100,000,000,000,000 (+)
Yes, you read that correctly; that’s 12 zeros… It’s a big number… That’s 100 TRILLION PLUS! This is how many bacteria you should have living in your gut. Some estimates even say that each human has a pound or two of bacteria living in their guts at all times.
The benefits of these microbes extend far beyond the gut - they truly play a big role in all aspects of your health. Obviously this healthy bacteria in the gut supports better digestion and better bowel movements (aka detoxification) but here are some benefits of the your microbiome you may not have known:
Plentiful gut microbes can help to maintain a healthy metabolism
A healthy natural flora can help to decrease anxiety and depression
Gut bacteria can actually help to strengthen the immune system
A diverse microbiome in the gut can decrease seasonal allergies
Eating fermented foods, taking quality probiotics and managing your stress are all important aspects of maintaining a healthy gut filled with good bacteria. But occasionally “bad bugs” can sneak into the gut and disrupt this balance of bacteria in the small intestine. Hidden pathogens can include foreign bacteria, parasites, viruses, yeasts and fungi that do not naturally belong in your gut.
The tricky part about these hidden pathogens is that they can be really good at hiding… They can hide out in the gut, create something called a biofilm and go undetected for long periods of time. But during that time they can leave you feeling very sick and/or uncomfortable. Common symptoms associated with hidden pathogens include:
Frequent bloating and gas
Constipation, diarrhea and irritable bowel
Abdominal cramping, stomach pains and nausea
Difficulty losing weight and sugar cravings
Brain fog, fatigue and malaise
Chronic inflammation and constant joint pain
Reoccurring urinary tract infections
So if you’re suffering with any of these health challenges and feeling like poop, maybe it’s time to do a stool test to measure the good bugs and uncover possible bad bugs in your gut! As a functional medicine practitioner, I frequently use a functional lab test called the GI-MAP to test the balance of microbes and measure overall gut health. This DNA based test screens for good bacteria and foreign gut pathogens as well as measuring key digestive markers and checking for a condition known as leaky gut, which occurs when the gut is unhealthy and inflamed.
I’m excited to announce that enrollment for the Gut Restoration Group Program will be opening soon. This is an all-inclusive program where you’ll get to run a functional lab test called the GI-MAP to evaluate your gut health, receive a detailed breakdown of your results and a personalized protocol to address your unique findings. You’ll also get access to the support and tools you need to rebuild and restore a healthy gut! You’ll get a one-on-one coaching call as well as daily support in a private community with other participants. And this program can be completed from anywhere and done on your own schedule for convenience and ease.
All healing truly begins in the gut! So if you’re ready to get to the root cause of your ongoing health challenges and take back control of your health, let’s schedule a free consultation to discuss the Gut Restoration Group Program in more detail and determine if this is a good fit for you.
Now pass me the sauerkraut please! Enjoy your fermented foods for good probiotics and keep focusing on a healthy, happy gut!