S5E1 A Revolutionary Protocol for Chronic Digestive Issues | Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD
Feb 19, 2024
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Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD shares her gut protocol for chronic digestive issues, including the impact of weight loss on gut health, feeding good gut bacteria, preparation phase before starting protocol, inflammation reduction with omega-3s, the downsides of low FODMAP diets, and the link between high blood sugar and fungal overgrowth.
Dr. Alexis shares a 3-step gut protocol for healing digestive issues.
Importance of feeding bifidobacteria through HMOs for gut health optimization.
How colorful fruits, vegetables, and legumes can promote overall gut health.
Deep dives
Changes in Season Format and Production
The podcast host shares that for the new season, there will be changes to return to the show's original concept and quality. The host emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interviews and the personal connection it brings. This season, all episodes will be produced independently by the host, and episodes will be recorded in various locations to ensure valuable and meaningful conversations. Additionally, the podcast will be available to watch on YouTube.
Eliminating Ads and Sponsorship
The host reveals that in the previous season, the show featured ads to cover production costs. However, it didn't feel right to have advertisements before heartfelt episodes. Therefore, this season, the host's company will cover 100% of the podcast's costs, eliminating ads entirely. Instead, the host plans to mention and offer discounts on herbal formulas from Organa Calivia, the host's own line of products, as a thank you to the listeners for their support.
Expanded Season and Shift in Focus
In contrast to previous shorter seasons, the host intends to have a longer season, potentially year-round, and aims to focus on providing valuable information and introducing trusted practitioners for listeners to form relationships with. The host expresses a desire to make a deeper impact beyond social media and Instagram, and to platform individuals who can guide listeners in their health journey. The host envisions the podcast as a space for authentic conversations to empower listeners to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Introduction to Guest and Gut Health Discussion
The episode's guest, Dr. Alexis Cohen, is introduced as a high-performance holistic health mentor specializing in metabolic and gut health optimization. The guest shares her personal health journey of overcoming obesity, poor gut health, and severe IBS. She developed a unique gut protocol that focuses on nurturing beneficial gut microbes rather than solely targeting overgrowth. The protocol includes human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) derived from breast milk, as well as red polyphenols from fruits and apple peel powder. The discussion covers topics such as feeding specific gut bacteria, reversing food intolerances, and the importance of personal experiences in addition to scientific research.
The importance of Bifidobacteria and HMOs for gut health
Bifidobacteria is crucial for immune system training and produces molecules that support the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria. However, many adults have lower levels of Bifidobacteria due to factors like gut inflammation and stress. To balance the gut microbiome, incorporating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) is essential. Starting with a small amount and gradually increasing intake can be beneficial. Supplementing with HMOs can help support different niches of Bifidobacteria and optimize gut health.
The role of Acromancia in gut health and metabolism
Acromancia plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gut mucus lining and regulating gut permeability. Increasing Acromancia can also assist in reducing calorie and sugar absorption, supporting body weight and blood sugar regulation. Consuming apple peel powder rich in cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is a great food source for Acromancia. Additionally, exercise and cold exposure have been observed to boost Acromancia levels. Prioritizing colorful fruits, vegetables, and legumes rich in soluble fibers can optimize the populations of Bifidobacteria, Acromancia, and butyrate-producing bacteria for overall gut health.
Confused on where to start if you have IBS, SIBO, or can no longer eat the foods you love without reacting? Dr. Alexis Cowan, PhD is a microbiome researcher and high-performance holistic health mentor who shares her revolutionary, 3-step gut protocol to restore your good bacteria.
HERE’S THE JUICE:
How Alexis’ own 100lb weight loss experience impacted her gut health
The specific gut protocol that healed her gut microbiome, dairy intolerance and many of her clients’ long term symptoms
Top 3 foods needed to feed your good gut bacteria
How to feed your bifidobacteria if you weren’t breastfed
Why 2-4 weeks of a “preparation phase” with diet changes and inflammation-busting supplements may be needed before embarking on a gut protocol
Omega-3s, hesperidin (found in orange peels) and molecular hydrogen to reduce gut inflammation and break the cycle
Why low FODMAP diets aren't a long term, sustainable treatment for SIBO
How to properly get off an elimination diet
Why carnivore and keto diets can negatively impact the microbiome long term
Why high protein diets (without enough plants) can cause constipation and discomfort
The profound link between high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes and fungal overgrowth
Her take on functional lab testing, parasites and other buzzy topics on social media
Why toxic relationships can be just as detrimental as poor sleep or digestive health
To support our ad-free show, shop Olivia’s line of herbalist-formulated supplements for digestion, anxiety, thyroid support, and more by visiting www.organicolivia.com. Our most loved formulas are: GlucoBitters for blood sugar balancing, insulin resistance and PCOS, Liver Juice for acne and liver detoxification support, and Bloat BFF for fast-acting bloating support.
