GLUTEN IS MORE A BRAIN ISSUE THAN A GUT ISSUE

It has long been believed that only certain gene types are susceptible to celiac disease and that the destruction caused by gluten is limited to the intestinal tract.   Gene types HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 have been associated with an increased risk of celiac disease.   Gliadin and transglutaminase antibodies, which can be measured in the…

Gut inflammation is linked to depression

Depression is not an antidepressant deficiency. In fact, for the 40% of Americans complaining of gut symptoms, depression may be one of those symptoms. Studies have found that the inflammatory signals in the gut can travel to the brain, triggering depression. Clinically, I have seen many patients resolve their depression simply by dampening gut inflammation.…

Childhood brain issues affect gut health: ADHD, autism, and gut health

If a child’s gut problems seem stubborn and irresolvable, the role of the brain should be considered. In the early years of life, the brain consists of two types of tissues: gray matter and white matter. Gray matter houses the neurons and reaches its peak by around ages 6–8. White matter, which serves as the…

the #1 rule of gut heatlh

The #1 Rule of Gut Health

Listen to the podcast on iTunes. (Also available on major podcast platforms). Watch the YouTube video. If you have gut health issues such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), leaky gut, chronic bloating, or constipation, you need to work north-to-south to identify and address problems. Disruptions at any stage of the digestive process have a domino-like effect, preventing…

Is Your Indigestion Caused by Hydrochloric Acid or Gallbladder Issues?

Is Your Indigestion Caused by Low Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) or Gallbladder Issues?

Listen to the podcast on iTunes. (Also available on major podcast platforms). Watch the YouTube video. Frequent bouts of acid reflux and indigestion can be a red flag that your stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid, is actually too low.  If you suffer from chronic acid reflux and indigestion, keep note of specific foods that trigger your symptoms. …

causes and solutions for bloating

Causes and solutions for chronic bloating

Listen to the podcast on iTunes or major podcast platforms. Watch the video on YouTube. Chronic bloating and abdominal distention are common gut health complaints. In this article I’ll go over the various causes and solutions. First, it’s important to address the obvious. If you eat the standard American diet, which is high sugar, carbs,…

Woman holding abdomen in pain

Bloating and poor digestion? Three causes of low pancreatic enzymes

If you experience bloating and poor digestion, you may need to take a look at whether you’re producing enough pancreatic enzymes. This is an important step in addressing digestive dysfunction in an organized “north-to-south” sequence. If any single step along the way is out of balance, the entire system will be less efficient and any…

hand rolling dice with letters spelling north and south

My number-one gut health rule: Work north to south

One of the biggest mistakes people make with gut health protocols is expecting success from a one-size-fits-all solution. Ten different people can have leaky gut or other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms for 10 different reasons. It’s important to understand why your gut isn’t working before you try and fix it. The most effective clinical approach —…