Microbiome Health and the Rise of Food Intolerances.
Food intolerances have sky rocketed over the past twenty five years. If you don’t have one yourself, you’re likely to know someone who does. Of all the contributing factors that lead to food intolerances, the latest science reveals that the absence of beneficial microbes in the microbiome is the most significant cause. But there’s more to it than that…
Microbiome health:
So what exactly is the microbiome? The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), defines the human microbiome as ‘the collective genomes of the microbes (composed of bacteria, bacteriophage, fungi, protozoa and viruses) that live inside and on the human body’. The main microbiomes of the body include the skin, eyes, mouth, nose, respiratory tract, gut and urogenital tract. Home to trillions of micro flora, we have at least ten times more microbes in our microbiome than cells in our body! The latest science reveals that microbes play an essential role in immune function, fighting off pathogenic threats, lowering inflammation and keeping self reactivity low - so there is a strong connection between the immune system and our microbiome and food intolerances.
Dr. Laura Stuvé a Ph.D. molecular biologist and an Advanced Certified Instructor and Practitioner of BodyTalk says ‘the health of the immune system requires continual interaction with the thousands of different types of microbes within the human microbiome’ and their interrelationship has a profound impact on many aspects of our mind-body health. Dr Stuvé goes on to say that food intolerances and allergies ‘are not so much due to the presence of an allergen triggering an immune response, BUT rather a direct result of the absence of beneficial microbes precipitating a global immune imbalance’.
Leaky gut:
Another key factor driving food intolerances today is damage to the lining of our gut wall. According to neurologist, Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD, ‘84% of our immune system is located within our gut wall’ and most of it comprises of bacteria. So without high enough levels of beneficial bacteria microorganisms such as parasites, Candida and worms attach themselves to the gut wall. They physically penetrate into the intestinal cells that line the gut - creating intestinal permeability, or leaky gut as it is more commonly known.
To further enlighten you on our journey down the gastro-intestinal tract – we reach the small intestine. It is here that partially digested molecules of food are passed through the gut wall. Small enough to seep through into the blood stream, yet large enough for the body to no longer recognise these harmless molecules of food - now viewed as foreign substances. The results - an inflammatory immune response is triggered. The alarm is raised and the destruction of the gut lining that sets the stage for food intolerances begins.
The psychology of food intolerances:
The mind and body are intrinsically connected and our immune system is very much affected by our emotions, thoughts and general state of mind. Our immune cells are a bit like little mini me’s. When we feel depressed - they become depressed and withdraw. When we feel lonely - they can act in isolation. When we feel angry - they create inflammation in the body. Bruce H Lipton, PhD, a renowned cellular biologist and author of ‘The Biology of Belief’ scientifically demonstrates that all of the cells in our body are affected by our thoughts. This proves that we are no longer a victim of our genes, but in many ways - the controller of them.
BodyTalk - a science based intuitive health care system is brilliant at resolving active memories (memories with an emotional charge held in the subconscious mind). These memories are ‘the stories behind the symptoms’, that often strongly link to intolerances and allergies through the mind-body impact on the immune system, gut and microbiome health, etc. A BodyTalk practitioner can help to release these active memories and the emotional charge locked in the body that can so profoundly create immune dysfunction and food intolerances and so much more.
Signs and symptoms of food intolerances:
Signs and symptoms vary considerably from migraines, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, infertility, painful joints, itchy skin, spots, depression, hyperactivity, obsessions and other neurological manifestations. Food intolerances can result in both physiological and psychological disorders. Yet the most obvious and common symptoms are digestive problems including diarrhoea, constipation, pain, urgency, bloating and indigestion.
Factors that affect microbiome health that can cause food intolerances:
The deforestation of our microbiome can adversely impact our immune system’s ability to regulate itself. Common causative factors include:
Antibiotic use and oral contraceptives: These have a detrimental effect on the composition of our gut flora due to the decline of friendly bacteria and the subsequent overgrowth of the opportunistic microbes that ultimately changes the natural biodiversity of the gut micrbioe,
Overconsumption of wheat and dairy: Undoubtedly the two biggest groups of food intolerances in Western society. For many, overconsumption leads to an over sensitivity of the immune system resulting in symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, congestion, eczema or migraines etc.
Modern farming methods: The indoctrination of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides and genetic modification across mainstream farming practices has set the stage for food intolerances. These harsh synthetic agents are abrasive to the gut and toxic to the body.
Nutrient deficiencies which usually results from a poor diet or a lack of certain food groups in the diet.
A diet rich in fast food, sugary foods, white unrefined foods and over processed foods.
Infantile health and C sections: Prior to birth, a baby’s gut is sterile. At birth, the baby ingests microbes through the mother’s birth canal, which in turn forms its own gut flora. While not always possible, when born via C-section there is a missed opportunity to build a balanced immune system. It takes two years for the gastrointestinal and immune systems to fully mature, so in effect a baby’s gut is leaky up until this point in time. Avoiding common problematic foods such as wheat and dairy during your pregnancy can help with the prevention of food intolerances and refraining from giving your baby wheat and cow’s dairy can make a big difference.
Breast milk – Unlike bottled milk, breast milk is rich in colostrum and contains a spectrum of beneficial bacteria. This helps to constitutionally set up your baby for life. Bottle-fed babies are known to develop completely different gut flora to breast fed babies. The former are more likely to be predisposed to asthma, eczema and various allergies.
High standards of cleanliness and sanitation: The Human Microbiome Project has now disproven the 19th century germ theory of disease (which is what most of us grew up on) provision that most microbes in our body are friendly and play a critical role in supporting our mind-body health.
Electromagnetic frequencies (EMF): Emitted from our electronic devices including WiFi networks, cell-phone towers, smart meters and every day appliances. These EMFs pose a serious health hazard to many and for some sensitive individuals these can impact many areas of health including allergies, headaches, joint pain, sleep disruption, memory loss and more.
Testing for food intolerances:
There are countless forms of testing on the market, yet many prove unreliable and confusing, producing false-negatives and false-positives. While eliminating trigger foods can be helpful for some, others may find they subsequently begin reacting to other foods that had previously not been an issue. Over time, this may result in the insurmountable problem of reacting to almost everything!
Key Recommendations:
Book yourself in for a BodyTalk session: An experienced BodyTalk practitioner can ‘talk to your body and find out in detail what is wrong, and how to fix it. It’s excellent for helping the immune system to regulate itself and go on to effectively reverse food intolerances, allergies and other environmental sensitivities. BodyTalk acknowledges the connection with past emotional experiences and subconscious belief systems around food which play a huge underlying role in the development of food intolerances. Once cleared, the body then knows how to bring itself back into balance. The amazing things about BodyTalk is that it can be done remotely: perfect in these times of social distancing. For more information click here.
Diet: aim to eat a nutrient-dense diet low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy saturated fats, organic protein, fermented foods, bone broths, seaweed, vegetable juices and of plenty of high quality, filtered water. The GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet formulated by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride has won international acclaim and offers a robust therapeutic protocol to follow.
Supplements: replenishing and nourishing your gut with high grade nutrients like probiotics, glutamine, digestive enzymes, fish oil, krill oil, cod liver oil, and/or plant based essential fatty acids are key for recovery.
Herbal medicines: herbs like liquorice, Aloe vera and marshmallow boast powerful anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties that support the repair of damaged gut lining. Antimicrobial herbs such as berberine, grapefruit seed, black walnut, wormwood and essential oils all have potent antimicrobial and detoxifying affects, which are helpful for restoring ‘balance’ within the gut.
Seeking the advice and expertise of a qualified naturopath is an excellent way to tailor your plan and advance your journey back to good health.
Addressing the deeper underlying causes of food intolerance is paramount for recovery. Eliminating threats to the microbiome; healing the gut wall and gut microbiome; resolving subconscious active memories; and supplementing with the necessary nutrients, herbal medicines and probiotics - will all go a long way to reducing and reversing an intolerance.
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About me: London naturopath, BodyTalk practitioner, herbalist, nutritionist, energy worker and intuitive, offering cutting edge science-based holistic health consultations and healing for mind, body and soul. Other natural therapies blending into treatments include: reiki, homeopathy, functional medicine, metaphysics, dietary advice, lifestyle coaching and various other naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
Merran Lusher, ND consults from her distance healthcare clinic offering private consultations, treatments and healing to clients in over twenty countries. She also consults across her two established clinics in South West London and North London. With fourteen years’ experience and eight years full time tertiary training, Merran has conducted over 10,000 clinical hours and draws upon a wealth of experience. Learn what people say about Merran here.