Autoimmunity and the key role of the gut microbiome with Lisa Costa-Bir and Dr. Brad Leech
Apr 8, 2024
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Clinical Nutritionist Dr. Brad Leech and Fx Medicine Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir delve into autoimmunity and the gut microbiome. They discuss using functional gut testing to identify inflammatory risk factors, promoting gut balance with food as medicine, managing stress, and using supplementation for a healthy gut microbiome to lower autoimmunity risk factors.
Functional gut testing helps identify inflammatory risk factors in autoimmunity.
Butyrate plays a key role in gut health and autoimmune diseases.
Lifestyle changes can support gut health and reduce autoimmune disease risk.
Deep dives
Dr. Brad Leach's Research on Digestive Health and Autoimmune Disease
Dr. Brad Leach has conducted research focused on the link between digestive health and autoimmune diseases. His findings highlight increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation as crucial modifiable risk factors influencing autoimmune conditions. By addressing these factors, such as with a gluten-free diet high in fiber and limited arachidonic acid-containing foods, significant improvements in autoimmune disease management are possible.
Butyrate Production and Gut Health
Butyrate plays a vital role in gut health and autoimmune diseases as an anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating short-chain fatty acid. Dr. Leach emphasizes the importance of evaluating butyrate levels in the context of intestinal permeability and inflammation. Strategies to support butyrate production include dietary changes, Omega-3 supplementation, and addressing dysbiosis to optimize gut health and reduce inflammation.
Evaluating Intestinal Permeability and Dysbiosis
Understanding markers like Zonulin, Catectin, and hydrogen sulfide can provide valuable insights into intestinal permeability and dysbiosis. Dr. Leach discusses the significance of these markers in assessing gut health and their implications for systemic inflammation. Lifestyle strategies, including dietary modifications and stress management, are crucial in supporting gut health and mitigating autoimmune disease risk.
Impact of High Intestinal Permeability on Autoimmune Conditions
High intestinal permeability is associated with increased gut inflammation and systemic effects, contributing to autoimmune conditions. Dr. Leach advises on utilizing SB and probiotics to improve gut health, address dysbiosis, and strengthen the intestinal barrier. By considering lifestyle factors, such as stress management and dietary interventions, practitioners can effectively support patients with autoimmune diseases.
Future Directions in Gut Microbiome Research
Dr. Leach highlights the evolving landscape of gut microbiome research, emphasizing the integration of metagenomic sequencing and functional markers for comprehensive gut assessments. The combination of these approaches offers new insights into the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases and systemic inflammation. This innovative research direction has the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and enhance personalized treatment strategies for autoimmune conditions.
Dr. Brad Leech, Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist joins fx Medicine Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to unpack the intricacies of autoimmunity and the connection to the gut microbiome.
Dr. Leech shares a wealth of clinical pearls for practitioners with autoimmune patients by unpacking the clinical relevance and meaning of functional gut testing markers. Dr Leech examines how practitioners can use testing as a tool to identify inflammatory risk factors associated with autoimmunity and individualise treatment protocols for patients using diet, lifestyle, and supplemental support.
Dr. Leech describes the clinical significance of establishing balance and healthy diversity within the gut using food as medicine, rather than focusing on elimination.
Together, they also explore lifestyle factors that impact the gut microbiome, and how managing stress and using targeted supplementation to achieve a balanced gut microbiome can contribute to lowering autoimmunity risk factors in our patients.
Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/autoimmunity-and-key-role-gut-microbiome-lisa-costa-bir-and-dr-brad-leech
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***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***
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