Gut Health: How Your Diet Can Contribute to Poor GI Health

In functional medicine, we commonly refer to the Standard American Diet as the SAD diet. The SAD acronym correctly sums up the profoundly negative effect many of the foods we consume in the United States has on our overall health and the health of our digestive system.

Over the past 50 years, the western diet has changed dramatically to consist primarily of highly processed, calorically dense, and nutritionally poor foods. Our “fast food” lifestyle has also woven itself into the way we grow, harvest and store food in this country. As a society, we have evolved to become ever more dependent on the luxury of foods with a longer shelf life and the convenience of quick, cheap, grab and go meals. The Standard American diet also relies on highly processed, sprayed and genetically modified foods including corn, wheat, dairy, soy, sugar and eggs.

And, because we eat so much of these six foods as part of the SAD diet, these foods often become the most common food sensitivities and allergies we see in our office.

In the previous blog I introduced the 5-R Gut protocol. The first R in the 5 R program is remove. Remove can mean the removal of a number of things including the removal of microbes, pathogens, and removing too much stress.

Remove can also point to removing certain foods that may be contributing to the development of GI issues including many of the foods commonly found in excess in the standard American diet.

In our office we will often suggest a Food Antibody Test at the first visit for our patients who are suffering with GI symptoms. This is a blood test that can guide us in finding out which foods are a problem for you and help us to customize your personal treatment program.

If you want to forgo testing, the gold standard of functional medicine includes a trial of the elimination diet. With the elimination diet, we suggest that you commit to a 6-week trial of eliminating all (or some) of the common food allergens including wheat, diary, corn, soy and eggs.

If you think about it, food is information. Most of us consume an average of three meals a day, plus snacks. If the foods we are eating regularly are sending information to our gut that is contributing to an increase in inflammation, sprayed so heavily it is full of toxicants that damage our gut barrier and is processed so heavily that it is not providing good nutrition, your diet is bound to have a profound affect on our overall health.

In the literature, the consumption of the western diet is strongly associated with development of many chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease and hypertension. Regular consumption of the SAD diet also contributes to chronic inflammation and poor health outcomes.

Fortunately, a great deal of evidence also supports the fact that many chronic diseases are considered largely preventable through modifiable lifestyle measures, including improving our diet and nutrition.

At Boulder Holistic, we recommend that our patients eat a wide variety of vegetables and healthy proteins. Avoiding the most inflammatory foods, like gluten, sugar, corn, soy and grains in general will help heal your gut and leave you feeling more vibrant!

References

  • Willett, W. K. Prevention of Chronic Disease by Means of Diet and Lifestyle Changes. (2006) [2018-09-01]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11795/.
  • Grotto, D. E. The Standard American Diet and Its Relationship to the Health Status of Americans. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, (2010); 25 (6). [PubMed] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21139124.
  • CDC. Disparities in State-Specific Adult Fruit and Vegetable Consumption — United States, 2015. (2017) [2018-10-12]. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/66/wr/mm6645a1.htm?s_cid=mm6645a1_w
  • Zinocker, M. L. The Western Diet–Microbiome-Host Interaction and Its Role in Metabolic Disease. Nutrient. (2018); 2018 (10): 365. [PubMed] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=The+Western+Diet%E2%80%93Microbiome-Host+Interaction+and+Its+Role+in+Metabolic+Disease.
  • Steyn, K. D. Lifestyle and Related Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases. (2006). [2018-09-04], from Pub Med: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2290/.
Dr. Amy Reidhead

Dr. Reidhead is a double board certified Chiropractic Physician and Family Nurse Practitioner. She is also a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and holds a Bachelor of Science in both Nursing and Human Biology. She has spent the past 25 years honing her skills as a functional and integrative medical provider in Boulder, Colorado.

Read more from the Boulder Holistic blog:

castor oil put in face

Castor Oil: Your New Go-To For Detoxification & Flawless Skin

In a world inundated with remedies, castor oil is one that has stood the test of time. Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine highly recommends this natural remedy for detoxification and flawless skin. Castor oil has a history rooted in traditional medicine and enhanced by modern science. Ever heard of a castor oil pack? The topical application of …

Read More »
two happy women launching after a workout

Sirtuins: Your New Best Friends in the Fight Against Aging

Sirtuins are one of the seven “longevity genes” found inside your cells. These tiny enzymes are essential for regulating cell cycles and protecting your DNA. They also play a major role in cellular processes that control inflammation and metabolism. From deep within your cell, sirtuins influence…

Read More »
stomach system over the body

Revolutionizing Gut Health: The Truth About SIBO And SIFO

In the intricate world of gut health, two often misunderstood conditions stand out: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO). SIBO and SIFO not only sound similar, they have similar symptoms including bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

Read More »
a happy kid playing with her father

Unleashing Mitochondria Function: The Power Within

When you were in school, you probably learned about the mitochondria as the powerhouse of the cell. Every cell in your body, from your brain to your heart, has mitochondria. They convert energy from our food into a form that our body can use as energy to move, speak, think, and grow.
But what happens when your mitochondria don’t work properly? And how do you keep your mitochondria …

Read More »
a woman sleeping

Sleep: Causes of Poor Sleep & Natural Remedies For a Better Night Sleep

Do you fall asleep easily only to lie in bed wide awake at 3 a.m.? Or maybe it’s easy to fall asleep but you wake up exhausted? Do you dread bedtime because you have such a hard time sleeping? Nobody wants to stay awake in the middle of the night, mind racing through scenarios that may never come to pass. But good sleep is more than a desire – You need to sleep. Not only because sleep supports healthy digestion and detoxification, but because the world …

Read More »
spell out autoimmune disease on scrabble blocks

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN): A Game-Changer for Autoimmune Disease & Chronic Illness

The functional medicine providers at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine make it a point to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in alternative treatments. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is one that is increasingly popular among holistic medicine practitioners because studies have shown it has significant benefits for those suffering from autoimmune diseases and chronic …

Read More »
hair loss gathered by a comb

Exploring Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Treatments, and How to Manage It

Hair loss in women is more common than you might think. Women both young and old may have clumps of hair come out in the shower or see areas of thinning in the front or top of their head. Societal standards of beauty often center on healthy hair and skin. So now female hair loss comes with emotional strain on top of worries about potential health problems. Not to mention that stress about your looks and health can lead to high levels of cortisol, which can lead to …

Read More »
Stone stacks

Unlock the Power of Intermittent Fasting: Pros, Cons, and Secrets Revealed

Fasting is an ancient therapeutic technique that dates back to the 5th century BCE. Back then, fasting mainly was a religious practice, but it was also used to treat certain illnesses. It took the advances of modern science to reveal the many benefits of fasting for your health. Intermittent fasting is the most recent trend in fasting, a practice …

Read More »
A man looking at his elbow

What Causes Lyme Disease? The Top 5 Reasons Lyme Disease Remains Chronic

Over 300,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease every year. Despite growing awareness of Lyme disease’s prevalence, the tick-borne illness often goes unnoticed. Even properly diagnosed, Lyme disease can remain in your system for years and severely affect your quality of life. The doctors at Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado are Lyme disease specialists who …

Read More »
herbal medicines pills in a wooden spoon

Methylation and Mental Health: Why We Should Pay Attention to Our DNA

Methylation and Mental Health: Why We Should Pay Attention to Our DNA – You might not know it, but a crucial bodily process is often overlooked when it comes to mental health. Methylation and mental health are naturally intertwined, and supporting methylation could revolutionize mental health care. Mental health disorders …

Read More »
Joint Inflamation Graph

Inflammation May Be Aging You Faster Than You Think

Inflammation May Be Aging You Faster Than You Think :: Inflammation may be aging you faster than you think and if you want to live a long, healthy, active life – decreasing your inflammation is critical. Inflammation is a natural, healthy part of the healing process. However, sometimes this inflammatory response is …

Read More »
Menopause on spell out blocks

The 3 Stages of Menopause: The Importance of Teaching Women About Menopause

When we educate ourselves about menopause, we are more capable of understanding and supporting the women in our lives who will inevitably experience menopause. If you’re a man and don’t think this article pertains to you – I urge you to read on. All of us are affected by menopause. We either go through it ourselves or watch our mothers, grandmothers, wives, and lovers experience

Read More »
hand holding a brain light figure

The Functional Medicine Approach for Improving Your Mental Health

Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, and PTSD are on the rise. One in five children and adults will experience any of these mental afflictions in a given year. Functional medicine offers a unique approach to mental health support. Instead of treating the symptoms, it treats the root cause of mental health. What we get wrong about mental health is looking at the …

Read More »
Membrane Power Shake Drink Duo with Blueberries

Revitalize Your Body and Mind with Membrane Supportive Power Shake

We all know what happens if we don’t change the oil in our cars, but what about the oil in our bodies? Every cell membrane in our bodies is made up of a phospholipid bi-layer and maybe even more importantly, every mitochondrion in our cells also is made up of the lipid bilayer. So what happens to the fats in our membranes over time? Exposure to …

Read More »
French press is best when making coffee enema

Benefits of Coffee Enema

The health benefits of coffee enemas may include relief from symptoms of Lyme disease, multiple chemical sensitivities, and heavy metal toxicity. There are very few toxicity-related reactions that couldn’t be stopped or tremendously reduced with a coffee enema. Coffee enema is great …

Read More »
Toxic Mold on Wall

Mold Toxicity Symptoms & Treatment

Most people have some experience with mold, but what does toxic mold look like? The black gunk in a window frame, the moldy smell in a damp basement, or the fuzz on food left in the fridge for too long.
Not all molds are inherently harmful. Some strains of mold …

Read More »
a woman smiling

Bioidentical Hormones: What Women Need to Know

We are hormonal beings. Hormones are powerful and connected to every part of your body in a beautiful, delicate balance. They control many of the body’s essential functions including your mood, energy level, survival instinct, libido, anxiety, and sleep.

Read More »
Artistic Brain, lady touching her head

Limbic Retraining for Chronic Illness

What is the limbic system and how does the limbic system function? The limbic system is the part of the brain involved in our behavioral and emotional response. Often referred to as our animal brain, the limbic system is dramatically affected by illness. It responds to illness like a smoke alarm responds to smoke or fire. It activates and stays activated until …

Read More »
Image of a a healthy gut

How to Heal Your Gut using Functional Medicine

A staggering 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from gut dysfunction. Many people with gut dysfunction don’t seek medical help, preferring to deal with symptoms of bloating, gas, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea on their own. Others simply wait for the symptoms to pass without considering what these signs might reveal about their health. Gut dysfunction includes many common gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dysbiosis, parasites, small intestinal bacterial…

Read More »
causes of thyroid graph

What Causes Thyroid Problems?

According to recent estimates, about 10 million Americans suffer from an underactive thyroid. This condition, called hypothyroidism, causes several tell-tale symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, constipation, low mood, and temperature intolerance. What causes low thyroid? These symptoms are related to inadequate or imbalanced thyroid hormones, including high reverse T3.

Read More »

August Summer Heat Hydration Special

The heat is ON and it’s a great time to revitalize, hydrate and boost your immune system to get the most out of the last few weeks of summer before school starts. Medical grade nutritional IV’s have been found by many to help get your energy and vitality back after COVID.

Read More »

The leaves are back, the kids are out of school, it smells like flowers, summer in Colorado is here!

Boulder Holistic has an exciting announcement! Our Registered Nurse extraordinaire, Ame, is back! She will be in clinic 2-4 days per week including some Saturdays and we are offering Nutritional IV’s, blood draws, PRP (more info to come), urine and throat checks, ionic foot baths, etc. on those days. Please call the office at 303-390-1245 or email us at info@boulderholistic.com to schedule.

Read More »

Mask-acne… it’s a thing

Masks are now the new hot accessories but wearing a mask for hours a day can block the pores of your skin and put you at risk of developing acne. As healthcare providers, we know the best way to treat acne is to prevent it before it happens.

So, since mask wearing is not likely to go away for a while, it seems important to figure out how to best protect our faces and stop the pimples that masks can cause.

Read More »

Reversing Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a hot topic in the health and functional medicine world. Our fast passed, high stress and inactive lifestyles put many people at risk for this undesirable condition. Luckily, insulin resistance is not only preventable, but may be reversible by making healthy diet and lifestyle changes now!

Read More »

The Latest COVID-19 Updates from Boulder Holistic

On Friday November 20th 2020, Boulder and Denver counties entered the “new red” COVID restriction levels. So what does that mean for us at Boulder Holistic?

Due to the current risk of COVID-19 infection, we are trying to do our part in slowing the spread of the coronavirus by limiting the number of face-to-face appointments per state order. We are booking appointments with our doctors via telemedicine through zoom or over the phone over the next few weeks in order to best comply with the new restrictions.

Read More »

Using Your Supplements Wisely: How to Best Protect and Heal from COVID-19

As fall turns to winter, the number of coronavirus cases in our state and the country continues to grow. Thankfully, over the past months doctors and researchers have learned more about the virus and how to best approach prevention and treatment.

Functional medicine thrives when it comes to understanding root causes of illness and how to support proper immune function. The research has shown that a step-wise approach to the coronavirus may be the best medicine.

Read More »

Fall and COVID-19

Autumn is my favorite season…it must be the Midwesterner in me. I absolutely love watching the leaves change, feeling the crispness in the air and diving headfirst into my fuzzy sweaters.

As the nights get colder, my family and I are enjoying our back yard, social distanced dinner gatherings seated near our propane fire pit, wrapped in cozy blankets. One thing quarantine has gifted me is a deep appreciation for the connections I share with close friends and family.

Read More »

Heal The Vagus Nerve and Improve Your Health

Heal The Vagus Nerve and Improve Your Health

Optimum Vagus nerve function or vagal tone is a hot topic in current research, especially as it relates to the treatment and management of chronic illness.

As practitioners, we are just now beginning to understand how important supporting this nerve is to maintaining health.

So what exactly is the Vagus nerve?

Read More »

Melatonin: Why this sleep-inducing hormone is a surprise hero in COVID-19

Many of us are familiar with the use of melatonin for better sleep, but did you know that melatonin might also be helpful in managing some of the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection?

Over the past few months, we have learned more and more about this new virus. Much of what we know about those individuals who become very sick from COVID-19 is the devastating effects this virus has on the lungs and respiratory system. Many of those who become hospitalized with coronavirus end up there because the inflammation in the lungs is so great that they are no longer able to get enough oxygen on their own.

Read More »

We Are Here For You!

Boulder Holistic is dedicated to providing the best possible service to you and your family during this crucial time. We are excited to announce that we will be re-opening for IV therapy and blood draws on Wednesday and Friday through the month of June.

Read More »

Allergies in the time of COVID-19

There’s bad news and there is good news this allergy season.

Many of the symptoms of seasonal allergies can be mistaken for signs and symptoms of other upper respiratory infections including COVID-19. Many symptoms include runny nose, stuffy nose, red eyes, scratchy throat, cough, tight chest and sneezing.

Read More »

Up The Nose

COVID Prevention AND great for allergy season too!
One great way to help prevent the seeding of a virus into upper respiratory tract is by sinus rinsing. Sinus rinse and prevent viral infection, improve allergies and neurodetoxification!

Read More »

What the Heck is EMF?

What Exactly is EMF? Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) are a form of non-ionizing radiation (their frequency is somewhere between microwaves and radio waves). This radiation is

Read More »

Tired of feeling so tired?

Spent. Haggard. Beat. There’s no end to the words we can use to describe being tired, especially in today’s hyperspeed cyber world. My personal favorite?

Read More »