Dr. Kelly Simms ND, CNS

Naturopathic Doctor and Nutritionist, Fertility Course, Natural Women's Health, Preconception and Fertility

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in Blog· Digestive Health

Is your gut leaky? Fix it!

Something called “leaky gut” could be the root cause of your health concerns.

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract:

General function:

  1. ​Alter food by chemical and mechanical means into substances that can be absorbed. This involves the digestive enzymes secreted by the stomach, pancreas and gallbladder.
  2. Absorb nutrients in the small and large intestines
  3. Eliminate unused substances
  4. Keep a tight barrier from the outside world (food) and inside (blood)

Signs that general functions are not carried out properly:

  • ​Bloating and gas
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Undigested food in stool
  • Sensitivities to foods
  • Body aches and pains

Could leaky gut be the answer?
​In very simple terms, leaky gut may be the cause of some of the above listed symptoms. Leaky gut is when the barrier between the outside world (food, medicines, or supplements) you put into the body begin to “leak” into the bloodstream. Normally, the mucosa (lining of the digestive tract) has tight junctions between the cells that line the digestive tract. When these cells are no longer tightly lined up due to chronic inflammation, toxins, pathogens (bad bacteria or yeast), or stress, symptoms as listed above can occur. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words…
Leaky-Gut-Syndrome

Fix it!

  • Testing for leaky gut can be done with a simple at home test called the lactulose/mannitol test. Or can be considered when there are multiple food sensitivities or based on symptoms. Often, my recommendations may come from a presumed leaky gut situation, without testing.
  • Identify food sensitivities and remove them from your nutrition plan. This can be done with an elimination/challenge type diet (or cleanse) or can be done with an in office test for food sensitivity.
  • Replace good bacteria and kill off any pathogenic bacteria or yeast. This may involve herbs or supplements to kill bad bacteria (berberine, caprylic acid, grprefruit seed extract, etc. ) and replace with a high quality probiotic (25 + billion CFUs per cap and good mix of lacto and bifido bacteria)
  • Support normal digestive function with L-glutamine, DGL, slippery elm, and digestive enzymes
  • Heal the lining of the digestive tract to regenerate cells that are no longer performing optimally by removing triggers like stress and harmful medicines (especially antacid medications or NSAIDs)
  • Healing foods:
    • Bone broth
    • Fermented Foods: sauerkraut, kimchee, kefir
    • Coconut oil

As you know, health starts with the gut! Hope this finds you with a happy digestive system!

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Estrogen dominance, or unopposed estrogen, is a th Estrogen dominance, or unopposed estrogen, is a theory in which the level of estrogen outweighs the level of progesterone and other hormones in the body. Picture a seesaw. Estrogen is the person high in the air looking down at the progesterone (and other hormones)- sitting at the other end with their feet on the ground.

Our bodies need estrogen for reproductive, cardiovascular, and bone health. Estrogen is a very important hormone! Too much estrogen, however, can be linked to an assortment of conditions like: 
- Heavy periods
- Migraines
- Water retention 
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Uterine fibroids 
- Endometriosis
- Mood swings 
- Hormonal weight gain

High estrogen can be caused by certain medications, excess body fat, stress, alcohol, liver issues, and synthetic xenoestrogens, so some dietary and lifestyle changes may be needed to correct your hormone levels. And, what about supporting the other hormones? Picture the seesaw again. We can support healthy progesterone production with dietary and lifestyle changes as well!

Was this helpful? If so – like, follow, and don’t forget to comment below any questions you have about estrogen dominance!
There are few health conditions as frustrating to There are few health conditions as frustrating to address and correct as acne.

Courses of antibiotics, dozens of topicals, spironolactone, supplements, and the birth control pill are the main treatments most of my patients have tried before they come to me. While some may be effective, you might be still wondering: is there a way to heal my skin once and for all and not have to use this stuff?

Acne is so frustrating for many because it seems like there are a million things you could be trying. So, what are some NATURAL first steps you can take if you are struggling with acne?

1) Get your hormone levels checked. Knowing if you have any hormone imbalances can help your doctor to cater your treatment plan to your specific needs.

2) Address your gut health. Your gut is the foundation of your health and can be closely tied to skin issues.

3) Try going dairy free. I’ve found this is one food group that can be especially problematic for people that suffer with acne. The thing to know is that you have to avoid it for at least 30 days and also that in the future, you can probably have at least some dairy back. It’s usually not a forever restriction.

If you have questions about your struggles with acne, leave a comment below or send me a DM. I’d love to chat about potential solutions and help you get to the bottom of your skin concerns.
It’s time for another Sunday Supplement highligh It’s time for another Sunday Supplement highlight! Today, we’re talking about Magnesium Glycinate.

Magnesium Glycinate is a supplement that increases magnesium levels. Magnesium is vital in regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It may also be helpful in the making of bone, protein, and DNA. 

I love magnesium glycinate because it is one of the easiest forms of magnesium supplementation for the body to absorb. It is also gentle on the digestive tract which means it is less likely to cause undesirable side effects such as an upset stomach or loose stool. 

Magnesium glycinate might be especially helpful for you if you suffer from:
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Migraine headaches
- Depression

Do you have more questions about magnesium glycinate? Leave a comment below, or shoot me a DM and we can chat!
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