Give the Gift of Health: My 2017 Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

Can you believe that Thanksgiving came and went and that Christmas is only three weeks away? The holiday season always seems to creep up on me and figuring out what gifts to buy always presents itself as a challenge. When I started to think about gifts, I started putting together this healthy holiday gift guide to share with you because this year, I am doing things a little bit differently. I have decided to give everyone a gift to improve their health, and here's why...

Over the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I ended up in the hospital visiting a close family friend. His blood pressure was sky high and the doctors weren't sure if he was having a heart attack or not. After close evaluation, they determined that he needed to start blood pressure medication. The doctors sent him home with two new prescriptions. This family friend has a long history of eating fast food and not taking great care of himself. I had mentioned healthy eating to him in the past, but I didn't push hard enough...I should have pushed harder but I just didn't want to come across as being "pushy."

After he returned home he reached out and wanted to talk about how he could start eating healthy. After just one major modification of not eating any junk food and making more food at home, he experienced significant improvement in his health. After just two days of no junk food and healthier eating, he no longer needed his blood pressure medications. His blood pressure levels began to stabilize naturally all through the power of healthy eating.

Now, I don't tell you this story thinking that everyone will be able to come off of their blood pressure meds in just two days but I tell you this story because I know the power of healthy eating. I have seen it time and time again and this is just another example of how powerful food can be.

I wanted to share this personal story with you to encourage you to give the gift of health this holiday season. If you or a loved one is in need of a health boost, don't be like me and wait for things to get worse. If my friend was better after two days of clean eating, think about what I could have done if I pushed harder.

Instead of buying your friends and family something materialistic, think about buying them something that can really turn their health around.

In this holiday guide, I am sharing my top pick for this 2017 holiday season and gifts that I will also be buying for those in my life this year.

This guide features:

• An elimination diet program
• Detox shakes (great to reach weight loss goals)
• Clean skin care & beauty products for adults and kids
• Essential oils
• Healthier cooking supplies
• Kitchen tools to help you cook and eat clean
• Products to improve your sleep habits

Gifts to Help you Reach Your New Years Health Goals!

• The Optimal Reset Elimination Diet Program: If you are looking to give the gift of health or kickstart your own health this holiday season, this is the program for you! In my Optimal Reset Elimination Diet program, I walk you through removing inflammatory foods from your diet so that you can uncover potential food sensitivities, boost gut, thyroid, and skin health and feel your absolute best. You can access this program at any time and it even comes with a 30-day meal plan, recipe book, and tools to keep you on track and motivated.
• Optimal Reset Detox Powder (Chocolate): I designed the Optimal Reset Detox Powder specifically for my patients. It is the perfect addition to The Optimal Reset Elimination Diet Program or for anyone who wants to lose weight, support their liver, detoxify their body, and give themselves an all-day energy boost. I add this to my smoothie every day and it has helped me reach my health goals. Plus, it tastes delicious. Click here to buy the chocolate flavor, or below to buy the vanilla.
• Optimal Reset Detox Powder (Vanilla)

My Favorite Clean Skincare & Beauty Gifts (and a special gift for him!)

• Ocean & Pacific Palette: This is a beautiful palette that is back in stock just in time for the holidays. This palette comes with 9 different shades for the face and eyes and just like all Beautycounter products, this contains safer ingredients and is tested for heavy metals.
• Ultimate Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: This is another one of my favorites. I prefer a subtle more natural look when it comes to makeup and this palette gives you 18 different neutral shades to choose from. This is the perfect gift for anyone who wants a natural look and a product that is much safer than the makeup you find in stores.
• Flawless in Five by Beautycounter: This is my all-time favorite set from Beautycounter. It contains six safer makeup products that make you look and feel naturally beautiful! This is a great gift set for the makeup lover in your family.
• Hand Cream Citrus Mimosa: This is a great hand cream, especially for this time of year. It's perfect for relieving dry skin and contains Shea butter and vitamin E.
• Counterman Perfect Shave Set: This set comes with an exfoliating face wash, shaving cream, face lotion, beard oil, and a shaving brush. The products in this set are safer than what you would find in pharmacies or department stores and you don't have to worry about the shaving cream containing hormone or cancer-causing ingredients.

Cleaner Gifts for Little Ones

• Better Baby Care Set by Beautycounter: If you have a little one in your life this is an adorable set. It comes with a gentle wash, baby oil, and protective balm. This set also comes with a one of a kind stuffed raccoon made by Finn and Emma. This would also make a great gift for a mom to be.
• The Ultimate Baby Collection by Beautycounter: This is an awesome set for any moms with little ones at home. This set comes with cleaner and safer products for bath time, and it even comes with a diaper rash cream and a super cute diaper bag.
• Splish Splash Kids Bath Set by Beautcounter: This is the perfect set for the kids in your life. It comes with a body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. All of the products contain a mix of fruit extracts for a delicious and natural scent.
• Stainless Steel Lunch Box: I pack my kids lunch for school, and it makes me feel good to know that I am using a lunchbox that does not contain harmful toxins. These bento boxes are super cute and you may just find that your kids enjoy lunchtime a little more with the adorable way you can present healthy eating to them.

My Top Essential Oil Gifts

• Pine Essential Oil: This essential oil makes your entire house smell like Christmas. Instead of lighting artificial candles, try diffusing this essential oil throughout your house this holiday season.
• Seasonal Wellness Set: This is an excellent set and a great way to give the gift of health this holiday season. This set comes with thieves cough drops, R.C. essential oil blend, and ImmuPro which are chewable tablets that contain an immune supporting blend to keep you healthy this year.
• Gentle Mist Personal Diffuser Set: This diffuser set comes with a 5-ml bottle of lavender essential oil, and is a great way to have a personal diffuser on the go. I find this to be ideal for travel or even for use at the office.
• Essential Oil Starter Kit: This is the ultimate essential oil gift. This starter kit comes with everything you need to get started using oils. This kit comes with a diffuser, premium essential oil collection, and additional bonus sample packets. Young Living says that this is the kit to get for anyone who is serious about transforming their lives! I would highly recommend this starter pack if you are looking to get started with essential oils to see what they can do to boost your health.

Gifts for Healthy Cooking

• Vitamix: This is my favorite blender. It makes all of my shakes so smooth. it is also great for making soups and sauces.
• Instant Pot: An Instant Pot is a must have for anyone who feels like they are too busy to cook a healthy dinner. The Instant Pot does all the work for you and it has multiple functions so you can use it to saute your dish, make a stew, use it as a slow cooker, and you can even make hard-boiled eggs just to name a few. This is a game changer and there are so many Paleo-style recipes that can be made using an Instant Pot.
• Immersion blender: I use this immersion blender all the time to make homemade Paleo-style mayonnaise. It is so convenient to use and clean.
• Green pan: Believe it or not a ton of skillets and cooking pans contain toxins that can leach into your food. Green pan offers products that have a non-toxic ceramic coating, free from PUFAS and PFOA, and contain no persistent pollutants.
• Glass Baking Dishes: Skip the toxic dishes and opt for glass. With glass dishes, you don't have to worry about common toxins such as BPA and BPS.
• Vegetti: This thing makes spiralizing zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes and any other vegetable of your choice so easy. I enjoy a grain-free diet so making healthy "pasta" dishes is something I do quite often and something my kids enjoy as well. This kitchen tool makes it so easy!
• Coconut oil: I love coconut oil. Not only is it excellent for you, but you can use it as your primary cooking oil, and it makes a great carrier oil when making homemade lotions with essential oils.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil is great when making homemade salad dressings but it is also good for skin health.
• Thrive market gift cards: If you haven't heard of Thrive Market you have to check them out! This online store sells Paleo-friendly products at a much cheaper rate than you would find at your local grocery store. A gift card makes the perfect gift of health for anyone looking to eat healthier this year.

Gifts for Better Sleep

• Sound machine: White noise can greatly improve your sleep. If you find that you or a loved one is a light sleeper, give this sound machine a try. It may be just what you need to get a few extra hours of uninterrupted sleep.
• Lavender essential oil: Lavender is notoriously known to promote relaxation and support healthy sleep habits. When looking for any essential oil, it is important to choose a high-quality product. I love Young Living Essential Oils. The quality is top-notch and they are seed to seal certified.

by Peter Saydak

Food Sensitivity Symptoms + How to Reduce Them

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We have all heard of food allergies and food sensitivities, but understanding the difference between the two and getting to the bottom of the foods that are causing unwanted symptoms is a huge step in getting better. I often ask my patients if they suddenly feel like they cannot tolerate a certain food or if they feel different after meals. If this is the case, food sensitivities are often to blame.

One of the big issues with food sensitivities is that they can be difficult to uncover and if they are left unaddressed, they can lead to a food allergy or even an autoimmune condition. More on that later.

In this post, I am going to break down what a food sensitivity actually is, what the symptoms are, and what you can do about it starting today.

Food Sensitivities: What are They?

A food sensitivity is different from a food allergy. It is an inflammatory reaction that can occur over a certain period of time without you even realizing it. What many people don’t realize is that food sensitivities can occur at any time and with any food. People can have a very different reaction to food and you may be surprised to learn that food sensitivities can even occur with healthy food options. However, some of the most common foods people react to happen to be inflammatory foods which we will talk about later.

Research has shown that a sensitivity to a certain food can worsen the symptoms related to things like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, as well as other conditions that are not necessarily related to food. (1)

What’s the Difference Between A Food Allergy & Food Sensitivity?

One way food sensitivities are different from food allergies is that symptoms tend to take longer to appear than with a true food allergy. This is one of the reasons it can be difficult to detect which food you are reacting to. You may consume a reactive food such as gluten and not experience any symptoms until a couple of days later.

The symptoms of a food sensitivity are often different than the symptoms of a food allergy, however, keep in mind that this is not the case for everyone. With a sensitivity, you may experience things like migraine headaches, cough, and congestion, and digestive issues whereas with a food allergy things like hives and respiratory issues may occur immediately after consuming the reactive food.

Are you Dealing with a Food Sensitivity?

Many people suffer from food sensitivities without even knowing it as the symptoms can vary from person to person and can affect more than one area of the body. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with a food sensitivity.

• Digestive discomfort
• Leaky Gut
• Autoimmune disease
• Congestion
• Skin issues: Rashes, eczema, itching
• Fatigue
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Muscle & joint pain
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Dark circles under the eyes

The Most Common Food Sensitivities

While people can react to any food, there are some food sensitivities that are more common than others. Here are some of the foods people are commonly intolerant to.

• Gluten
• Dairy
• Grains
• Corn
• Soy
• Eggs

What you can do Today to Uncover Your Food Sensitivities

The best thing you can do to uncover potential food sensitivities is to get rid of inflammatory foods with an elimination diet. An elimination diet will help you remove reactive foods from your diet over a period of time. After the elimination period, these foods will then be reintroduced one by one to determine which foods you are reacting to.

The large majority of my patients have suffered with one or more food sensitivities and found their path to health using an elimination diet and I know that you can too.

If you are tired of feeling sick, not like yourself, and unable to get to the bottom of what may be causing your symptoms, I encourage you to start your own elimination diet. Not sure where to get started?

In my Optimal Reset Plan, I walk you through this step by step to give you tons of tools to help you through this important process. I also teach you how to detoxify your body and start to heal your gut so that you are able to tolerate more foods long term.

Here are just a handful of benefits of my Optimal Reset Plan:

• Weight loss
• Healthy looking skin
• Increased energy
• Deeper sleep
• Decreased joint pain
• Reduces headaches
• Improved gut health
• Helps those with leaky gut
• Can improve autoimmune conditions
• Less bloating/digestive discomfort

If you are ready to get started, Optimal Reset Do it Yourself Program.

Resources

(1) Food Sensitivities. The World’s Healthiest Foods

Food Intolerance: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. (2016) Medical News Today

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by Peter Saydak

The SIBO and the Thyroid Connection

Are you experiencing stomach pains, diarrhea, digestive discomfort, gas, fatigue, or other uncomfortable digestive or body symptoms? You may have SIBO. Small intestinal overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition caused by too much bacteria in your small intestine. While SIBO can lead to a list of symptoms, it may also increase your risk of other health conditions, including thyroid conditions. Yes, that’s right, SIBO and thyroid dysfunction are connected in many cases, and it’s critical that you address both through a holistic treatment approach.

In this article, I will explain what SIBO is. You will learn about its symptoms and causes. I will explain everything you need to know about SIBO and thyroid diagnosis at a functional medicine doctor. You will understand the connection between SIBO and thyroid dysfunction. I will discuss traditional and functional medicine approaches to SIBO and thyroid dysfunction. I will offer my top natural solutions for SIBO and thyroid health.

What Is SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a serious condition characterized by too much bacteria in your small intestine. It happens when bacteria that normally would only grow only in other areas of your gut, start growing in your small intestines as well. Your small intestine is the longest part of your digestive tract. This is also the part where nutrients get absorbed into your bloodstream. It is not surprising that SIBO can have serious consequences. It can lead to nutrient malabsorption, malnutrition, damage to the stomach lining, and a list of unwanted symptoms fro diarrhea to abdominal pain. SIBO may also lead to a variety of other health issues. For example, SIBO and your thyroid are closely connected and I regularly see SIBO in thyroid patients. Later in this article, we will discuss the connection between SIBO and thyroid dysfunction (1, 2, 3, 4).

Symptoms of SIBO

The symptoms that come with SIBO are often similar to conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Here are some of the commonly seen symptoms:

• • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Malnutrition

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Nausea or vomiting

• Belching

• Food intolerances

• Weight loss

• Joint pain

• Fatigue

• Skin issues

• B12 deficiency

• Fat malabsorption

• Chronic pain and health issues

The microorganisms and metabolic waste in your gut due to SIBO can be challenging to your health, which can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, gas, diarrhea, constipation, belching, and other gut health symptoms. However, SIBO can lead to an array of health issues. It is connected to irritable bowel syndrome and has been associated with fibromyalgia, Celiac disease, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, neuromuscular issues, liver problems, gallstones, rosacea, gastritis, and thyroid dysfunction. Later in this article, you will learn more about how your thyroid and SIBO connected (5, 6).

Causes of SIBO

SIBO may develop for a variety of reasons. Some of the causes and risk factors of SIBO include (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12):

• Complications of abdominal surgery, such as gastric bypass for obesity or gastrectomy for stomach cancer and peptic ulcers
• Structural problems in and around your small intestine, such as scars and bulging pouches of tissue
• Certain medication, including pharmaceutical drugs for Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, radiation enteritis, and scleroderma
• Low stomach acid that can lead to poor digestion and malabsorption
• Poor gut motility
• Intestinal neuropathy, or damage to nerves and muscles in the gut
• Diverticulosis
• History of radiation therapy of the abdomen
• Diabetes 
• Crohn’s disease, scleroderma, or intestinal lymphoma involving the small intestine
• An abnormal passageway, or fistula between two segments of the bowel

SIBO Diagnosis

The breath test is the most commonly used test for SIBO which measures the concentration of hydrogen and methane in your breath. Before the test, you have to fast for 12 hours then breathe into a small balloon and repeat it every 15 minutes for 3 hours. Modern medicine practices tend to only use this test for SIBO. Functional medicine practitioners, like myself, take a more comprehensive approach.

Along with the breath test, there are two tests that can help us to understand your gut health better. An organic acid test is a simple urine test that looks at metabolic biomarkers to detect mitochondrial issues, toxicity, neurotransmitter disruption, B vitamin deficiencies, bacterial overgrowth, and yeast overgrowth. A comprehensive stool analysis helps us understand your large intestinal health better. Individuals with SIBO often also struggle with bacteria, parasites, yeast overgrowth, and gut flora imbalance in their large intestines as well. Remember, it is important to look at your entire good health and address it all, not only your small intestines and SIBO. 

In my practice, after going through your symptoms and health history, I do a comprehensive analysis looking at all kinds of markers to understand the state of your health and potential root causes in order to create an individualized comprehensive treatment plan. Whenever a patient comes to my practice with gastrointestinal symptoms I will always check for gut infections, and this includes SIBO. Being that the gut bacteria in our gut plays such a crucial role in the health of every other part of the body, including the thyroid addressing gut health is one of the most important steps in feeling better.

SIBO and Your Thyroid

So, what does SIBO have to do with the thyroid? First and foremost, gut health and thyroid health are connected. Having thyroid issues such as hypothyroidism can actually cause SIBO. When you are dealing with a thyroid condition such as hypothyroidism, your thyroid is not performing the way that it should be. This means that your metabolic processes slow down and this includes digestion. 

One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is constipation. Unfortunately, being chronically constipated can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. A 2017 study has found that those with constipation-predominant SIBO (SIBO-C) also had thyroid panels with characteristics of hypothyroidism compared to the control group. Not only that, but many people who suffer from hypothyroidism also have lower levels of stomach acid, HCL. HCL helps us digest food so when we do not have enough it can be easy for the pathogenic bacteria in the gut to grow.

There is another connection between SIBO and the thyroid and that is the opposite of what we were just talking about. SIBO can also lead to hypothyroidism. A 2017 study found that hypothyroidism and T4 therapy were linked to a 2.6 and 3.0 times higher risk of SIBO. Since about 21 percent of T4 to T3 conversion occurs in the gut, problems can occur when you do not have optimal gut flora. When your gut is dealing with an overgrowth of harmful bacteria this can cause issues with the T4 to T3 conversion which can then lead to hypothyroidism.

The SIBO and thyroid connection is huge and unfortunately, it can lead to hypothyroidism but hypothyroidism can also lead to bacterial overgrowth. A 2007 study found that 54 percent of participants with hypothyroidism also had SIBO. The best thing to do if you suspect you have either one of these conditions is to work with a functional medicine practitioner, like myself, to get the proper testing to uncover if SIBO is affecting the health of your thyroid. In my practice, I offer extensive gut health testing, and based on your test results, I develop an individualized plan to address each patient’s unique health needs.

But why is it better to work with a functional medicine doctor and take on a holistic approach instead of working with a traditional medicine practitioner? Great question, I will go over everything that you need to know about traditional medicine and functional medicine approach to SIBO and thyroid health (13, 14, 15, 16).

Traditional Medicine Approach to SIBO

Unlike the functional medicine approach that I practice, traditional medicine doesn’t take a holistic approach and doesn’t look at underlying root causes of your symptoms and health problems. Dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors are often ignored.

If SIBO is detected in a traditional medical practice there is a good chance that a patient will be prescribed antibiotics. The problem with this is that even with the use of antibiotics, SIBO can be very difficult to get under control and a healing dietary and lifestyle protocol need to be put into place. Not including dietary changes can make getting SIBO under control very difficult and you will learn why, so keep reading.

Research has found that people with SIBO who were only prescribed antibiotics actually had a higher recurrence rate. The problem here is that prescription antibiotics may not be enough to really deal with this digestive condition at its source. Dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors need to be taken into consideration to achieve full recovery and health (17).

The great news is that there is a different way of going about getting SIBO under control and that’s with the use of functional medicine. Let’s take a look at how a functional medicine approach to dealing with SIBO is much different from the traditional medical approach.

Functional Medicine Approach to SIBO & Thyroid Dysfunction

In functional medicine, we use a holistic approach to addressing disease including things like thyroid disease and gut infections. The first step we take is to offer the proper testing to determine if SIBO is causing some or even all of your symptoms. Through these tests, we can uncover the potential root causes of your SIBO and address them appropriately. We will also understand how your other health issues, including thyroid dysfunction, may be connected to SIBO, and create a personalized holistic treatment.

After the test results come back, I often work with patients to eliminate certain foods from their diets such as sugar, refined carbohydrate, gluten, and alcohol. I also recommend a soil-based probiotic supplement. These are important for overall gut health as they will help to give the healthy bacteria in your gut a boost while your body is working to rid itself of the harmful bacteria overgrowth that may be occurring in the small intestine. 

We also work on addressing specific dietary needs and come up with a lifestyle plan to get the SIBO under control as quickly and efficiently as possible. It takes some patience to get SIBO under control but with the right changes, it can be done. If you are also dealing with thyroid dysfunction or other health issues along with SIBO, we continue using the same holistic approach which includes testing, dietary and lifestyle changes, and supplementation.

The SIBO & FODMAPS Diet

The FODMAPS diet is a specific dietary approach that many people with SIBO find very beneficial. This diet focuses on removing FODMAPS from the diet. 

FODMAPS are fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Don’t worry about understanding what each of those terms mean. Just know that FODMAPS are fermentable short-chained carbohydrates and they are not very well absorbed in the gut. They are sugars that are found in certain foods and in those with SIBO they can make symptoms worse. These foods can actually ferment in the digestive tract which is the very last thing you want when you are already dealing with bacterial overgrowth. When these foods ferment, they can feed the bacterial overgrowth and then make your SIBO symptoms worse or make it much more difficult to get this condition under control. 

While some people find this diet helpful, I do not typically use this diet in my practice. Instead, I stick with a diet high in foods like this and typically have great success with this approach:

• Eggs
• Grass-fed beef
• Grass-fed lamb
• Free-range chicken & turkey
• Wild-caught fish
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Blueberries
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Sprouted nut butter

Natural Solutions for SIBO & Thyroid Dysfunction

If you are experiencing symptoms of SIBO and may also have thyroid dysfunction, don’t worry. You can improve your health naturally with some simple yet effective natural solutions. Here are the natural solutions for SIBO and thyroid dysfunction I recommend.

Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Gut-Friendly Diet

The natural approach to improving SIBO and thyroid imbalance always starts with an anti-inflammatory diet. To tackle SIBO, it is critical that you eliminate sugar, gluten, and refined carbs. Eat smaller meals instead of large ones. Eat 5 to 6 times a day instead of 2 to 3 times. Remove other inflammatory foods, such as caffeine, refined oils, grains, pasteurized dairy, artificial sweeteners, conventional animal products, junk food, and processed foods. 

Eat plenty of greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and fruits. Eat healthy fats, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, avocados, and sprouted nut butter. Consume high-quality organic animal protein such as grass-fed beef and lamb, free-range, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish. Add bone broth and glycine-rich foods, including oxtail, beef shanks, brisket, and chuck roast. Eat plenty of fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and kimchi for gut health, unless you have histamine intolerance or don’t tolerate probiotic-rich fermented foods well. Drink plenty of clean, purified water.

Take Soil-Based Probiotics

Probiotic supplementation can help to improve gut barrier strength and integrity, lower pathogenic bacteria levels, modulate the immune system, and decrease inflammation throughout the body. Your small-intestines are not supposed to have too much bacteria in it. However, most probiotics contain strains of lactobacillus or bifidobacterium which can add fuel to the fire and compromise your SIBO recovery because they release in your small intestine as well. This is where soil-based probiotics or SBO probiotics come in. Soil-based probiotics do not contain lactobacillus or bifidobacterium strains, yet they still provide all the benefits of a probiotic. I recommend MegaSporeBiotic, a probiotic supplement created without lactobacillus or bifidobacterium (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23).

Try Natural Antibiotic Herbal Supplements

Modern medicine treats SIBO with antibiotics. However, there are some natural herbal supplements with antibiotic properties that can support your SIBO recovery. Berberine is a plant alkaloid derived from Oregon grape root and other herbs. It has been known to destroy bacteria and microbes, lower inflammation, and improve your gut lining. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is full of anti-oxidant, disease-fighting, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that may benefit your gut health. Oregano oil is a potent antioxidant with natural antibiotic and pathogen-fighting properties that can help to destroy pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and viruses, and improve your gut health (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34).

Try Digestive Enzymes

Digest Care is comprised of a proprietary blend of digestive enzymes along with betaine HCl to support optimal digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. This product contains the special protease DPP IV (dipeptidyl peptidase IV), which aids in the breakdown of the peptides gluteomorphin (from gluten) and casomorphin (from casein). Digest Care also includes the enzyme lactase, which helps break down the dairy sugar lactose. The use of Digestzymes™ before meals may be helpful when patients experience gas and bloating after eating, constipation, or a feeling of fullness after eating only a small quantity of food.

Improve Your Lifestyle

Chronic stress, poor sleep, and poor lifestyle choices can lead to and increase the symptoms of both gut health issues and thyroid dysfunction. Lower your stress levels and learn to cope with stress better. Practice meditation, journaling, gratitude, breathwork, and yoga. Take healing baths or get a massage. Engage in relaxing activities and spend time with loved ones and positive people. Spend time in nature. Make sure to get some ‘me-time’ in daily, even if it’s just a few minutes. Exercise regularly and lead an active lifestyle. Make sure to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Try a 30-Day Thyroid Reset

If you are experiencing thyroid dysfunction as a result of or along with SIBO, I recommend a 30-day thyroid reset. To learn more about the Paleo-style anti-inflammatory diet I recommend or if you have Hashimoto’s or another thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.

Final Thoughts

Small intestinal overgrowth (SIBO) is a common condition caused by too much bacteria in your small intestine leading to abdominal pain, gas, belching, diarrhea, and a list of other symptoms. it may also increase your risk of other health conditions, including thyroid conditions. SIBO and your thyroid health are connected and SIBO and thyroid issues need to be both addressed. Follow my natural solutions for SIBO and thyroid dysfunction to repair your body and regain your health naturally.

If you are dealing with symptoms of SIBO, Hashimoto’s disease, or other thyroid issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Sources:

1. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: Roles of Antibiotics, Prebiotics, and Probiotics Link Here

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8. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Mayo Clinic. Link Here

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10. Lombardo L, Foti M, Ruggia O, Chiecchio A. Increased incidence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth during proton pump inhibitor therapy. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2010 Jun;8(6):504-8. PMID: 20060064

11. Wang Y-B, Liu J, Yang Z-X. Effects of intestinal mucosal blood flow and motility on intestinal mucosa. World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG. 2011;17(5):657-661.

12. Roland BC, Ciarleglio MM, Clarke JO, Semler JR, Tomakin E, Mullin GE, Pasricha PJ. Small Intestinal Transit Time is Delayed in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014 Oct 14. PMID: 25319735

13. Patil AD. Link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;18(3):307-9. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.131155. PMID: 24944923

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by Peter Saydak