Welcome to Episode 11!

We had so much to say about digestion, that we had to make a third episode to wrap things up! In this episode, we continue the discussion about gut issues and fertility.  While the last two episodes focused on our personal gut experiences, this episode takes a deeper dive into gut function.

In this episode we cover how digestion should work, the most common problems with digestion, what causes them, and how these issues ultimately impact fertility.  We also discuss adjustments you can make to your diet and lifestyle to improve digestion, in addition to how to find a qualified practitioner to help you investigate your gut function further.  

This episode is brought to you by our FREE online course on "How to Choose the Best Prenatal Supplements." If you are ready to start taking a prenatal vitamin and don’t know where to start, this is the course for you.

We will give you the rundown on the six essential nutrients you and your future baby needs for optimal health. We value up-to-date research and want you to know the latest and greatest information out there! We have made it super easy for you by giving you the brands we love and putting together sample regimens that are perfect for your unique situation.

Show Notes:

1:12 - Overview of how digestion is supposed to work

1:22 - How digestion begins in the brain and the importance of the parasympathetic (rest and digest) system

2:00 - The process of chewing and releasing amylase- a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrate

3:35 - What happens when we swallow, and food moves to stomach- hydrochloric acid and pepsin production

3:50 - Hormone stimulation and the release of digestive enzymes into the small intestine

5:00 - Bile: the emulsification of fats and the absorption of nutrients

6:20 - Waste fermentation and excretion

8:08 - The most common problems with digestion

8:28 - How stress inhibits digestion

12:10 - Not chewing our food well enough and “food scarfing”

15:35 - Low stomach acid, bacterial fermentation, and acid reflux

26:50 - Gallbladder dysfunction

28:45 - Undigested food throughout the intestines

29:30 - Intestinal permeability (Leaky Gut)

35:50 - Dysfunction in the large intestine: dysbiosis, IBS, diverticulosis, Chron’s and Ulcerative Colitis 

36:55 - Most common factors that cause digestive distress

39:52 - How gut dysfunction impacts fertility: oxidative damage, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and nutrient deficiencies.  

49:10 - How someone can identify when they are having digestive issues and how symptoms may not be what you’d expect. 

50:10 - Obvious digestive symptoms: fullness, bloating, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, loose stool, urgent bowel movements, cramping and discomfort, gas. 

51:34 - Not so obvious symptoms: history of food poisoning, regular antibiotic use, asthma, seasonal allergies, food allergies and intolerances, skin issues, reoccurring yeast infections, mood symptoms, autoimmune conditions.

53:55 - What diet and lifestyle modifications someone can make to improve their digestive function

54:03 - Eat real food

55:58 - Start eliminating common food allergens: gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.  Remove and reintroduce.

55: 50 - Fill up that plate with fiber from non-starchy veggies and low sugar fruits if tolerated.

1:00:40 - Choose organic when possible

1:02:45 - Consume bone broth and fermented foods

1:03:48 - Take antibiotics only when necessary

1:04:26 - Stress Management

1:05:50 - How to find an ND, functional medicine practitioner, or nutritionist to help you investigate your gut further 

1:07:50 - What testing we recommend  

1:09:30 - What a gut healing protocol should look like in general – the 5 Rs.

1:10:09 - Remove: eliminating food sensitivities and rebalancing gut flora with herbs or medications

1:11:48 - Replace: restoring stomach acid and digestive enzyme output

1:12:27 - Reinoculate: introducing beneficial bacteria through probiotics or fermented foods

1:13:07 - Repair: heal the gut lining with herbs and supplements

1:13:48 - Rebalance: supporting overall health through diet, sleep, stress, exercise

1:14:50 - Wrap Up: Check out the Fertility Assessment and FREE supplements course!