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There is increasing evidence that chronic illnesses are caused by our poor diet.
I’ve just read a fascinating article by Dr Mark Hyman at his blog where he talks about the link between bad gut bacteria and many chronic illnesses, including inflammation, autism and obesity. And the links are growing daily, he says.
As a medical student, a doctor is taught to see asthma as a lung problem; arthritis as a joint problem; acne as a skin problem. But that is only part of the story. We should be looking at the body as a whole.
Dr Hyman says …
… by understanding the origins of disease and the way in which the body operates as one, whole, integrated ecosystem, we now know that symptoms appearing in one area of the body may be caused by imbalances in an entirely different system.
And often that is our digestive tract.
So what can we do about it and where do we find the help we need to rectify it? The answer is also in our diet – but a healthy diet, full of fiber and whole foods.
Five Steps to a Healthy Gut (and a Healthy Body)
Dr Hyman suggests five simple steps to start re-balancing your gut flora:
Eat a fiber–rich, whole foods diet, rich in beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which feed good bugs.
Limit sugar, processed foods, animal fats, and animal protein as these provide food for unhealthy bugs.
Avoid the use of antibiotics, acid blockers, and anti-inflammatories as they change gut flora for the worse.
Take probiotics daily because these healthy, friendly flora can improve your digestive health and reduce inflammation and allergy.
Consider specialized testing, for example, organic acid testing, stool testing (new tests can look at the DNA of the bacteria in your gut), and others to help assess your gut function. You will likely have to work with a functional medicine practitioner to effectively test and treat imbalances in your gut.
You can learn more at DrHyman.com
Photo: DrinkMeHealthy
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