There are over 100 million ambulatory visits each year due to digestive issues, and this number is expected to grow continuously as the population ages. Maintaining a healthy gut may help support digestive health and overall well-being. Functional medicine practitioners often focus on gut health for this reason. A key component to maintaining proper gut health is supporting balanced inflammatory responses in the gut and throughout the body. This article will explore the importance of gut health and its relationship to other common health conditions, how to address gut inflammation through various natural agents, and some functional labs to assess for several gastrointestinal conditions affected by inflammation.
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Why is Gut Health So Important?
Gut health is usually a top priority for functional medicine and naturopathic doctors. Many other health conditions can stem from or be attributed to gut health imbalances, particularly imbalances in the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome comprises trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Typically in a healthy individual, the gut microbiome can aid in the functioning of digestion, metabolism, immune response, and neuroendocrine signaling. However, if there are imbalances in the microbiome where the beneficial microbes aren't keeping the pathogenic (disease-promoting) microbes in check, this imbalance, called dysbiosis, can lead to other health conditions.
These conditions may include Obesity, Diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Cancer, Cardiovascular problems, and Central nervous system disorders. A by-product of consuming red meat and eggs made by a bacteria in the gut called TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide) has been linked with heart and kidney disease.
Regarding mental health, studies show that the balance of the gut microbiome may affect mood/emotions and the way your brain processes information inputs from your senses. Poor gut health is also associated with mental health conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. As research continues to grow on gut health, it's important to note that the current research shows many connections as to why a healthy gut is so important in overall health and minimizing the risk of other health conditions.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents for Gut Health: An Evidence-Based Review
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii)
Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-researched type of probiotic that comes from a non-pathogenic yeast. It's been shown to support gut health by helping manage the effects of antibiotics and may help with inflammatory responses. S. boulardii has been studied for its potential to support gut health in conditions such as IBD and inflammatory diarrhea caused by E.Coli, C. Diff, and Shigella infections. S. boulardii seems to help manage proinflammatory cytokines and support gut health. In the case of acute diarrhea, the suggested dose is 500-750 mg for 8 to 10 days. Depending on the severity, the suggested dosing protocol for IBD is 750-1000 mg with concurrent therapy for 7 weeks to 6 months.
Probiotics
Taking probiotics may support gut health by helping to reestablish the balance in the gut microbiome. Probiotics can help our gut produce more mucus and support the integrity of tight junction proteins. When these proteins are compromised, they can contribute to inflammatory processes in the gut. Probiotics may also help manage gut issues and support a healthy inflammatory response by decreasing the number of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) that activate immune cells. When these immune cells are activated, they can contribute to inflammation throughout the body. Probiotics are shown in research to be helpful in gut inflammatory conditions such as IBD, celiac, IBS, and obesity. Supplements can vary in dosages and strains. Some of the more commonly used strains are Lactobacillus (L.), Bacillus (B.), and Bifidobacterium.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are fibers that help feed the good bacteria in our gut, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs can have beneficial effects throughout the body, including supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Consuming prebiotics can increase the number and diversity of beneficial bacteria in our gut, which can help with digestion and absorption of nutrients. They also strengthen our gut lining, supporting a healthy inflammatory response and improving gut health. Some common forms of prebiotics in supplements include FOS (fructooligosaccharides), GOS (galactooligosaccharides), and inulin. To get these benefits, consuming at least 3 to 5 grams of prebiotics is suggested. However, prebiotics should not be taken if you have SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). Prebiotics can aggravate symptoms such as gas and bloating in patients who have SIBO.
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia serrata is an herb from India that has been used in traditional practices. Its resin contains boswellic acid, which is believed to support gut health. Boswellic acid may help manage inflammation by interacting with 5-lipoxygenase. Studies have explored boswellic acid's potential to support gut health in the small intestine and improve symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is an inflammatory gut condition. The dosing suggestion for UC is 250 mg per day for adults for 4 weeks and at the same dosage for 1 to 6 months for IBS.
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Glycyrrhiza is an herb that may help soothe the digestive tract. The whole root contains glycyrrhizin, which can raise blood pressure. It's not recommended to use this with patients who have hypertension. However, a form of this herb called DGL does not have glycyrrhizin and is commonly used to support digestive health. DGL promotes the production of mucus, which acts as a barrier to acid in the upper digestive tract, allowing tissues to heal and supporting future comfort. Research has shown that DGL may be more effective than drugs that reduce acid in supporting digestive health.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric. Curcumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other beneficial effects. It may help manage inflammation in the body by supporting oxidative balance. Research shows that curcumin can help improve symptoms in individuals who have inflammatory bowel conditions (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), along with peptic ulcers. Curcumin may be a natural way to help manage inflammation in the gut. The suggested dose for peptic ulcers is 600 mg 5 times per day for 4 weeks.
Omega 3s
Omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in seafood like fish have been shown in research to have multiple benefits for our bodies. They have anti-inflammatory effects and are also an essential nutrient, meaning we can't make it in our bodies and need to consume it. Omega 3 fatty acids seem to be good for our gut bacteria, which can make them act like prebiotics. Future studies are still needed to fully understand how omega-3 fatty acids affect our gut bacteria and how they can benefit our health. The suggested dose for UC is 500 mg twice per day adjunct to standard therapy and 1,500 mg (with 600 mg EPA/ 300 mg DHA bound to free fatty acids) three times per day for 12 months for Crohn's disease.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant used in traditional practices worldwide, and it's been shown to be effective in supporting UC. The mucous from the plant's leaves, called aloe gel, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. Some practitioners have been using it to support UC. In a study, participants took 100 mg of aloe gel orally for 4 weeks, and 30% experienced clinical remission, while 37% showed improvement. Aloe is also effective at supporting gastritis and GERD.
Oil of Oregano
Oregano is a herb that's commonly used in cooking, but it also has properties that may support health, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Regarding gut health, the oil from oregano may help manage harmful bacteria by acting as an anti-microbial agent. Due to its anti-microbial effects, oregano oil may help manage dysbioses such as SIBO and Candida overgrowth. Oil of oregano is usually available as a liquid or gel capsule.
Ginger
Ginger is a popular herb used for its taste and potential health benefits worldwide. It's been used in India, China, and Europe for thousands of years. Ginger contains more than 400 different compounds, which give it a wide variety of potential health benefits. These benefits include its ability to reduce nausea, support a healthy inflammatory response, manage harmful bacteria, support cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and act as an antioxidant. Regarding gut health, it has been shown to help manage the proinflammatory responses of NF-kB and IL-1β in the large intestine. The suggested dosing for ginger as a supplement for general inflammation is 1,000-3,000 mg per day for 2 to 3 months.
Functional Medicine Labs That Can Help You Determine Which Gut Healing Supplement is Best for You
Functional medicine labs can help assess gastrointestinal disorders such as the conditions mentioned in the previous section and help determine which gut healing supplements may be best for you. Here are some of the functional labs to consider:
H. Pylori
H. pylori is a bacteria that adheres to the gastrointestinal mucosa and causes inflammation and ulcerations. It accounts for 90% of duodenal ulcers and 70-90% of gastric ulcers and gastritis. However, an upper endoscopy is the definitive diagnosis for peptic ulcers and gastritis. A stool test can help assess for H. pylori if peptic ulcers or gastritis are suspected.
Intestinal Permeability
Imbalances in the gut microbiome are often associated with intestinal permeability (leaky gut), which can create various inflammatory responses. The Advanced IBA profile measures zonulin, DAO, and LPS levels. All of these are markers of intestinal permeability.
Breath Test For SIBO
SIBO is a small intestine bacterial overgrowth, another form of dysbiosis. The SIBO breath tests measure hydrogen and methane gas levels derived from intestinal bacteria. This is a noninvasive test, and the results can provide insight into the diagnosis of SIBO. SIBO is also prevalent in GERD and can contribute to symptoms associated with GERD, such as chronic reflux.
Inflammatory Markers
These two markers are utilized to assess for general inflammation. The C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) will quantify levels of systemic inflammation along with assessing for inflammatory disease severity.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Antibodies
People with IBD often have immune proteins that attack a yeast called anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA). However, it's essential to note that a colonoscopy/endoscopy with biopsies is used for a definitive diagnosis of Crohn's or UC.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
This test analyzes the makeup of the gut microbiome. The Gut Zoomer analyzes over 300 microorganisms, such as candida overgrowth, to determine if dysbiosis is occurring that may cause chronic disease. This is a great test to consider if any imbalances in the gut microbiome are suspected.
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Summary
It is vital to maintain proper gut health. A healthy gut may help support digestive health and overall well-being. Having a well-balanced gut microbiome is an essential part of having a healthy gut, as it can help regulate inflammatory processes in the gut and throughout the body. Natural agents are a functional medicine approach that may help manage gut inflammation. Some of these agents include probiotics, aloe, and curcumin. These natural agents may help manage symptoms associated with inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and IBD. It's essential to work with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a licensed naturopathic doctor, if you have digestive issues or before starting any of the suggested natural agents discussed in this article.
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