In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the crucial role that gut health plays in overall well-being. As our understanding of the intricate relationship between the gastrointestinal (GI) system and various bodily functions deepens, we are better equipped to explore factors that may contribute to numerous health issues.
Dr. Cheryl Burdette, NP, co-founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, a functional laboratory dedicated to gut-based health, is at the forefront of this fascinating field. Let’s explore her insights on GI health, including potential underlying causes, diagnostic approaches, and strategies that may support gut health.
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The Microbiome: A Hidden World Within Us
One of the most profound revelations in modern medicine is the recognition of the human microbiome – the vast community of microorganisms that reside within our bodies, primarily in the gut.
Dr. Burdette eloquently states, "If we were to boil humans down, we would find we'd be nine-tenths bacterial DNA, and only one-tenth human DNA." This staggering fact underscores our gut microbiome's potential impact on our overall health and well-being.
Factors Affecting Our Gut Health
Unfortunately, our modern lifestyles may impact our gut health. Dr. Burdette highlights various factors that could contribute to changes in gut health, stating, "It's a lot of things that have come together all at once to really create the perfect storm."
She mentions the shift towards processed foods high in sugar and salt, antibiotics in our food supply, and the persistent stress of modern life as potential contributors.
"Stress creates less blood flow to the gut," Dr. Burdette explains. "The reason for that is because when you're in a state of stress, you are in the part of the nervous system called 'fight or flight, get away from the bear.' You're not in the part called 'rest and digest,' that parasympathetic. You decrease the blood flow to the gut, and this really changes what's happening there as well."
The Leaky Gut Phenomenon
One of the conditions associated with an unhealthy gut is known as "leaky gut," or increased intestinal permeability.
Dr. Burdette provides a vivid analogy to help us understand this concept: "I always think about Lincoln Logs. When Zonulin goes up, it tells these tight junctions to open, and these tight junctions are held together what are called kissing points. Zonulin comes into the picture, your tight junctions open up, and now your fortress wall is no longer intact. You're permeable."
In a leaky gut scenario, partially digested food particles, toxins, and bacteria may pass through the compromised gut barrier and enter the bloodstream, potentially triggering an immune response and inflammation.
This inflammation is believed to be a contributing factor to a wide range of health issues, including digestive problems and other conditions.
Diagnostic Tools for Gut Health
Recognizing the importance of proper testing, Dr. Burdette emphasizes the advancements in stool testing, particularly the GI360 Profile test. "The GI360 combined both these technologies. They do both PCR and culture. I think that gives us a balanced perspective," she explains.
The GI360 Profile test utilizes a combination of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and culture techniques to evaluate the gut microbiome. It identifies potential pathogens, imbalances in beneficial bacteria, and various immune markers. This approach allows for a more complete understanding of an individual's gut health, guiding potential strategies to support gut health.
Approaches to Support Gut Health
Once gut imbalances have been identified, Dr. Burdette outlines various options, including pharmaceuticals, botanicals, and targeted supplements. "We can use various pharmaceuticals, we can use various botanicals, and we can use those even in combination or one or the other," she states. "The good news is that this is something that you address and can improve."
Dr. Burdette also highlights the importance of addressing potential root causes of gut imbalances, whether dietary factors, stress, or specific infections. "Basically, if we're trying to conceptualize it, two basic ways that the gut becomes leaky, eating foods that aren't the best for you, and sometimes these are very healthy foods. Just the food test that I help to develop at Precision Point Diagnostics labs, my partner just ran into a patient at the clinic in a parking lot, and they ran up and said, 'Oh, I just want to tell you how much better I'm doing.' She was having migraines and feeling fatigued. The thing that came back positive for her was broccoli. I would have never told her to take broccoli out of her diet. I would have told her to eat more broccoli because it's so good for you."
The Gut-Brain Connection
One of the most intriguing aspects of gut health is its connection to brain function and mental well-being. Dr. Burdette explains, "Even if that seems farfetched to you, that the neurotransmitters we make in the gut I mentioned one called GABA, that's our inhibitory neurotransmitter. It helps with rest and relax. It calms the brain down stops racing thoughts, helps us focus. If you were to take different anxiety medications they work on those same receptors that GABA works on."
This gut-brain connection highlights the importance of considering gut health in the management of conditions such as mood and cognitive concerns. Supporting balance in the gut microbiome may positively influence brain function and associated symptoms.
The Future of GI Health
Dr. Burdette expresses optimism about the future of GI health, citing the rapid technological advancements and our understanding of the gut-body connection. "Much better because if we were having this conversation, even 5 or 10 years ago, some of the PCR technology wasn't quite where it's at," she states.
As our knowledge of the gut microbiome and its relationship with various bodily systems grows, we can expect more targeted and personalized approaches, potentially leading to improved outcomes for individuals with GI-related concerns.
Dr. Cheryl Burdette's insights underscore the potential role of gut health in overall well-being. By understanding factors that may contribute to GI imbalances, such as dietary factors, stress, and environmental influences, we can take steps to support gut integrity and manage inflammation.
Comprehensive testing, including advanced stool analysis like the GI360 test, is crucial in identifying specific imbalances and tailoring personalized strategies. The future of GI health looks promising, with ongoing research and technological advancements paving the way for more effective and targeted interventions.
As Dr. Burdette wisely advises, "Keep looking, you are the expert on yourself. If it doesn't feel right to you, then you need to keep asking the questions and find a practitioner that will work with you to help you ask the questions and find the answers to them as well." By embracing a holistic approach and prioritizing gut health, we can explore the path to optimal well-being and longevity.
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