#25 podcast – Gut health

In the podcast I briefly touch on the common gut issues people are experiencing. remember, it is not that having ‘bad”bacteria is an issue. it becomes a problem when they are overgrown (and in the wrong place!) and overrepresented in relation to some of the other beneficial bacteria.

Before getting into the world of microbiome let me remind you about the retreat in japan that is happening in April. A week of connection and cultural experience with my favourite yogi Ryan mannix and nourishing food provided by me. We would love to have you take a trip with us. it is going to be an amazing experience.

all the details is listed here https://shokuikuausstg.wpengine.com/japan-retreat/

The main thing I wanted to clear is the connection with mushrooms. I have heard some people avoiding mushrooms all together, thinking that it can create fungal and candida issues.

Medicinal mushrooms are an entirely different classification of fungi compared to culinary mushrooms like buttom mushrooms. These culinary mushrooms can contain mould and increase dampness in the body. 

Various superherbs and medicinal mushrooms can actually be helpful when addressing gut issues.  Medicinal mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and its ability to bring balance to the body has been supported in so many studies. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29199568/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924437/

Because gut issues are often linked to your nervous system and there is a study showing that stress is linked to SIBO, all the adaptogens can help lower stress by supporting adrenals.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5347643/

Another interesting study I found indicates that the active ingredients in some medicinal mushrooms can change bacteria in your stomach for the better by altering gut bacteria.

https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8489

The latest study that just came out in 2019 supports the importance of fibre in the diet. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/31043597/

To support the healing of your digestive system there are some herbs that have been utilised instead of antibiotic. It is easier to prevent infections in the first place than to treat it. 

probiotics help repopulate the gut with helpful microbes. Supplements can be effective and useful when treating a specific conditions, however homemade, naturally fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kefir can help increase microdiversity. 

prebiotics are foods for the beneficial bacteria. these include vegetables, as well as grains and legumes if well tolerated. 

Antiviral, anti microbials botanicals such as skullcap, goldenseal, cat’s claw, olive leaf extract, garlic, oregano oil may be used under an herbalist. Pau’d arco is one of my favourite herbs in this area. 

Immunity Supporting herbs include all the medicinal mushrooms like reishi, chaga, lions mane are all amazing,  as well as astragalus and  rhodiola. We have a beautiful blend of immunity supporting herbs  in our alchemy blend range. 

Adaptogens such as holy basil, gynostemma, ashwagandha to support your stress. 

Liver supporting herbs such as burdock, schisandra, danelion root, milk thistle to support your liver and overall healing.

Jing herbs to support to rebuild your essense energy like he shou wu, Rehmannia, Cordyceps, Noni which may be helpful as these gut problems can lead to depletion of your Jing. ( the podcast explaining Jing is here ) 

Thank you for listening. Let me know if you have any particular topic and herb that you would like me to go over. It is always nice to hear from you 🙂