not be formed if this process is poor. The colon is the seat of vata dosha (governing principle of the body made of elements air and ether) and 80% of diseases are vata in origin! It's almost like modern science is confirming what the Ancient sages knew all along...
Finally, it's worth noting that butyric acid has been found to be beneficial in treating IBS, Crohn's disease and insulin sensitivity, and may even protect against colon cancer! It's produced by "good" gut bacteria breaking down dietary fiber, and happens to be abundant in ghee (clarified butter), a staple in Ayurvedic recommendations and cooking.
Dr. Robert Keith Wallace, a Harvard-trained physician with numerous medical publications, believes that "the gut microbiome is the link which allows us to understand Ayurveda in scientific terms." (The first lesson of his great course "Your Healthy Gut" is free! It's where I got the quote and a lot of ideas. You can buy the entire 14-lesson course as well).
When I begin coaching with a client that's been eating too much of one food group, like sugar (or alcohol), fat or even protein, cravings can be a major concern. It helps to explain that it's really their gut bacteria craving these foods, not them! Their body just did what it does best and tried to restore balance by favoring a composition heavy with the kind of bacteria needed to digest these foods and get rid of less essential strains. It's more difficult to do the reverse- and everyone repopulates at a different rate- but we use the same mechanism with proper diet to get back in healthy balance.
Some people may choose to use probiotics and I'm happy to make product suggestions based on their unique needs. Others look to fermented foods, which I got into after an unfortunate round of antibiotics, but quickly remembered why their pungent and sour qualities are not ideal for pitta dosha (governing principle made of elements fire and water)-dominant people. However, lassi, an Ayurvedic drink made with yogurt, water and either savory (for vata and kapha [earth + water] types) or sweet (for pitta) spices and salt or sweetener is a wonderful way to get probiotics, balance the doshas and avoid clogging the srotas (body channels) like plain yogurt tends to do; It is best consumed after lunch.
Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, an integrative neurologist I trust, suggests we only need 1 tbsp. of kombucha per day... I use this allowance for apple cider vinegar on my salad or lentils, YUM.
Sometimes we need to repair the lining of the gut as well, which is done by eliminating aggravating foods until the gut heals and adding homemade bone broths, ghee and this tea:
We may need to involve a more intense herbal protocol if the damage is chronic. In rare cases, a restrictive diet may need to be maintained to prevent return to leaky gut.
A key phrase of Ayurvedic practice, from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is : Heyam Dukham Anagatam, "Avert the danger that has not yet come." Or put in modern terms: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
***So what can we do to keep our guts healthy in the first place?***
- Eat organic. Many people think wheat is the source of their digestive troubles, but it's extremely likely they're having a reaction to glyphosate, the ubiquitous pesticide, instead.
- Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. We use alcohol to kill germs and it does the same thing in your gut, killing both "good" and "bad" bacteria and leaving your gut lining exposed. It also has a very drying effect on the colon, leading first to constipation and eventually more severe problems, depending on the prakriti (unique individual constitution).
- Get enough fiber and resistant/undigestible starches in your diet, it feeds the "good" bacteria!
- Eat a variety of foods and a balanced diet. The best microbiomes are diverse.
- Reduce stress. We've long known that stress has a negative effect on the microbiome. If this is a problem, we can try mindfulness, breathing exercises, herbal preparations and movement.
- Get enough exercise. Scientifically proven to benefit gut health.
- Get in the dirt. An aseptic environment has been shown to have a negative impact on gut microbiota.
- Get a dog. Let them roll in the dirt for you then give a big hug and kiss<3
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