Ep. 394 Improving Gut Health: Tips and Strategies with Kiran Krishnan
Sep 7, 2024
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Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist and health expert, dives deep into the fascinating world of gut health. He explains the implications of leaky gut, especially for women during perimenopause and menopause, revealing how hormones and diet play a key role. The conversation explores the connection between gut health and cognitive function, highlighting risks like postprandial endotoxemia. Kiran also discusses the importance of gut microbiome diversity, fiber intake, and advanced stool testing for personalizing health strategies. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in holistic wellness!
Leaky gut is a pivotal health issue influenced by factors like diet and stress, leading to chronic inflammation and various diseases.
Hormonal changes, especially during perimenopause and menopause, significantly disrupt gut microbiome balance, increasing health risks for women.
Postprandial endotoxemia causes inflammatory responses from gut endotoxins leaking into the bloodstream, exacerbating systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
Deep dives
The Significance of Leaky Gut
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, is crucial for understanding various health issues, particularly in women during perimenopause and menopause. The intestines are designed to allow necessary nutrients while blocking harmful substances, and this balance is largely maintained by gut microbes. Factors like antibiotics, processed foods, and stress can disrupt this microbial balance, leading to a compromised barrier that permits toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream. This situation can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to numerous chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing the need to address gut health.
Impact of Hormonal Changes on Gut Health
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly due to oral contraceptives and menopause, significantly affect gut microbiome diversity and health. Oral contraceptives can disrupt the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, leading to dysbiosis and increased gut permeability. During menopause, the decline in sex hormones further compromises the gut microbiome, escalating risks for conditions like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Understanding and managing these hormonal influences is vital for maintaining gut health and overall wellness in women.
Postprandial Endotoxemia and Inflammation
Postprandial endotoxemia occurs when endotoxins from the gut leak into the bloodstream after meals, especially in individuals with leaky gut. This phenomenon triggers an inflammatory response akin to a mini-sepsis, as the immune system perceives these endotoxins as threats. Chronic exposure to these endotoxins can lead to systemic inflammation, affecting various organs and increasing susceptibility to cognitive decline and metabolic dysfunction. Managing gut health is essential to minimize this inflammatory cycle, as every meal can exacerbate the issue in those with compromised gut integrity.
Identifying Symptoms of Gut Dysfunction
Common symptoms of gut dysfunction include bloating, irregular bowel movements, and digestive distress, all indicating potential dysbiosis or leaky gut. Individuals may also experience issues unrelated to digestion, such as brain fog, fatigue, and immune responses like skin rashes, which often signify underlying gut problems. Notably, even younger populations, like college students, show signs of leaky gut, raising concerns about rising chronic health issues in increasingly younger demographics. Early identification and intervention are key to restoring gut health before more severe systemic issues arise.
Strategies for Improving Gut Health
Improving gut health involves a multifaceted approach, including dietary diversity, reducing processed foods, and incorporating beneficial supplements. Emphasizing fiber intake is crucial, as it has been shown to reduce mortality risk and support a healthy microbiome. Additionally, integrating stress management, quality sleep, and interacting with nature can enhance gut diversity and resilience. Supplements like psychobiotics, polyphenols, and fermented foods may further support gut health, providing additional benefits to mood and cognitive function while helping to manage chronic stress responses.
I am thrilled to have the amazing Kiran Krishnan joining me on the podcast today.
Kiran is a research microbiologist and health and wellness expert who aims to make complex information understandable for everyone. He has founded several successful health and supplement companies over the last 20 years, including Microbiome Labs, the preeminent microbiome therapeutics-focused brand amongst healthcare professionals. Kiran has also conducted many research studies and published chapters in scientific textbooks. He has global patents and has become a sought-after speaker on human health and the microbiome.
In our discussion, we dive into leaky gut, its contributing factors, and the roles of endotoxins and lipopolysaccharides. We clarify postprandial endotoxemia, exploring how perimenopause and menopause affect the microbiome and the impact of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones. We highlight common symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, including problems associated with bloating, and explain how the immune system- innate and adaptive, impacts gut health. We also discuss the significance of keystone species like akkermansia, the importance of diversity, the role of stool testing, and the value of fiber, touching on the polarizing nature of dietary dogma and improving gut health through supplementation and lifestyle changes.
This conversation is the first in a series on the gut microbiome, and I am confident you will enjoy it.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:
Why leaky gut has specific significance for women in perimenopause and menopause
Why it is essential to understand and address a leaky gut
How intestinal permeability lies at the root of most chronic diseases
The factors that contribute to a leaky gut
What postprandial endotoxemia is
The symptoms of a leaky gut
The difference between innate and adaptive immune responses
How chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity impact the immune system
The role of the microbiome in disease susceptibility
Bacterial that are beneficial for gut health
Why it is essential to have a diverse diet comprised of whole foods
Supplements and lifestyle practices that support gut health
BIO:
Kiran is a research microbiologist and a health and wellness expert who aims to make complex information understandable to all. He has founded a number of successful health and supplement companies over the last 20 years including co-founding and leading Microbiome Labs, the preeminent, microbiome therapeutics-focused brand among healthcare professionals. He is currently a co-founder and partner in 3other companies that aim to revolutionize wellness care. He has conducted and published several research studies in scientific journals, has published chapters in scientific textbooks/reference books, has global patents, and is a sought-after speaker on human health and the microbiome