A Functional Take on Gut Health, Thyroid Health & Reducing Autoimmunity with Dr. Amy Myers
Aug 23, 2023
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Dr. Amy Myers, a functional medicine practitioner, discusses her journey from conventional medicine to functional medicine. She explains the triggers and causes of chronic disease, emphasizing the importance of toxins, infections, gut health, diet, and stress. She provides tips on removing toxins, promoting gut diversity, and applying the 80/20 principle. The podcast also covers optimizing physical and mental health, strategies for optimal health, and the benefits of hyperbaric therapy.
Gut health is crucial in addressing autoimmune conditions by reducing triggers like SIBO and candida through a low-carb, candida-approved diet.
Taking digestive enzyme supplements can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, especially for individuals on chronic medications or with specific conditions.
Improving gut health involves eliminating gluten, grains, and legumes, reducing toxin exposure, supporting detoxification, and managing stress through various practices.
Deep dives
Gut Health and Autoimmunity
Gut health is a foundational aspect in addressing autoimmune conditions. Gut issues like SIBO and candida are common triggers for autoimmunity. A low-carb, candida-approved diet can help starve candida and reduce symptoms like brain fog, rashes, and digestive issues. Addressing SIBO involves a similar diet and may require herbal supplements like microbe clear to prune back bacterial overgrowth. Re-inoculating the gut with soil-based probiotics can support a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Enzymes and Digestion
Digestive enzymes play a crucial role in breaking down food and allowing for proper nutrient absorption. Many individuals, especially those on chronic medications or with specific conditions, may struggle with digestive enzyme production. Taking digestive enzyme supplements can help improve digestion and ensure optimal nutrient absorption.
The Importance of Magnesium and Minerals
Magnesium and other minerals are vital for various bodily functions. Soil depletion and poor diets contribute to mineral deficiencies. Magnesium deficiency, in particular, can lead to a wide range of health issues. Supplementation with high-quality, bioavailable forms of minerals can help address deficiencies and support overall health.
Key Point 1: Gut Health and Healing
Improving gut health is essential for overall well-being. To heal the gut, there are four pillars: first, eliminating gluten, grains, and legumes, as they can cause inflammation and gut irritations; secondly, reducing exposure to toxins by using air and water filters, natural cleaning and beauty products, and consuming organic foods; thirdly, supporting the body's detoxification processes by ensuring regular bowel movements, sweating through exercise or saunas, and using supplements like glutathione and coconut charcoal; and finally, managing stress through practices like meditation, swimming, and finding one's own stress-relieving activities. These four pillars are a comprehensive approach to achieving and maintaining optimal gut health.
Key Point 2: Diet and Gut Health
A diverse diet is important for cultivating a balanced gut microbiome. Varieties of plant foods, vegetables, and spices can provide various benefits to the gut. It's crucial to avoid trigger foods like gluten and dairy, especially for those with autoimmunity issues, as these can worsen inflammation. Fermented foods can also play a beneficial role in gut health. However, maintaining a healthy gut goes beyond diet alone. Adequate sleep, natural light exposure, stress relief, and incorporating hyperbaric oxygen therapy can further support gut healing and overall well-being.