Dr. Kelly Simms ND, CNS

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in Digestive Health· Food Allergy and Sensitivity

Probiotics: not only for digestive health

Probiotics are live bacteria ingested through foods that are fermented or taken as supplements. Though we think of bacteria as dirty and harmful, there is quickly growing strong scientific evidence that suggests that we benefit greatly from these particular strains of “healthy” bacteria!

If you have looked at the back of a probiotic bottle or container of yogurt, you may have wondered what these words such as Bacillus laterosporus or Lactobacillus acidophilus mean. These are the strain of different kinds of bacteria that are in the probiotic. Not all bacteria are the same and each strain supports your body in different ways. For example, while Bacillus laterosporus fights many harmful organisms including candida, Bifidobacterium breve is important for colon health, especially after taking antibiotics. Taking a look at the strains listed on your probiotic may help you or your doctor determine which supplement is most beneficial for you.

Many are under the assumption that probiotics are only used to ease digestive distress, but that is only scratching the surface of what these microorganisms are capable of! Research on probiotics has shown promising results in the treatment or prevention of, but not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome, H. pylori, vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, ulcerative colitis, and even cold and flu viruses!

Wait – something in my gut can keep me from getting a cold? Research points to yes. One double-blind study performed on 198 college students assessed the effect that a probiotic given to half of the group had on colds versus placebos given to the other students. Results showed that while all students caught colds at around the same time, those who took the probiotic had lower reported severity, recovered several days quicker, and missed 50% less days of school. So why does this work? When we have a higher count of probiotic bacteria in our gut (we have 100 trillion bacteria in our bodies, most of which live in our guts), the cold-causing pathogenic bacteria has a harder time making it through our intestinal tract without being met by good bacteria that keep the pathogens from entering into the bloodstream.

Clinically, I’ve found that people have varying responses to probiotics. For some, they are instantly life changing. For others, they don’t seem to make a dent in any symptom. Trying different brands and strains of probiotic supplements may yield different results, so try to keep that in mind if you buy a probiotic supplement. It may take some experimentation to find the one that’s best for you! In addition, loading up on kombucha for the probiotic benefits might not be the best strategy either. I’ve has a few cases where stopping the consumption of fermented foods caused a betterment of digestive symptoms. There’s no one-size-fits-all in naturopathic medicine and probiotic foods and supplements are the perfect example of that.

 

Authored by: Ellen Davenport and Kelly Simms

References:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121022162335.htm

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-18-best-probiotic-strains-for-your-gut/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/vitamins-and-supplements/health-benefits-of-taking-probiotics

https://www.chatelaine.com/health/wellness/six-tips-to-keep-you-healthy-through-cold-and-flu-season/

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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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