Sunday, November 20, 2016

Clinicians and Coaches: ROCK YOUR MICROBIOME & NUTRIGENOMIC MEDICINE w/ The Results & Outcome Academy Conference in 3 weeks

Check out the updated site: TheGutInstitute.Com has launched!





INVITATION TO COACHES AND PRACTITIONERS


Registration and More Details




Clinicians and Coaches:

ROCK YOUR MICROBIOME and NUTRIGENOMIC MEDICINE 
w/ The Results & Outcome Academy Conference
In 3 weeks!


How to Grow Your Practice by Incorporating Microbiome & Nutrigenomic Medicine

Cost: VIRTUALLY FREE AND WORTH $2497
Date: Dec 10th and 11th, 2016
Location: Double Tree Hotel, Berkeley Marina, California


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What Clinicians and Coaches Will Get!
  • You will walk away with swag worth over $1000 – so the conference is virtually FREE
  • Knowledge on how to build your business
  • Cutting-edge, personalized gut and nutrigenomic protocols for your clients
  • A deep connection with new lifelong friends and future collaboration partners
  • Part of a growing emerging international community who are at the forefront of functional medicine for methylation and microbiome medicine
This an event like no other. We are bringing together leading practitioners, functional medicine providers, and health coaches to create a collaborative community.
This will be transformational experience - if you plan to come and just sit in the seat and take notes – then this is not for you… You will not leave the same as you came


Registration and More Details




pain-points-w-male-practitioner

what-you-will-learn-bullet

Registration and More Details





This is Dr. Anh, and on behalf of Drs. Grace and Erika, I want to say “THANK YOU!” so much for your interest in our upcoming event, Microbiome and Nutrigenomic Medicine w/ Business Acumen live training!

speakers-no-bio

sponsors-4-em-dfh-s-aob

NEW SITE  TheGutInstitute.Com for the latest in microbiome, gut flora, science, podcasts and more!

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Updates: New Website Launch THE GUT INSTITUTE.COM and Slides From PaleoFX Preso

TheGutInstitute.Com has launched!

Check out the iApothecary store for the ULTRA BIFIDO|MAXIMUS probiotic and many other gut microbiome and nutrigenomic tools to rapidly optimize your health! May you wealth and health be as marvelous as your microbes!

Read about #BIONICFIBER and the special recipes you can make to make your gut microbiome bionic and bulletproof now
---> Bionic Fiber Recipes for prebiotic power in your day for both you and your gut flora

Please migrate over there for all the latest news on the gut microbiome, studies, diagnostics, and gut protocol strategies for health optimization.

We had an awesome turnout that was beyond capacity for the premiere ticket holders at PaleoFX this year: 'Shifting Your Gut Microbiota and Your 100 Trillion Friends for Leanness and Fat Loss'. Thank you for everyone that attended! The slides may be downloaded at TheGutInstitute.com (enter email). I am considering with Matt Pepin, my Gut Guardians co-host, to send out a monthly Gut RxTracts with a compilation of the latest gut news, research abstracts, book reviews, and all things poop and gut related. How does that sound? I'd love to know which topics you find most interesting.



A couple of things I mentioned at PaleoFx:

10% of uBiome analysis, thanks Eli and Paul~!
http://ubiome.refr.cc/X4D28CW (Eli's referral code)
http://ubiome.refr.cc/RW5Z7DX (Paul's referral code)

Sources of chitin/chitosan for gut health and fat loss prebiotic effects
Fiber in cricket flour is 7% and contains chitin/chitosan
Pubmed studies on fat loss and chitin/chitosan
https://www.facebook.com/NextMillenniumFarms

Sources of yacon in sugar free virgin chocolate in Raaka handcrafted bars (YUMMMM!) and 4 grams of yacon-FOS per half bar, thanks Bill~!
10% off 'YACON10' code

Prescript Assist, the only probiotic containing 2 strains of Bacteroides that is missing in nearly every study in overweight and obesity microbial signatures, one of the root problems in the obesity epidemic. This probiotic and other soil probiotics helped my family and I overcome gluten, dairy and other food intolerances so we could consume again on rare occasions without severe gut, brain or digestive issues.
The company just the other day announced their evolution to ENVIRO MEDICA (no longer Magnetic Clay)! I love it! Congratulations!!
http://www.magneticclay.com/store/prescript-assist-probiotic.aspx

AO Biome, soil probiotic topical spray: Nitrosomonas, live Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB). It produces more NO, nitric oxide, a vital signalling molecule important for not just athletic workouts and sex ahah.
"This living product is a first, not only for our company, but for the industry as a whole. We created it to counteract the damage that modern lifestyles and products have on the biome, which often lead to irritation, sensitivity, and more. Our patented beneficial bacteria is similar to a probiotic, and it works to enrich your skin’s natural environment, gently restoring harmony to the skin. Specifically, it actively converts the byproducts of our skin (such as sweat) into beneficial ingredients, leading to skin that looks and feels great. "

Mark Sisson's new soil based upgraded ultra high potency 10B CFU per cap -- used by Eli Markstrom, Spartan warrior in uBiome self experiment.
http://www.primalblueprint.com/primal-flora/


Check out the updated site: TheGutInstitute.Com has launched


The HENRY Bar~!! My kids designed an energy bar that they will actually eat that's not full of non-Paleo junk. Thank you to my master tasters who gave it unanimous thumbs up -- my sisters, best galpals, Matt Pepin, Dr Emily Dean, Robb Wolf and CSA MMA gym (Kieran). Nearly all organic and non-GMO, the Henry is full of goodness like our puppy which it's named after. Check out TheGutInstitue.com later for more updates or contact me directly to get a box (I have some complimentary ones to send out!)

Abundant in wonderful ingredients (some are not part of 7 steps -- dairy and nuts):
  • 17 grams isomalto-oligosaccharides (for fat loss, leanness and losing gut-leakiness) which is also found in fermented foods like natto, sake and fermented soybean sauce (bibimbab, jajiang noodles)
  • 16 grams pastured, grassfed whey protein
  • 10 grams carbs from 85% organic chocolate, cashew butter, almond butter, dates and quinoa crispies

NEW SITE  TheGutInstitute.Com for the latest in microbiome, gut flora, science, podcasts and more!


Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Heal Yourself Radio EP 002 - FROM DRUGS TO BUGS

Heal Yourself Radio with chiropracter and hawt Crossfit athlete, Dr Jonathan Chung DC

EP 002 - FROM DRUGS TO BUGS

On this week’s episode of Heal Yourself Radio we’re talking to Dr. Grace Liu, a functional medicine expert with a doctorate in pharmacy. Her area of expertise involves the clinical applications of one of the hottest topics in science and medicine, the gut micro biome. This interview is full of great information about the importance of your gut bacteria, what foods to use to support it, and what to do if you’ve been on antibiotics. We also had a lot of fun talking about poop, whose poop Dr. Grace wants inside of her, and what might make my feces so interesting. It was a really fun interview, and I think you are all in for a little treat.

Save 10% on any uBiome kit or product with Dr.Chung's referral code
http://ubiome.refr.cc/638H9RC #microbiome

Monday, March 30, 2015

Gut Guardians Postcast: Episode 16 – (Part 2) Thyroid Help with Robin Treasure

Gut Guardians Postcast: Episode 16 – (Part 2) Thyroid Help with Robin Treasure


Robin Treasure in Part 2 offers her insights on how our guts might play a role in our thyroid health. She advises on the proper testings to diagnose a potential leaky gut causing poor adrenals. Yet another reason to keep your gut sealed up nice and tight.
Be sure to check out Robin Treasures new program ‘Restore!’ to help build and nurture a healthier lifestyle.

Don’t forget to leave any comments or suggestions!
Enjoy!

Show Notes:
Klaire Probiotics


Friday, March 27, 2015

Gut Guardians Podcast: Episode 17- Gut-Brain Axis w Dr. Richard Matthews

Gut Guardians Podcast: Episode 17- Gut-Brain Axis w Dr. Richard Matthews

Functional Neurologist and author of The Symbiont Factor, Dr. Richard Matthews, joins in on the microbial fun. In this episode Dr. Matthews talks about the gut brain axis and multiple conditions that stem from the gut. Did we mention zombies? Matt and Grace had fun exchanging ideas on gut health and mental health.
(Note: I had technical challenges, very sorry for the poor quality on my end. You’re not missing anything -- please enjoy Dr. Matthews and Matt).
Thoughts on the Gut-Brain and parasitic gut zombies?

Show Notes:
Amazon: Book 'The Symbiont Factor'
Twitter: @symbionthealth


Excerpts from The Symbiont Factor

“The Bacterial Ethernet
“Bacteria living within a colony are able to form interconnections between cells in a network, using very small microtubules that have been termed nanotubes (Dubey, Yehuda). These nanotubes allow bacteria to share information, which can take several forms. In one example, demonstrated by Ben-Jacob, bacterial colonies will self-organize into elaborate shapes to optimize their survival and will form complex networks of nanotubes where they share plasmids (small pieces of DNA) as well as other molecules from their cell.”

“Providing a sustainable environment in the gut where good bacteria can flourish takes more work and lifestyle change than that and is one of the subjects of the rest of this book. Expecting the growth of beneficial bacteria without eating fruits, vegetables and fiber-containing grains is like scattering tomato seeds in a parking lot. Even though a few seeds might find some earth and germinate, you probably won’t get tomatoes unless you provide dirt, fertilizer, compost and water! Likewise, trying to get the good symbiont bacteria to grow without making improvements in your stress, diet and lifestyle is like trying to grow those seeds in the dark or on a parking lot.”

Friday, March 20, 2015

New Podcast With Nourish Balance Thrive, Christopher Kelley: Have you checked your gut for the keystone species?

Have you checked your gut for the keystone species? 

New podcast with elite pro mountain biker, Christopher Kelley of Nourish Balance Thrive and me (aka )

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

uBiome Analysis: Microbiome Hacking to Improve Gluten Intolerance and Acne

uBiome Blog

Our co-blog and Elijah's post on his recent gut uBiome results, here, at uBiome's blog today.

His extended version at his blog: Microbiome Initial Data -- I Need a Recount
"Observationally, I have noticed several changes so far. First and best, is that my sleep has been incredible. I fall asleep easily, sleep through the night and wake up with a pep in my step. Second, my appetite is lower. I feel full all the time. My energy levels are good. There is marginal fluctuation throughout the day. Third, my poop is more regular both in consistency and frequency."

His earlier post at uBiome: How to Poop Well.

Eli's uBiome 10% off referral code
http://ubiome.refr.cc/X4D28CW



[Side B: extended version, lol]

Microbiota Hacking

Thank you Elijah for the generous introduction! I appreciate your enthusiasm and reaching out to me to collaborate on maximizing gut health and your 100 trillion friends.

Looking at uBiome stool analyses helps me to map out the bacterial terrain and landscape in the intestines. It is a ground breaking tool that I’m so grateful for. I look for landmarks and clues that tie in with published pyrosequencing studies.

Elijah is an elite athlete with superior performance and 8-9% body fat. I almost doubted that we could further improve any biometrics (sleep, skin, mood, performance), but, naturally, when we look at the modern dysbiotic gut, everything can be improved. Modern guts are particularly vulnerable because they are being assaulted from all sides everyday. Therefore several simple and easy improvements can dramatically reset overall health by emphasizing our gut.

Our gut is the initial site of nearly all disease (besides pure poisons). Our hunger, hormones, happiness chemicals and energy regulators all are controlled or composed by this master regulator organ that gut researchers call the ‘second brain’. Scientists report 80% of immunity is housed in the intestines. In my estimates, the gut doesn’t control all health, 24/7 all the time, but when it is disrupted, then ALL health may be disrupted. Whether you are an elite athlete like Elijah or a high-level executive or a super tiger-mom, a healthy gut lays the foundation for overflowing health, youthful energy, leanness and longevity.

Our modern lifestyles lend characteristic changes in the microbiome – depletions of vital good flora and overgrowths of opportunistic pathogens. I call the good microflora ‘gut guardians’ because these protect our gut from birth until death. Their absence signals death, whether it’s a slow, gradual, perpetual and mildly painful death or a more chronic course riddled by the common American standbys: cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, joint degeneration, or diabetes-obesity.

Elijah’s gut profile exhibits the losses which everyone frequently experiences as a result of processed, refined carbohydrates, high sugar diets and use of antibiotics which were given for chronic ear infections as a child. His birth was C-section and studies show a lack of transfer of mom’s good microflora such as Bifidobacteria longum to baby without a vaginal birth.

Landmarks that stand out on Elijah's gut microbiota uBiome analysis:
  • low biodiversity (low phyla and species counts)
  • depleted gut guardians which secure longevity and leanness by maintaining metabolism and a tight intestinal barrier
             o Bifidobacteria (part of Actinobacteria: 3-fold below normal)
             o Bifidobacteria longum (180-fold below optimal;
                but at least its there! yay!)
             o Bacteroides (3-fold below normal)
             o Christensenella
             o Akkermansia
  • increased potential opportunistic bacterial overgrowths
             o Corynebacteria pathogens (possibly skin related)
             o Proteobacteria pathogens (6-fold more than average) including
                Cronobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E coli, Bilophila






Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. In the side diagram, you can see how Elijah’s gut scored: doing well for producing butyrate, a fuel of the colonocytes, the cells that line the colon. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is exuberantly represented. Most healthy humans have 3-10% or more and Elijah’s gut is no exception. His gut also houses plenty of Lachnospiraceae (34.64412%) and Pseudobutyrivibrio (8.86619%) This consortia of robust butyrate-producers may partly explain Elijah’s resistance to gaining fat and other dysbiosis-related disorders. Author of the Epidemic of Absence, Moises Velasqueze-Manoff, recently wrote an essay reviewing the vital anti-inflammatory role F. prausnitzii plays in protecting human health, ‘Among Trillions of Microbes in the Gut, a Few Are Special’.




Reviewing Elijah’s uBiome Results: ABSENT ALLIES

Bifidobacteria longum (part of Actinobacteria). The loss of Bifidobacteria longum by antibiotic drugs and poor dietary choices (sugar, unfermented gluten) contributes to increased gut permeability and subsequent spilling of microbial toxins and cell wall parts through the ‘porous’ barrier into circulation. The consequences are low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mood changes, and disease (food allergies, bloating, digestive disorders, acne, etc). Fortunately, prebiotic fiber and probiotics can selectively boost and grow these tender populations. Health and well-being track well with improvements in bacterial parameters in my clinical experiences.

How To Boost
Bifidobacteria longum, Roseburia,
Akkermansia muciniphila,
and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii
For Gut Barrier Restoration and Pathogen Resistance

Geurts et al 2013

Proteobacteria and other pathogens. A few potential opportunistic pathogens were identified. With gut guardians and allies, these easily overgrow at the first opportunity. Many of these may be gently weeded out and replaced by the populations missing, which will be stimulated by probiotics and special fiber. Normal skin microbiota residents are Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium (previously part of Corynebacteria), Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas. In acne, microbiota sequencing and culture studies show higher Corynebacteria, Staphylococcus epidermis, Propionibacterium acnes, and fungal Malassezia in skin lesions.

Elijah’s gut apparently showed detectable levels of Corynebacterium amycolatum (0.00499%) which is sometimes associated with opportunistic hospital infections. The gut profile also shows possibly suboptimal concentrations of 4 Proteobacteria implicated in dysbiosis, colitis and food poisoning:
  • Cronobacter sakazakii (12.51294%)
  • Bilophila wadsworthia (0.08107%)
  • Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Agona (0.00499%)
  • Shigella flexneri (0.00249%)





Fecal Facts For The Skin-Gut

Our goal to improve the skin and work from the inside out, starting with shifting the gut microbiota, 100 trillion friends. This is also the progressive new thinking in dermatology:
“In the treatment of acne, one of the prevailing tenets has revolved around the eradication of a bacterium known as Propionibacterium acnes… Rather than non-specific chemical destruction of P. acnes, with its far reaching effects on the human microbiome, investigators are exploring the possibility of utilising non-pathogenic bacteria to improve the skin, with collateral benefits to the gastrointestinal tract and the psyche as well.”



Disease or Defense?

With the lack of protection in the gut, bacterial and parasitic overgrowths may partially degrade the single-cell layer barrier in the small intestines (upper gut) where we absorb the vast majority of digested food and nutrients. Havoc and competition further lower the bacterial sentinels which everyday seal and maintain the barrier layer against being leaky and open.

An environment harmful for health ensues. Food and intestinal yeasts and bacteria may breach and ‘leak’ into the blood and lymph circulation which alarm the immune system, producing large amounts of silent inflammation which adverse affects many organ systems: liver, fat, and muscles. Instead of efficiently burning fat, the body burns other things, sugar and muscles.

An endless cycle begins. For many, the joints and muscles are affected (discomfort, arthritis, swelling, sarcopenia). Invariable digestion and food intolerances are ‘ground zero’ type of symptoms (excess gas, loose bowels, constipation, stomach aches). Gluten, soy, corn and dairy may produce bloating and/or brain fog. For some the skin microbiome is affected (acne, psoriasis or eczema). Our central nervous systems never go untouched with modern gut dysbiosis; headaches, mood fluctuations, fear, hunger, and cravings are hallmarks of mangled microbiotas that I observe.



Skin-Gut Microbiota Manipulation

The goals stated by Elijah are two-fold:
(1) reverse intolerance to gluten which causes bloating and
(2) improve mild acne on back

What we will do is enhance what the gut already has and repair-renovate what is broken. We discussed considering additions to the great smoothie blend that have been shown in humans to heal the gut and immunity rapidly (add 1-2 of the below). The below ‘feed and breed’ diversity in the gut microbiota including the specific species that are missing (Bifidobacteria longum, Akkermansia and Eubacteria).

Choose a personal diverse combinational blend of prebiotic fiber:
Elijah did all the below except GOS.

1/4 tsp glucomannan (in 2 cups water; maximum dose ½ tsp; avoid if any trouble swallowing or drinking water, will swell 20-fold in volume)
1 tsp acacia
1 tsp arabinogalactan
1 tsp modified citrus pectin
1 tsp GOS (Bimuno or  Jarro Baby Dophilus 1 tsp = 2.4 g GOS)
1 tsp inulin-FOS
1 TBS psyllium
1 TBS cocoa

To seed-weed the proverbial gardens in our gut and crowd out modern potential pathogens, I often guide people to consider rebuilding the gut with health-promoting probiotics and gently weeding with short-term, combination botanicals. For skin I have a couple of tricks which speed healing in the gut. These would empirically target pathogens whilst specifically restructuring what is often missing. They all lower the quiet ‘fires’ of inflammation.

Consider for one month a skin-gut regimen:
--Berberine 500mg twice daily (Thorne)
--Neem 2 caps daily (Himalaya)
--Grape seed extract Trader Joe's 50mg, 4 daily (or 2 twice daily)
--Liver detoxifier (NOW foods) 2 daily

Elijah decided to go with all the above for the skin regimen and for probiotics decided on Bifidus Balance +FOS (Jarrow) and Primal Flora Ultra High Potency (Mark’s Daily Apple). The ability to breakdown casein (dairy) and gluten-gliadin (wheat) may come down to what is in our guts and what isn't. The above probiotics contain strains which can help in digesting and degrading these potentially allergenic food peptides that induce food allergies, similar to what Elijah experiences. Primal Flora UHP is a soil based organisms probiotic (SBO) containing 10 billion CFU. Our recent ancestors  had daily exposures to dust and dirt which contain these species. SBOs are one of the best ways to 'seed' the gut with bacteria aligned to our ancient past and better ability digest a range of plant fiber including small quantities of dairy and gluten.

Stay tuned!






References:

Christensen, Gitte Julie Møller, and Holger Brüggemann. "Bacterial skin commensals and their role as host guardians." Beneficial microbes 5.2 (2014): 201-215.
Bowe, W, NB Patel, and AC Logan. "Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis: from anecdote to translational medicine." Beneficial microbes 5.2 (2014): 185-199.
Grice, Elizabeth A, and Julia A Segre. "The skin microbiome." Nature Reviews Microbiology 9.4 (2011): 244-253.
Kong, Heidi H, and Julia A Segre. "Skin microbiome: looking back to move forward." Journal of Investigative Dermatology 132 (2012): 933-939.
Tap, Julien et al. "Towards the human intestinal microbiota phylogenetic core." Environmental microbiology 11.10 (2009): 2574-2584.
Geurts, Lucie et al. "Gut microbiota controls adipose tissue expansion, gut barrier and glucose metabolism: novel insights into molecular targets and interventions using prebiotics." Beneficial microbes 5.1 (2014): 3-17.
Al‐Ghazzewi, Farage H, and Richard F Tester. "Effect of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates and probiotics on the growth of the skin bacterium Propionibacterium acnes in vitro." International journal of cosmetic science 32.2 (2010): 139-142.
Cani, Patrice D et al. "Changes in gut microbiota control inflammation in obese mice through a mechanism involving GLP-2-driven improvement of gut permeability." Gut 58.8 (2009): 1091-1103.
Lee, In-Ah, Yang-Jin Hyun, and Dong-Hyun Kim. "Berberine ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation, enterobacterial growth and NF-κB activation." European journal of pharmacology 648.1 (2010): 162-170.
Čerňáková, M, and D Košťálová. "Antimicrobial activity of berberine—a constituent of Mahonia aquifolium." Folia microbiologica 47.4 (2002): 375-378.
Han, Junling, Huiling Lin, and Weiping Huang. "Modulating gut microbiota as an anti-diabetic mechanism of berberine." Medical Science and Technology 17.7 (2011): RA164-RA167.
Zhang, Xu et al. "Structural changes of gut microbiota during berberine-mediated prevention of obesity and insulin resistance in high-fat diet-fed rats." PLoS One 7.8 (2012): e42529.
Xu, Jia et al. "Structural modulation of gut microbiota during alleviation of type 2 diabetes with a Chinese herbal formula." The ISME journal (2014).
Yin, Xiaochen et al. "Structural changes of gut microbiota in a rat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model treated with a Chinese herbal formula." Systematic and applied microbiology 36.3 (2013): 188-196.
Katiyar, Santosh K. "Proanthocyanidins from Grape Seeds Inhibit UV–Radiation‐Induced Immune Suppression in Mice: Detection and Analysis of Molecular and Cellular Targets." Photochemistry and photobiology (2014).
Nichols, Joi A, and Santosh K Katiyar. "Skin photoprotection by natural polyphenols: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and DNA repair mechanisms." Archives of dermatological research 302.2 (2010): 71-83.
Afaq, Farrukh, and Santosh K Katiyar. "Polyphenols: skin photoprotection and inhibition of photocarcinogenesis." Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry 11.14 (2011): 1200.
Kar, P et al. "Flavonoid‐rich grapeseed extracts: a new approach in high cardiovascular risk patients?." International journal of clinical practice 60.11 (2006): 1484-1492.
Vinson, Joe A, John Proch, and Pratima Bose. "MegaNatural® gold grapeseed extract: in vitro antioxidant and in vivo human supplementation studies." Journal of medicinal food 4.1 (2001): 17-26.
Subapriya, R, and S Nagini. "Medicinal properties of neem leaves: a review." Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Cancer Agents 5.2 (2005): 149-156.
Khan, M et al. "[Experimental study of the effect of raw materials of the neem tree and neem extracts on dermatophytes, yeasts and molds]." Zeitschrift fur Hautkrankheiten 63.6 (1988): 499-502.
Kumar, Venugopalan Santhosh, and Visweswaran Navaratnam. "Neem (Azadirachta indica): Prehistory to contemporary medicinal uses to humankind." Asian Pacific journal of tropical biomedicine 3.7 (2013): 505-514.
Lee, SH et al. "In vitro effects of plant and mushroom extracts on immunological function of chicken lymphocytes and macrophages." British poultry science 51.2 (2010): 213-221.