N. reached out to me seeking help for chronic constipation that had plagued her since childhood. "It's genetic in our family," she said. "My mom has it, my aunt has it, and even my grandmother suffered from constipation."
I explained to her that constipation is not a genetic problem. However, during pregnancy, as fetuses, we receive our bacterial code from our mothers and are born with bacteria identical to theirs. Throughout our lives, we influence and are influenced by the bacteria of those around us. So, if one of our parents or partner has a bacterial imbalance, there's a good chance we will too.
When I treat family members, I often see an almost identical picture of gut bacteria, and their treatments are very similar. In some cases, I recommend treating the entire family, even if only one person is my patient. If one family member has a specific parasite, there's a high likelihood that other family members will suffer from it as well.
Therefore, symptoms related to bacterial imbalance such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and even nausea, addiction to carbohydrates and sugars, and obesity are not genetic. They result from a familial bacterial code. Sometimes one partner is overweight, and some children in the family suffer from overweight while others do not—this is not due to genetics but a bacterial code leading to this.
Let's zoom-in to that:
The gut microbiome, the community of trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, plays a crucial role in various aspects of our health, including digestion, immunity, and even our cravings and eating behaviors. One fascinating and significant aspect is its influence on sugar cravings. Here's how the gut microbiome affects our desire for sugar:
1. Microbial Influence on Cravings
Certain gut bacteria can influence our cravings and food choices. Some bacteria thrive on sugar and other simple carbohydrates. These bacteria can stimulate cravings for these foods to ensure their own survival and proliferation. When we consume sugar, we feed these bacteria, which in turn can lead to a cycle of increased cravings and consumption.
2. Production of Neurotransmitters
Gut bacteria are involved in the production of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that influence our mood and behavior. For instance, some gut bacteria produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can affect neurotransmitter levels, potentially leading to mood swings and cravings for sugar and carbs as a quick way to boost mood and energy.
3. Impact on Blood Sugar Levels
The gut microbiome helps regulate blood sugar levels by influencing how we metabolize food. An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to dysregulated blood sugar levels, causing spikes and crashes that can trigger cravings for sugary foods as a quick source of energy. Stable blood sugar levels are essential for reducing cravings and maintaining a healthy diet.
4. Inflammation and Leaky Gut
An unhealthy gut microbiome can lead to inflammation and a condition known as leaky gut, where the gut lining becomes more permeable. This can cause systemic inflammation and disrupt normal hormone signaling, including those hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, like insulin and leptin. This disruption can lead to increased cravings for sugary and high-carb foods.
5. Behavioral Conditioning
Repeated consumption of sugary foods can alter the composition of the gut microbiome, increasing the population of bacteria that thrive on sugar. Over time, this can condition the body to crave more sugar to satisfy these bacteria, creating a feedback loop that reinforces the craving for sugary foods.
You can break this cycle by understanding your gut microbiome and bring it back to balance.
N.'s problems were resolved in less than two months after we've balanced her gut bacteria and eliminated few foods her body was sensitive to. N. shared with me that she felt reborn, and I say that since our bodies have more bacterial DNA than our own DNA, changing the bacterial balance is almost like being born anew.
If you, like N., suffer from chronic gut issues, know that you don't have to live with them. It is very simple to fix a problem when you know what the root cause is. Functional medicine offers lab tests that traditional doctors won't refer you to. IBS IS NOT a disease! Schedule a free consultation with me and start your journey to health today.
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