Digestion & Hormone Connection Flashcards
(181 cards)
1
Q
T or F: Gut dysfunction initiated early in life can carry with a person as they age, even if their nutrition and lifestyle have improved.
A
True
2
Q
Even though most digestive symptoms may be experienced down south (via constipation, bloating, diarrhea, etc.), the dysfunction typically begins somewhere BLANK?
A
Up north in the GI tract.
3
Q
Where does digestive function begin?
A
In the brain
4
Q
The body can only digest food when the nervous system is in a BLANK state
A
Parasympathetic or relaxed state so your body is able to produce enough gastric juice and enzymes to facilitate digestion.
5
Q
Chewing is important to the digestive process because BLANK?
A
Your taste buds tell your digestive system what’s in your food so that it can prepare the right enzymes for digestion.
6
Q
What are the Salivary Amylase?
A
They are some enzymes actively present in your saliva which begins the breakdown for carbohydrates
7
Q
What are the Salivary Lipase?
A
They help initiate the breakdown of fatty acids
8
Q
Once the food has been chewed up and swallowed, what is its official name?
A
Bolus?
9
Q
Once the bolus hits the esophagus, it triggers certain nerves within the esophageal muscles to initaite a movement called BLANK, which does BLANK?
A
Peristalsis, which forces the bolus down the long tube and into the stomach.
10
Q
What is the Lower Eosphageal Sphincter?
A
Where the eophagus meets the stomach. This sphincter only opens to release the bolus into the stomach and then closes again shortly after as to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
11
Q
Before any food reaches the stomach, it is typically at a resting pH or about BLANK, which is rather acidic.
A
1.5 - 3
12
Q
What is acid necessary for?
A
Breaking down food into small enough particles to pass through the rest of the GI system.
13
Q
When the bolus enters the stomach, the pH rises to about BLANK which stimulates the stomach to do WHAT?
A
Neutral; produce gastric juices from the parietal cells such as Hydrochloric Acid (or stomach acid) and certain enzymes that help to break down protein, B12, and minerals that are in your food.
14
Q
What helps break down the food into a very acid paste called BLANK back to the pH of 1.5 - 3?
A
A chemical reaction alongside a mechanical reaction which is where your stomach is pulsating and churning its contents.
Chyme
15
Q
Why is extreme acidity in the stomach so important?
A
It triggers the opening of the Pyloric Sphincter, which is the connection points between the stomach and the small intestine.
16
Q
What is the small intestine known as?
A
The duodenum.
When the Pyloric Sphincter opens, the chyme is allowed to safely enter into the first part of the small intestine.
From there, the acidity triggers the pancreas to produce bicarbonate - a very alkaline mixture - to raise the pH of the food back to neutral.
17
Q
The pancreas delivers the BLANK to help absorb the nutrients further in the small intestine.
A
Digestive enzymes
18
Q
If fat is present in ths cyme, this triggers the duodenal cells to produce the hormone BLANK, which triggers the BLANK to squeeze stored bile into the duodenum to help emulsify the fat - or break it down into smaller particiles - which also helps with absorption.
A
Cholecystokinin (CCK); gallbladder
19
Q
What is the primary role of the duodenum or small intestine?
A
As the preparation chamber, where is prepares the food content for the rest of the digestive process
20
Q
A
21
Q
Once the preparation phase is complete, the contents then enter into the BLANK where the nutrients can be absorbed into the body.
A
small intestine
22
Q
Why is the small intestine so long?
A
It’s about 20 feet in length becuase the body absorbs the nutrients in our food through the same movement process, peristalsis.
23
Q
As the food passes through the BLANK, finger-like projections on the intestinal epithelial cells known as villi grab onto food particles, allowing them to safely pass through the gut and into the bloodstream to be delivered to the rest of the body’s needs.
A
Small intestine
24
Q
What is the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC?)
A
An electromechanical pulsation of the small intestine that causes your stomach to “growl” when you’re hungry.
Happens in times of fasting when there is no food within the small intestine as an effort for the body to “clear and clean” the intestines of debris.
It is one of the primary benefits of intermittent fasting.
25
Once the small intestine has absorbed all that it can, the food passes through to the BLANK also known as the BLANK.
Colon; large intestine.
26
Which is longer in length the large or small intestine?
small intestine
| Large intestine
27
Where does the bulk of your microbiome lie?
In your colon
28
What is your microbiome?
The complex network of probiotic bacteria that helps to recycle the leftover content of your food by breaking down complex starches and turning them into B vitamins and short-chain fatty acids.
29
What is one of the biggest ways your body eliminates waste?
Whatever's leftover after your food is broken down gets eliminated through your bowels.
30
What is your microbiome important for?
Helping to recycle the leftover content of your food by breaking down complex satarches and supporting the health and integrity of your immune system.
31
Why can the digestive process get shut down and the stomach not produce stomach acid sufficiently?
If you're not in the parasympathetic, such as eating on the go, or while multi-tasking or eating your meal in front of a screen.
This in turn results in malabsorption of food, indigestion, and more.
32
What is Hypochlorhydria?
When there isn't enough hydrochloric acid present.
33
What can Hypochlorhydria lead to?
Poor nutrient absorption, specifically with minerals such as zinc, which is an imperative ingredient for stomach acid production.
34
What is is an imperative ingredient for stomach acid production?
Zinc
35
Low BLANK can turn into a vicious cycle where it can be harder to be able to produce sufficient amounts, simply due to the nutrient deficiencies that are so common with this occurance.
Low stomach acid levels
36
What can inhibit the healthy production of stomach acid?
* Age, as the ability to produce stomach acid decreases as we get older
* Drinking too much water or liquid with meals, as this can diluate stomach acid
* Acid-blocking drugs such as proton pump inhibitors and antacids, as well as anti-histamines, as histamine helps to regulate the first stages of stomach acid production
* An over production and infestation of the bacteria H. Pylori (Helicobacter Pylori)
37
What is achlorhydria?
No stomach acid
38
When does indigestion often happen?
When there is low stomach acid, potentially paired with insufficient chewing.
39
BLANK usually takes the longest to break down within the stomach and requires a specific gastric enzyme called BLANK.
Protein; Pepsinogen
When combined with hydrochloric acid, becomes activated into the active enzyme Pepsin.
40
What are usualy the quickest to break down given that the digetive process begins with the act of chewing?
Carbohydrates
41
What can potentially result in a build-up of acidic gasses within the stomach, resulting in bad smelling gas, indgestion, bloating, cramping heartburn, and diarrhea?
In the presence of low stomach acid, protein doesn't usually have enough to be able to break down properly, which can lead to putrefaction within the stomach. On top of that, the carbs may ferment within the stomach as well.
42
The content of stomach is somewhat BLANK?
acidic, likely around the pH of 4 or 5 but not optimal at 1.5 - 3 so because it isn't as acidic as it needs to be, the pyloric sphincter won't be triggered to open naturally, stalling the contents within the stomach.
43
What causes heartburn and acid reflux and if it continues to happen Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
If the content of the stomach isn’t as acidic as it needs to be, the pyloric sphincter won’t be triggered to open naturally, stalling the contents within the stomach.
The gasses can then build up, eventually putting a strain on the lower esophageal sphincter, sometimes damaging it, and allowing the acidic gasses to enter through to the esophagus, which does not have the same protective barriers as the stomach does, therefore, resulting in the onset of heartburn and acid reflux.
44
What is commonly thought causes heartburn and GERD?
Hyperchlorhydria (too much stomach acid), but the opposite is most often the case (low stomach acid cause by a sympathetic state, inadequate chewing, insufficient nutrients, etc.)
45
Symptoms of heartburn and GERD can be the result of BLANK?
Irritation and/or incompetency of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which connects the esophagus to the stomach.
46
46
Dysfunction of the LES may be caused by what?
Dysfunction of the LES may be caused by nervous system dysfunction, such as a state of parasympathetic dominance, smooth muscle dysfunction, consumption of certain foods, usage of certain medications, smoking, and alcohol.
It may also be triggered by increasing levels of progesterone during pregnancy.
| lower esophageal sphincter
47
What is Helicobacter Pylori infection or H.Pylori?
A bacteria that naturally resides within the stomach and in appropriate amounts doens't do any harm.
When hydrochloric acid levels are low, this can result in the H.Plyori infesting the stomach, digging into the stomach lining, resulting in the development of painful stomach ulcers.
48
What happens when there is dysfunction in the small intestine?
the content of the stomach gets pushed through the pyloric sphincter, and enters into the duodenum per usual. However, since the chyme isn’t at an acidic enough pH, this doesn’t trigger the pancreas to produce bicarbonate and neutralize the content. So the content winds up staying somewhat acidic, usually at a pH of around 4-6, but still more acidic than where it’s supposed to be. When this happens, the chyme stays acidic throughout the remainder of the digestive process. Any digestive enzymes that are delivered to it are killed off immediately, and the digestive process is hindered even further.
49
What is biliary insufficiency or biliary stasis?
Can stem from one’s inability to move bile properly due to a low-fat or PUFA-rich diet, but it can also be due to a build-up of toxins, and minerals such as calcium, as well as nutritional deficiencies that impair proper bile production.
| polyunsaturated fatty acid
50
What are symptoms of biliary dysfunction?
nausea or intolerance to greasy foods, yellow-colored and poorly formed stools, gallstone formation, biliary inflammation and pain, and in the worst-case scenario, gallbladder rupture.
51
Improper bile production or secretion may impair BLANK which could impact health in various ways further down the line.
nutrient absorption
52
Bile helps to maintain BLANK within the GI tract and facilitates the elimination of toxins and excess hormones such as BLANK.
microbial blanace; estrogens
53
What is a Cholecystectomy?
Removal of the gallbladder
54
What is the primary role of the gallbladder?
To store and secrete bile that is produced by the liver.
The liver produces bile as a primary elimination pathway. So although bile is important for emulsifying fats, it's just as important for facilitating detoxification.
55
In the presence of fatty acids in the diet, the hormone Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released and the BLANK squeezes its bile content into the duodenum to aid emulsification.
Gallbladder
| duodenum = small intestine
56
If a person consumes a BLANK diet, this can result in the gallbladder not being able to release its contents often enough, leading to a build-up of bile in the gallbladder
Low-fat
57
Biliary dysfunction can also be common in those who consume BLANK, as these fats do not need the same amount of emulsification as their longer-chain fatty acid counterparts
primarily short-chain fatty acids such as butter, ghee, and coconut oil
58
Because bile often contains various BLANK, it can be quite inflammatory if not released properly from the gallbladder
Toxin metabolites
This in turn can result in inflammation of the gallbladder, and may eventually result in the formation of gallstones. If a gallstone gets lodged in-between the gallbladder and the hepatic portal, it can cause pain and inflammation, often resulting in a cholecystectomy.
59
Once a person no longer has their BLANK, they are unable to properly release bile into the digestive tract, resulting in the potential for fat-soluble nutrient deficiencies, GI inflammation, toxin accumulation, and poor hormone elimination.
Gallbladder
60
Those without gallbladders should ideally take BLANK with every meal containing fat to help them assimilate fatty acids and fat-soluble nutrients appropriately. Otherwise, what can happen?
ox bile salts; the fats they eat can remain in the digestive tract, un-emulsified and able to go rancid, factoring into the onset of intestinal inflammation which can result in the development of intestinal permeability, or, leaky gut.
61
Those without a gallbladder may be able to better tolerate BLANK such as butter, ghee, and coconut oil over other forms of fats that require the support of ox bile to be fully emulsified.
Short-chain fatty acids
62
If you find that your client has a history of gallstone formation, intolerance to fatty acids, and bowel disturbances including discolored, loose stools, it may be worth looking into supporting their BLANK and BLANK as a foundational approach
Liver and biliary health
63
BLANK is also a critical nutrient that plays a role in bilirubin synthesis, which is an important component of healthy bile formation
Zinc
For those who show symptoms of looser, yellow-colored stools, it is recommended to look into and address potential zinc deficiency.
This can also be cross checked by running Bilirubin in their blood work
64
Supplementing with zinc for long periods of times may offset BLANK?
Copper
64
Gallstone formation may also be more prevalent in those with BLANK. Why is this?
Estrogen excess
Estrogen has been associated with higher risk for crystal and gallstone formation as estrogen may alter the composition of bile by increasing the saturation of cholesterol in ratio to bile salts.
65
Why can gallbladder issues can be a problem for pregnant women when estrogen is higher?
Becuase estrogen been associated with higher risk for crystal and gallstone formation as estrogen may alter the composition of bile by increasing the saturation of cholesterol in ratio to bile salts.
66
Why does estrogen therapy and hormonal birth control increases the risk for gallbladder diseases?
Becuase estrogen been associated with higher risk for crystal and gallstone formation as estrogen may alter the composition of bile by increasing the saturation of cholesterol in ratio to bile salts.
67
BLANK necessary component for facilitating estrogen elimination and clearance. Through supporting liver function and biliary health, you can both support healthy estrogen clearance and reduce the risk for gallstone formation and gallbladder disease.
Bile.
68
he irritation and inflammation that is caused by the acidic chyme can lead to openings within the tight junctions, allowing food particles & even pathogens to pass through and enter into the bloodstream, causing BLANK
an immune reaction
69
What is one way that food allergies and sensitivities form?
If food particles pass through to the bloodstream without getting properly identified by the epithelial cells, the immune cells may very well see them as foreign invaders, and produce antibodies against them.
70
BLANK isn’t the only thing that can lead to leaky gut, however. Although it may initiate it, once food allergies are formed, the more frequently the food is consumed, the more irritation and inflammation occurs, further perpetuating the cycle.
Acidic chyme
71
What is Gluten?
Aclassification of poorly digested proteins found within wheat, barley, rye, and spelt.
The proteins Gliadin and Glutenin are the most common proteins found in gluten-containing grains.
These proteins trigger increased intestinal inflammation and the breakdown of the tight junctions within the epithelial cells, further perpetuating the presence of leaky gut.
72
What things can damage the epithelial tight junctions?
* genetic predispositions (such as those for celiac disease), bacterial imbalance
* yeast overgrowth,
* or other toxins, such as those found in processed foods, alcohol, drugs, antibiotics, hormonal birth control, and excess stress and cortisol
73
If the immune system is overloaded by non-invading substances due to BLANK, it allows less energy for the immune system to apply focus to situations that really matter, such as fighting off real pathogenic invaders.
intestinal permeability
74
What is autoimmunity?
A heightened immune response that initiates the immune system to degrade its own human tissues, known as autoimmune responses.
75
What is TH1 mediated activity?
TH1 mediated activity is considered the cytotoxic or “innate” immune response, in another sense, it is the body’s first line of defense.
The cells that are involved in the TH1 response include the CD4 Helper Cells and Killer Cells.
These cells are responsible for killing off intracellular foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, etc.
76
TH1 (T-Helper Cell 1) tend to induce a BLANK response and are often associated with organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as BLANK?
A pro-inflammatory response and are often associated with organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Grave’s Disease, Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
77
What are TH2 (T-Helper Cell 2)?
The TH2 mediated response is considered the humoral or “acquired” response of the immune system, consisting of B-Cells and antibody immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgA, IgM, etc. This part of the immune system fights against the extracellular pathogens found within bodily fluids such as allergens, toxins, and bacteria.
78
The response from TH2 mediation is not typically BLANK and dominance of this immune response is commonly seen in more systemic or chronic autoimmune conditions such as BLANK
Inflammatory; Lupus, Ulcerative Colitis, Eczema, and Dermatitis.
79
Estrogen tends to stimulate BLANK expression over BLANK, which is a primary reason why estrogen therapy (HRT or HBC) can cause certain autoimmune conditions (specifically BLANK dominant conditions) to go into remission
TH2 over TH1
TH1 dominant conditions
80
Rising estrogen in pregnancy also shifts the immune system from BLANK mediated immunity to BLANK mediated immunity
TH1 to TH2; This helps to prevent the immune system from attacking the tissues of the growing fetus.
81
Why do some women experience relief from TH1 dominant conditions during pregnancy, whereas others may experience exacerbating symptoms or flare-ups if they suffer from TH2 dominant conditions?
Rising estrogen in pregnancy also shifts the immune system from TH1 mediated immunity to TH2 mediated immunity. This helps to prevent the immune system from attacking the tissues of the growing fetus
82
What may be the reason as to why females are more prone to autoimmune conditions than males?
They naturally have higher estrogen levels.
83
Autoimmunity development is also commonly associated with intestinal permeability as over time the ingestion of certain foods that the immune system has flagged can result in BLANK
over-stimulation of the immune system. Once developed, autoimmune conditions can be triggered by the consumption of specific foods.
84
What is Molecular Mimicry?
Once developed, autoimmune conditions can be triggered by the consumption of specific foods. For example, in thyroid disease, gluten protein is often confused for thyroid tissue, thus, whenever gluten is consumed in people with thyroid disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid tissue instead of, or, in tandem with the gluten proteins.
85
High BLANK levels, known as Hyperprolactinemia, are known to have an immunostimulatory effect and are said to promote autoimmunity formation and flare-ups as wel
prolactin
86
What are histamines?
Chemicals that are naturally produced by immune cells such as Mast Cells and Basophils in response to foreign invaders and/or allergens.
87
When the immune system is over-reactive this can lead to the overproduction of BLANK, which will eventually override the body’s ability to clear out the BLANK, leading to BLANK intolerance.
Histamines; histamines, histamine intolerance
88
Which foods contain high histamine levels?
Certain foods with higher bacteria content, such as fermented foods, dairy, and leftovers as well as cured meats, canned foods, chocolate, and a few fruits and vegetables such as bananas, avocados, and tomatoes.
89
What are symptoms of Histamine intolerance?
Frequent headaches, migraines, digestive upset, nasal congestion, fatigue, flushing, and even menstrual cycle irregularities.
90
Typically, issues with histamine intolerance are not due to the over-production or the over consumption of histamine. Rather, it is due to BLANK.
The inability to properly metabolize and clear histamine from the system.
91
How is Histamine cleared?
Via the help of the Diamine Oxidase (DAO) enzyme.
92
What is the DAO enzyme?
The DAO enzyme is coded by the DAO gene and is secreted from the lining of the small intestine.
Genetic polymorphisms or mutations in the DAO gene may result in the inability to produce enough DAO to properly clear histamine. In addition, intestinal permeability can impact one’s ability to produce DAO and clear histamine.
93
What can cause the inability to produce enough DAO to properly clear histamine?
Genetic polymorphisms or mutations in the DAO gene may result in the inability to produce enough DAO to properly clear histamine.
Intestinal permeability.
94
What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)?
Where a person has over reactive mast cells, which can wind up contributing to the over-production of histamine, even if the person has the ability to clear it properly. In this case, there would be too much histamine in relation to clearance abilities.
95
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) can be triggered by what?
Infections, heavy metals, drug usage, environmental toxins, mold exposure, and genetic predispositions, but there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding this condition.
96
BLANK hormone actually stimulates histamine production, and can down regulate the DAO enzyme.
estrogen
97
Histamines can also trigger BLANK production in the ovaries.
Estrogen
This can result in a cyclical dysfunction and may be a cause of some histamine related symptoms in those with estrogen dominance.
98
Women with BLANK intolerance may experience heightened symptoms in their follicular phase, or around ovulation when estrogen is naturally at its highest levels.
Symptoms may also arise right before menstruation, especially if your client is prone to estrogen dominance with low progesterone.
histamine
99
Symptoms of histamine intolerance may show up as what?
Menstrual or ovulation migraines, bloating or other digestive disturbances, anxiety, irritability, brain fog or difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hives, and worsening symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
May also worsen symptoms of perimenopause.
100
BLANK lesions have quite a high quantity of mast cells, suggesting that there may be a correlation between heightened immune response, histamine production, MCAS, and BLANK
Endometriotic; endometriosis
101
Why might endometriosis be commonly associated with heightened allergies, bladder issues (the bladder has a high concentration of mast cells), and digestive disturbances?
Endometriotic lesions have quite a high quantity of mast cells, suggesting that there may be a correlation between heightened immune response, histamine production, MCAS, and endometriosis
102
What is the best way to support histamine and MCAS issues?
Low-histamine diets, supplementing with DAO enzyme, and anti-histamine compounds can help mitigate symptoms. In addition, the DAO enzyme taken orally only works locally within the small intestine and doesn’t address MCAS or histamine over-production due to immune system hyperactivity or estrogen dominance.
So... need to take a step deeper to consider why the immune system is over-reactive, why someone may not be producing sufficient DAO (do they have intestinal permeability?), and why someone may have issues with excess estrogen.
103
Where does the majority of bacteria in our bodies live?
They reside within the large intestine.
104
What does bacteria within the large intestine help our bodies to do?
They break down indigestible substances in our food such as cellulose & fiber and turn them into beneficial nutrients like Vitamin K, B vitamins, and short-chain fatty acids 18,19.
They also help to support the integrity of our gut linings and play a critical role in facilitating the first defense of our immune system
105
What is Dysbiosis?
The technical term for an imbalance of bacteria that favor more pathogenic and opportunistic bacterial over beneficial microbes.
106
What can lead to an opportune environment for opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to take over?
When the delicate bacterial balance gets disturbed, whether that be through intestinal inflammation (think back to that acidic chyme, the acidity may very well kill off beneficial microbes), biliary dysfunction, hormonal birth control, or antibiotic usage.
107
What is Candida albicans?
An opportunistic yeast that can overgrow within the intestinal tract when the environment is favorable.
It is also highly adaptable to various pH’s throughout the body allowing it to inhabit other areas such as the vagina and the oral cavity
108
Why is candida often much more problematic than other forms of opportunistic pathogens and requires careful diligence to correct?
* Candida has been known to at times infect the liver, potentially contributing to the formation of liver disease.
* It can damage the intestinal lining by potentially altering intestinal pH and contributing to the formation of leaky gut.
* Once candida enters into the blood, it can then go on to affect other areas of the body.
109
What is a Biofilm?
A mucosal matrix produced by the invaders that protects them from eradication via beneficial bacteria and even some antifungals
| Candida Albicans
110
What are endotoxins?
Harmful toxins that can circulate through the system causing inflammation and stress on the liver from Candida albicans.
111
What is the best way to get rid of candida albicans?
Through a gut infection eradication protocol.
These protocols usually consist of a starvation diet, biofilm disruptor, and endotoxin binder to help kill off the microbes, break down their biofilms, and bind their endotoxins so they don’t cause more harm to the body.
112
What is Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?
An endotoxin that can be produced by gram-negative bacteria such as E.Coli
113
What are the effects of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?
Once LPS is produced, it can travel to numerous places throughout the body, negatively affecting many bodily and systemic functions. For example, LPS can disrupt ovulation, leading to low Progesterone, and can also interfere with thyroid function.
114
What is SIBO?
SIBO, or Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, is an overgrowth of beneficial bacteria within the small intestine.
SIBO has to do with the right bacteria in the wrong place.
115
Why can overgrowth of bacteria happen?
Alongside the peristalsis movement of the food within the small intestine, bacteria are pushed from the small intestine and into the colon, this helps to ensure that bacteria are constantly moving and not staying stagnant within the small intestine.
However when one is experiencing impaired or slowed motility, this can result in more bacteria hanging out within the small intestine, eventually leading to overgrowth.
116
What happens when overgrowth of bacteria occurs?
The bacteria begin to eat and ferment the undigested carbohydrates within the small intestine, producing hydrogen gases in exchange, leading to uncomfortable intestinal cramping and diarrhea.
From there, other types of bacteria called methanobacterium will come in and consume the hydrogen gas, producing methane gas in return
117
The presence of methanobacterium can lead to what?
Onset of symptoms such as bloating and constipation as methanobacterium have been shown to slow motility
118
What is the Ileocecal valve?
It's the connection between the small intestine and the colon, which SIBO can lead to the dysfunction of.
119
What can happen with the Ileocecal valve is dysfunctional?
This value is another sphincter that is meant to open as food passes from the small intestine into the colon, and then close to prevent backflow.
However, in some people, this valve can remain open, allowing backflow of bacteria from the colon into the small intestine, leading to small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
120
What can trigger the can trigger the ileocecal valve to remain open?
Chronic stress, irritable bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, endometriosis, or any other form of inflammation or damage.
Damage to this valve may also occur after an appendectomy, laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, myomectomy for fibroids, or other forms of surgery within the abdominal cavity or bowels simply due to surgical error.
121
What is the Estrobolome?
A particular subset of the microbiome responsible for eliminating and reabsorbing estrogen.
122
When estrogen is used up by the body what happens?
The liver breaks it down into inactive estrogen metabolites (conjugated estrogens) that then get shuttled to the bowels via the biliary system for elimination through the stools.
From there, bile combines with fiber in the large intestine, facilitating the removal of estrogen metabolites.
123
The bacteria that comprise the estrobolome contain BLANK and BLANK enzymatic activities
beta-glucuronidase and beta glucosidase
124
What do the enzymatic processes of beta-glucuronidase and beta glucosidase, specifically the beta glucuronidase activity, inhibit?
The elimination of estrogen by initiating enterohepatic circulation—that is, the reactivation and recirculation of estrogen metabolites back through the bloodstream
125
What is estrogen recycling?
In a healthy microbiome, you would ideally see some bacteria with beta glucuronidase activity, as it can help to recirculate moderate amounts of estrogen back through the system, maintaining estrogen levels and reducing the need for estrogen synthesis.
126
Beta-glucuronidase also recycles other beneficial compounds such as BLANK, suggesting it serves purposes beyond modulating estrogen levels.
Serotonin
127
128
In an unhealthy microbiome, specifically within cases of dysbiosis, you tend to see an increase of bacteria with BLANK activity
beta-glucuronidase
129
In an unhealthy microbiome, specifically within cases of dysbiosis, you tend to see an increase of bacteria with beta-glucuronidase activity, which can increase?
Estrogen deconjugation and recirculation, contributing to estrogen excess and other estrogen related conditions.
130
Beta-glucuronidase activity is increased by BLANK?
The Clostridia, Ruminococcacea, Escherichia, and Shigella families of bacteria, which are commonly found in cases of dysbiosis, suggesting there may very well be a correlation between gut dysbiosis and estrogen dominance.
131
How does antibiotic therapy effect the microbiome?
It can disrupt the gut microbiome by making way for nvasion of opportunistic microbes, including those with an increased prevalence of beta glucuronidase activity.
However, some research shows that antibiotics can actually decrease beta-glucuronidase activity, at least in the short term, due to the general eradication of all forms of bacteria. This can lead to lowered circulating estrogen metabolite levels and may therapeutically reduce the risk for estrogen-related conditions and cancers
132
Why can antibiotics contribute to the ineffectiveness of oral contraceptives?
HBC can disrupt the microbiome, contributing to an increase of dysbiotic bacteria and beta-glucuronidase activity. In theory, this increases the recirculation of estrogen and promotes the drug’s effectiveness.
Antibiotics can increase the elimination of estrogens, including the synthetic estrogens found in oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptives work in part by inhibiting ovulation through stunting FSH production. When estrogen levels decrease due to antibiotic usage, this has the potential to interfere with the FSH suppression, allowing room for ovulation to occur in some cases
133
What is the vaginal microbiome is primarily comprised of?
The lactobacillus strain of bacteria, which creates lactic acid to form an acidic environment within the vaginal canal, protecting the cervix and uterus from potential pathogenic invasion.
134
What is Bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Sometimes referred to as vaginal dysbiosis — is primarily caused by an elevation of dysbiotic bacteria within the vagina, and is predominantly expressed in low lactobacillus environments. For this reason, lactobacillus replacement therapy may support women with recurrent BV.
135
Chronic yeast infections may be common in women with BLANK?
a Candida albicans overgrowth and is why many benefit from treating the primary intestinal invasion.
136
What else can lead to the onset of vaginal infections?
Poor hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, and even the use of douches and feminine washes
137
Is there a need to clean the inside of the vagina?
The vagina has natural mechanisms for self-cleansing such as maintaining an acidic pH, the production of discharge (cellular slough), and even menstruation.
The use of douches and feminine washes only introduce irritating substances, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and compounds that can disrupt the delicate vaginal microbiome, potentially causing more harm than benefit.
138
What is long-term prevention for bacterial and/or yeast infections?
Long-term prevention of these infections always begins with the gut, so addressing gut health is very important,
139
What is short-term support for bacterial and/or yeast infections?
* Probiotics - specifically those that contain lactobacillus
* Unsweetened organic greek yogurt
* Frozen coconut oil pellets
* Apple cider vinegar (for those with candida albicans)
* Baking soda baths
* Boric acid suppositories
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If a woman is pregnant, the health of her microbiome may also extend to the health of BLANK
Her growing baby
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The fetus’s microbiome is nearly BLANK while in the womb
Sterile; fetuses may have some exposure to bacteria while in the womb via the placenta and amniotic fluid
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What process inoculates a baby's own microbiome, facilitating the development of their immune system?
As the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery, they are exposed to the mother’s beneficial microbes from both her vaginal canal and fecal matter, which are absorbed through the baby’s eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and skin.
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Why is it so incredibly important for new mothers to optimize their gut health & to avoid antibiotics during pregnancy and at birth if at all possible?
As the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery, they are exposed to the mother’s beneficial microbes from both her vaginal canal and fecal matter, which are absorbed through the baby’s eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and skin. This process inoculates their own microbiome, facilitating the development of their immune system.
After delivery, the baby then receives more beneficial microbes from the mother through skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
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What canresult in constipation?
If food isn’t moving through the digestive system quickly enough, whether that be due to impaired peristalsis function, lack of hydration, lack of fiber, or biliary insufficiency.
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Constipation is also a common symptom
of BLANK, as the low amount of BLANK hormone slows things down, including digestive function.
hypothyroidism; thyroid
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Why is constipation problematic?
Many toxins, and hormones, as we discussed earlier are eliminated through the stools. If transit time is slowed, this can lead to reabsorption of some of these toxic components which can put stress on the liver and factor into other issues like hormone imbalances.
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Why may diarrhea occur?
Due to a food intolerance or allergy, lack of fiber, a viral or gut infection such as dysbiosis or parasites, or other digestive diseases.
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Why can diarrhea be problematic?
Acelerated digestion may not give your body enough time to absorb vital nutrients from one’s food, which could leave them at risk for developing nutritional deficiencies.
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BLANK is associated with loose stools & diarrhea, as it tends to speed up metabolism & systemic function, including digestion.
Hyperthyroidism
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Estrogen has been known to stimulate BLANK, contributing to healthy motility and bowel frequency
Peristalsis
## Footnote
the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward.
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BLANK has been shown to relax smooth muscles, resulting in slowed motility and constipation
Progesterone
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Many women have healthy digestive function in their BLANK phases, or around ovulation, and more constipation during their BLANK
follicular; luteal
## Footnote
because more progesterone during the luteal phase
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Constipation is also very common in pregnancy due to the increase of BLANK
Progesterone
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Why is diarrhea common during menstruation?
Due to the decrease of hormones, specifically progesterone during that time of the month.
The decrease of progesterone triggers the onset of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like inflammatory chemicals that contract the smooth muscles of the uterus, aiding in the shedding of the endometrial lining. But the prostaglandins don’t stop there, they also contract the smooth muscle of the bowel
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How can HBC effect digestive function?
By triggering intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, increasing levels of GI inflammation, and disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing levels of beta-glucuronidase activity
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Why can HBC lead to compromised nutrient absorption and various nutrient deficiencies?
By triggering intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, increasing levels of GI inflammation, and disrupt the gut microbiome, increasing levels of beta-glucuronidase activity
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What are common utrient deficiencies associated with hormonal birth control usage?
Vitamin E, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Magnesium, Selenium & Zinc
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Zinc & B Vitamins are incredibly important for healthy WHAT?
Stomach acid production, so deficiencies in those nutrients due to hormonal birth control may very well impair the rest of the digestive process
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What is the first place to start when it the first place when it comes to supporting your client’s digestive health ?
Help them optimize their stomach acid production.
Before you dig into dietary changes and supplements, make sure your clients are getting into a parasympathetic state before they eat, are not eating on the go, and that are chewing their food adequately
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What are supports for stomach acid production?
* Apple Cider Vinegar
* Digestive Bitters
* Hydrochloric Acid
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What are some examples of digestive bitters?
Bitter herbs such as Dandelion, Gentian, Wormwood, and Burdock that some research shows can help promote healthy gastric juice production.
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What are contraindications for digestive bitters?
Digestive bitters are not intended for use in pregnant or lactating individuals.
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Some people, especially those with any form of stomach inflammation, gastritis, or H.Pylori infection may show adverse reactions to BLANK?
Increasing stomach acid
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What If people have an adverse reaction to increasing stomach acid does it mean they don't need it?
Not necessarily, it means that there has been some damage done to their stomach lining that has led to increased inflammation, and potentially the formation of stomach ulcers
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What do you do if a client has an adverse reaction to increasing stomach acid?
They likely need to go on a temporary stomach lining support protocol first and foremost. In this situation, a combination of vitamin U (also known as cabbage juice), aloe vera gel, and slippery elm, is recommended.
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Once you have supported a client's upper GI health, then what would you do next?
Bring in some gentle support to their small intestine, to begin supporting healthy intestinal integrity.
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How long does it take for the cells of the intestine to regenerate?
Roughly 3-5 days
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Stress, inflammation, and cortisol can also play a role in BLANK health, so stress management and hormone balance may play an important role in maintaining BLANK integrity as well.
Small intestinal; intestinal
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Why don't you want to take pancreatic enzymes long-term?
Over time, the body can become dependent on the incoming sources of pancreatic enzymes, which may result in the pancreas not producing its own sufficiently. Plant-based enzymes don’t seem to have the same dependency mechanism and may be safer options to switch to after utilizing pancreatic enzymes for a period of time
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How long can a client stay on pancreatic enzymes?
No longer than 3 months, and for extra precaution, may recommend switching on and off between pancreatic and plant-based enzymes if long-term support is needed.
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Because bile is first formed within the BLANK, biliary support begins with BLANK health.
Liver; liver
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Nutrients for supporting liver health and detoxification are what?
Dandelion, chicory root, burdock, artichoke, and other bitter herbs
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What nutrients are important facil such as zinc, betaine, taurine, cholesterol, and phospholipids are important for
facilitating bile production and function?
Zinc, betaine, taurine, cholesterol, and phospholipids
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Those who have their gallbladder removed will need to remain on BLANK to ensure WHAT?
Ox Bile replacement supplement to ensure proper fat assimilation and absorption.
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For microbiome support, what should they do?
Bring in high-quality probotics.
This can be done through consuming fermented foods daily, and/or taking a high-quality probiotic supplement
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Why is it important that probiotics are ingested daily?
The majority of beneficial bacteria that work with the gastrointestinal system are considered transient. Meaning, they come and go at about the same rate at which you consume them. So if your clients are not ingesting some form of probiotics daily, they may find it challenging to maintain a robust microbiome.
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If one has had their appendix removed, their microbiome health may greatly depend on BLANK?
Their ingestion of daily probiotics.
There are other types of residential bacteria that are not considered transient, but these bacteria are often very fragile and depend upon the transient bacteria to maintain the microbiome environment to be in their favor for survival. It is said that these bacteria tend to reside within the appendix.
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Who may have adverse reactions to probiotics?
People with extreme cases of dysbiosis, candida overgrowth, histamine intolerance, or SIBO.
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What are always the very first places to begin when working with any client case?
Dialing in the foundations of nutrition, blood sugar balance, inflammation balance, stress management, and digestive health because they all impact hormonal health.
