July 21, 2025 • 55 mins
Digestive diseases have reached epidemic proportions in America, with 60-70 million people suffering from conditions like IBS, GERD, and Crohn's disease. This silent crisis extends globally, affecting over 3 billion people worldwide. Yet despite these staggering numbers, many sufferers remain silent, enduring symptoms in isolation due to stigma or dismissal by healthcare providers.
Our veterans face particularly daunting challenges. With gastrointestinal issues accounting for over 500,000 annual VA visits, many former service members continue fighting invisible battles long after returning home. Poor nutrition during deployments, exposure to environmental toxins like depleted uranium, and the stress of combat all contribute to their heightened risk. As one veteran poignantly shared, "It's like my body's still fighting a war."
This episode is dedicated to Joe, an Iraq war, Marine Corps veteran who reached out to me on X for help with this important topic. Thank you Joe!
The gut-brain connection reveals why these conditions impact not just physical health but mental wellbeing too. Up to 30% of IBS patients experience anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle that compounds their suffering. Yet conventional medicine often treats symptoms without addressing root causes, leaving millions searching for answers.
Hope emerges through natural approaches that have transformed lives.
My personal journey through chronic health issues, including unexplained weight gain, swelling, and digestive distress, highlights the importance of persistence and self-advocacy. After being gaslit by multiple doctors, I finally found answers through unconventional testing that revealed severe inflammation and autoimmune issues. Through targeted natural interventions, my symptoms disappeared and my health returned.
Whether you're a veteran carrying the burden of deployment exposures or someone struggling with mysterious digestive symptoms, this episode offers practical steps to reclaim your gut health. Start a food journal, incorporate gut-friendly foods, seek knowledgeable support, and most importantly—don't give up. Your body deserves better, and healing is possible. Begin your journey today.
DISCLAIMER: The information is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. Always consult your physician or healthcare professional before pursuing any health-related procedure or activity.
Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
New normal big lie and Irritable Bowel Disorder,
ibd to Gastroesophageal RefluxDisease.
Gerd Specialists say chronicgut issues can trigger anxiety
and depression.
Us veterans face a particularlytough battle.
Gastrointestinal issues accountfor over 500,000 annual visits
(00:39):
to Veterans HealthAdministration facilities.
In fact, joe, an Iraq WarMarine Corps veteran, reached
out to me on X for help withthis important topic.
Globally, the numbers arestaggering Over 3 billion people
suffer from gut-related issues.
Let's unpack gut health and howto fix it naturally.
Hi friends, Welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
(01:00):
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure.
Adventure, along with astep-by-step plan to help you
practice what you've learned andcreate your own new normal and
live the biggest life you candream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
The National Institute ofDiabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases, niddk,estimates that 60 to 70 million
(01:26):
Americans live with diagnoseddigestive diseases.
That's roughly one in fivepeople dealing with conditions
like IBS, gerd, crohn's diseaseor chronic constipation.
A 2022 American Gastrologicalassociation AGA survey revealed
that 40% of Americans about 130million people have had bowel
(01:50):
symptoms disrupt their routines.
We normalize the conversationaround uncomfortable GI symptoms
.
Patients need to know they'renormal and ask questions early.
Dr Rajiv Jain, board-certifiedgastroenterologist.
Globally, the picture is evengrimmer.
A 2020 study from the RomeFoundation found that 40% of
(02:14):
adults across 33 countriesroughly over 3 billion people
meet criteria for functionalgastrointestinal disorders or
FGIDs.
Professor Dr Jan Tak, head ofgastroenterology at UZ Luven,
emphasizes these disordersdemand more awareness.
(02:36):
They're critical for cliniciansand policymakers.
The Global Burden of Diseasesstudy in 2019 reported 2.28
billion cases of digestivediseases worldwide, from
infections to chronic conditionslike colorectal cancer.
But here's the human toll.
(02:57):
For many gut issues aren't justphysical.
Take Sarah, a 34-year-oldteacher from Ohio.
She shared her story with theAGA I'd be bloating so bad I
couldn't teach my class.
I felt embarrassed, isolatedand honestly scared.
Something was seriously wrong.
Sarah's experience mirrorsmillions who face stigma and
(03:19):
delay care.
A 2023 MD VIP survey found thattwo-thirds of US adults report
recurrent symptoms like bloatingor abdominal pain, yet many
avoid seeking help due to shameor dismissal.
Mental health takes a hit too.
Dr Douglas Drussman, agastroenterologist and founder
(03:41):
of the Rome Foundation, explainsGut-brain interactions are real
.
Chronic gut issues can triggeranxiety and depression, creating
a vicious cycle.
Studies show that up to 30% ofIBS patients experience mental
health challenges compoundingtheir suffering.
(04:01):
Veterans have a unique guthealth burden.
Us veterans face a particularlytough battle.
A 2021 PMC study reported thatgastrointestinal issues account
for over 500,000 annual visitsto the Veterans Health
Administration facilities.
Veterans may have a higher rateof gut related conditions,
(04:22):
possibly due to poor nutritionduring deployments,
deployment-related environmentaltoxins like chemicals and
depleted uranium, stress orexposure to pathogens.
I served two tours in Iraq,says John, a 42-year-old veteran
from Texas, in a VA blog post.
My stomach issues started thereand they never went away.
(04:44):
It's like my body's stillfighting a war, he says.
With about 18 million veteransin the US, rough estimates
suggest 3 to 3.8 million mayhave gut issues based on general
population prevalence.
But the PMC study cautionsfurther research is needed to
verify prevalence in veteranscompared to civilians.
(05:06):
But unique factors likepost-traumatic stress disorder
or PTSD, or environmentalexposures may elevate our risk.
If you've been listening to thepodcast for a while, you know
that I'm an 11-year US Armyveteran.
Listen to the podcast trailerepisode to learn my story and
challenges with a hiddendisability after surviving a TBI
(05:28):
, broken back and chronic healthconcerns.
However, exact numbers of USveterans exposed to depleted
uranium DU, du weapons areuncertain.
Du weapon exposure is uncertaindue to limited comprehensive
data and challenges in trackingexposure.
(05:50):
However, estimates and studiesprovide some insight based on
military operations wheredepleted uranium DU was used,
primarily during the 1991 GulfWar Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF,
operation Enduring Freedom OEFand Operation New Dawn OND.
In 1991 Gulf War, the Instituteof Medicine estimates that more
(06:16):
than 700 veterans may haveexperienced Level 2 exposure,
intermediate exposure, fromworking on depleted uranium,
contaminated vehicles or cleanupefforts, such as after 1991
Camp Doha fire in Kuwait.
Thousands of veterans may havehad level three exposure, lower
(06:36):
level exposure, from beingdownwind of burning in vehicles
or entering contaminated tanks.
The Depleted Uranium Follow-UpProgram at the Baltimore VA
Medical Center monitors a smallcohort of Gulf War veterans
exposed through friendly friarincidents, but exact numbers for
this group are not publiclyspecified, though it's described
as a small group.
(06:58):
Post-1991 conflicts such as OIF,oef and OND.
Depleted uranium was usedextensively in Iraq in 2003,
with estimates of 1,000 to 2,000tons of depleted uranium
munitions fired during the IraqWar, compared to 300 tons in the
1991 Gulf War.
(07:18):
Veterans involved in combat,cleanup or salvage operations in
these conflicts face potentialexposure.
According to a Harvard study,the Department of Defense notes
that exposure occurred primarilythrough friendly fire incidents
, proximity to burning depleteduranium-containing vehicles or
(07:38):
handling contaminated debris.
No precise count of exposedveterans is provided, but 1.5
million US troops were deployedto OIF and OEF, with a subset
potentially exposed according tothe National Institutes of
Health.
Specific exposure scenariosinclude veterans at the
Karshi-Khanabad airbase inUzbekistan, where depleted
(08:03):
uranium contamination fromSoviet forces was possible, and
those on firing ranges usingdepleted uranium munitions.
Exposure levels and monitoringis not comprehensive.
Focuses on veterans withconfirmed or suspected exposure,
(08:28):
particularly those on in ornear vehicles hit by depleted
uranium munitions, rescuers orthose involved in salvage
operations.
Veterans self-report exposurevia questionnaires such as the
DOD Form 2872, and urine testmeasures.
Uranium levels according to theNational Institutes of Health,
a 2008 OIM reports thatthousands of veterans may have
(08:52):
had low level or level threeexposure to depleted uranium,
but precise counts are elusivedue to inconsistent exposure
documentation.
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
call a micro story about anadventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
(09:15):
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story On a daywhen I woke up just angry at the
world, not for any particularreason.
Life is good.
My health is in reasonably goodshape.
I don't really have anything tocomplain about.
But I just woke up, I don'tknow, angry and I really
(09:37):
struggled to work.
I wasn't focused, it wasdifficult to socialize.
It was difficult to socialize,and so I decided I needed
something where I can put mycomplete focus in a task that
was more of a body movementoriented task versus a cerebral
task like writing or research.
(09:59):
So I went outside to mybackyard archery range and I
shot arrows in the earlyafternoon heat until I was
exhausted.
And you know something, Iwasn't angry anymore.
The amount of energy that I putinto lining up my shot,
(10:21):
controlling my body and focus onthe task at hand made all my
negative feelings just melt away.
That's the importance offinding an outdoor hobby that
you fall in love with.
I did that.
I hope this inspires you to getoutside and adventure alone
(10:42):
with friends or other people youlove most.
Now back to the healthimplications and veteran
testimonies.
While the VA and DOD state nosignificant health effects have
been conclusively linked todepleted uranium exposure and
monitor cohorts, some studies inveterans raise concerns.
(11:03):
For example, dr Doug Roque, aformer US Army health physicist
who worked on depleted uraniumcleanup told Al Jazeera Quote
when we went to clean up thedepleted uranium after the Gulf
War, we were told it was safe,but we saw respiratory issues
(11:24):
and rashes right away.
The long-term risks are real.
End quote.
Garrett Repen Hagen, a veteranwho served in Iraq from 2004 to
2005, described to the Bulletinof the Atomic Scientists quote I
tried to stay away from theburn pits and contaminated areas
(11:44):
, but you can't always avoid it.
We weren't warmed enough aboutdepleted uranium's risk.
End quote.
Without precise records, aconservative estimate suggests
10,000 to 50,000 US veteransacross these conflicts may have
been exposed to depleted uraniumat some level, with higher risk
(12:05):
groups like friendly firesurvivors and cleanup crews
numbering in the multi-thousands.
Some veterans reportgastrointestinal symptoms like
nausea, pain and diarrhea atdebilitating levels, potentially
linked to depleted uraniumexposure.
A Hill and Ponton article listsgastrointestinal problems among
(12:26):
possible depleteduranium-related symptoms, though
no definitive causal link isestablished.
So here are somerecommendations for veterans
concerned with depleted uraniumexposure and what it may be
doing to their overall healthand gut health in particular.
Veterans concerned withdepleted uranium exposure can
(12:49):
contact the VA's EnvironmentalHealth Coordinators for
screening or join the DepletedUranium Follow-Up Program at
publichealthvagov.
You can find a link to the VA'sEnvironmental Health
Coordinators group in the showdescription and the episode
website.
This potential link betweendepleted uranium exposure among
(13:12):
US veterans and the servicemembers of our international
allies serving in the regionalso impacts civilians in those
war-torn countries and theirneighboring nations.
Before we widen our focus beyondthe veteran gut health crisis,
there are other important guthealth factors to consider.
Any forward-deployed servicemember surviving on meals ready
(13:35):
to eat or MREs can attest to itsnegative impact on their gut
health.
Another Iraq war infantrymansaid quote I offered a starving
stray dog an MRE in a war zoneand the dog refused to eat it.
He smelled the open MRE packetthen looked at me like I was
trying to poison him.
(13:55):
That makes me wonder what kindof toxic food they were feeding
us.
End quote.
Many people like mountaineers,camping and RV enthusiasts and
preppers use long-term storablemeals.
But that but here's why Istress the importance of buying
storable food from a companylike my affiliate, ready Hour.
(14:16):
Storable food from a companylike my affiliate, ready Hour.
In an MRE or meal ready to eat,it's much different from what
you'd get from a company likeReady Hour.
Mres are a self-containedindividual field ration
developed by the US military forservice members in combat or
other field conditions wherefresh food or kitchen facilities
(14:37):
are unavailable.
Mres are designed to belightweight, portable and
durable, providing a completemeal with sufficient calories
1,200 to 1,300 calories per mealto sustain troops in
high-stress environments.
Each MRE typically includes amain entree, like beef, stew,
chili or pasta, a side dish likerice, fruit or crackers, and
(15:00):
snacks like nuts, candy orenergy bars, beverages like
powdered drinks and coffee, andeven electric light drinks.
Then you'll have youraccessories and it's packaged in
a vacuum-sealed, durable,waterproof pouch to withstand
harsh conditions.
Sounds great, right?
Mres are primarily used by theUS military, but are also
(15:25):
popular among preppers, like Isaid, and you should really
consider choosing another sourceif you have an option.
I know if you're still in themilitary, you don't have an
option, but other people do.
(15:46):
As a person who ate a fairnumber of MREs, during my
11-year period in the Army, Ihad constant stomach pain and
bouts of going too much or beingunable to go for months after
eating MREs.
After leaving the Army, likemost veterans, I was diagnosed
with several gut problems.
The shelf life of an MRE dependson storage conditions,
particularly temperature, asheat accelerates degradation.
(16:08):
According to the US Army'sofficial guidelines, mres are
designed to have a three tofive-year shelf life, depending
on storage conditions.
But again, what's in it?
Right Ready Hour products havea 25-year shelf life and the
ingredients are really clean.
So if you have an MRE and youstore it at 80 degrees
(16:32):
Fahrenheit, you'd get about athree-year shelf life, according
to the manufacturer.
If you store it at 60 degrees,you'd have about a three-year
shelf life, according to themanufacturer.
If you store it at 60 degrees,you'd have about a five-year
shelf life.
The DLA specifies that MREs aretested to remain safe and
palatable for at least 36 monthsunder optimal conditions.
Mres, while nutritionallybalanced, they say, are high in
(16:57):
sodium and processed ingredients, which some veterans report,
exacerbate or make worsedigestive issues like pain,
bloating or constipation,especially during prolonged use
in the field.
A VA study on veterangastrointestinal health suggests
diet-related stressors maycontribute to such symptoms.
But I feel the major concern isthe quality of MRE ingredients.
(17:20):
Even those familiar snacks andpantry staples at the grocery
store the ones with governmentapproved labels might contain
chemicals so dangerous they'rebanned across Europe and Canada,
yet in America they lurk inplain sight, hidden behind
cryptic names and industryloopholes.
Catch the Toxic Secrets what'sReally in your Food episode of
(17:43):
the New Normal Big Life podcast,and download your list of food
ingredients to avoid and all thedifferent ways they show up on
food packages in the showdescription.
After a short break, we'll talkabout breaking the silence and
so much more.
On gut health crisis in America.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
(18:04):
painful lessons.
Without warning.
Everything we take for grantedcan suddenly fail, and if you're
not prepared in advance, youreally don't have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
(18:27):
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
(18:47):
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
(19:09):
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now,
thank you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision,your smartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow, today,trust Ready Hour, ready to shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
There is some good news on thegut health crisis in America
(19:33):
front.
The good news is awareness isgrowing.
Dr Jane urges earlyconversations with providers can
help make a difference.
Digestive health issues are onthe rise, implicating millions
with conditions like leaky gut,gastritis and irritable bowel
syndrome.
These disorders often are tiedto diet, lifestyle or autoimmune
(19:56):
factors, and they can disruptdaily life with symptoms like
bloating, pain and fatigue.
Fortunately, natural approachessuch as dietary shifts,
probiotics and stress reductionoffer relief for many, including
veterans, who benefit fromtailored programs.
Understanding your body andmaking informed choices can
(20:16):
transform your gut health.
Understanding your body andmaking informed choices can
transform your gut health.
So let's talk about your body'smajor systems and how they work
.
The body has 13 major systems,which we'll cover in a future
podcast, but today let's focuson the systems related to gut
and intestinal health.
So the digestive system breaksdown food into nutrients the
(20:44):
body can absorb and eliminatesthe waste.
Its components include themouth, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, liver, pancreas andgallbladder.
Incorporating fermented foodslike yogurt, sauerkraut and
kimchi can enhance gut bacteria,which is crucial for digestion.
Research suggests thatprobiotics help in identifying
harmful pathogens from normalcells, supporting digestive
(21:08):
health.
A diet high in fiber from plantfoods feeds the gut microbiome,
which can improve digestion andnutrient absorption.
Proper hydration aids indigestion, helping to prevent
constipation and promote regularbowel movements.
It's recommended that everyperson drink half their body
weight in ounces of water daily,more in a higher temperature
(21:31):
and when physically active.
So a 150-pound person shoulddrink a minimum of 75 ounces of
water daily.
Digestive enzymes, prebiotics,probiotics, dill seed and leaf,
lemon balm, chamomile flowerfiber and ginger root are just a
few of the herbal supplementssupporting digestive health, and
(21:54):
we're going to give you acomprehensive list before we're
done today.
Let's talk about the immunesystem.
The immune system defends thebody against disease by
identifying and neutralizingpathogens and other harmful
agents.
It's comprised of white bloodcells, the lymphatic system, the
spleen, the thymus and bonemarrow.
(22:17):
A diet rich in vitamin C, d andzinc directly supports immune
function.
Dr Karen White from the CDChighlights the importance of
these nutrients in enhancingimmunity.
Adequate sleep is a vital partof immune system health, helping
in the production and functionof immune cells.
(22:37):
Dr Ballard notes that the needfor seven to nine hours of sleep
is crucial to boost immunity.
Again, proper hydration iscrucial as it supports all
bodily functions, includingimmune response, by maintaining
optimal conditions for whiteblood cells to function.
Maintaining optimal conditionsfor white blood cells to
(23:00):
function, quercetin, bromelain,zinc, magnesium and vitamin C
and D will support immune health, and we're going to give you so
much more about naturalremedies and other supplements
to support immune health Beforewe end this podcast episode.
Today.
The urinary system filtersblood to remove waste and excess
(23:22):
substances leading to urineproduction.
It includes the kidneys,ureters, bladder and urethra.
Again, drinking plenty of waterhelps in flushing out toxins.
Dr Robert Green states thathydration is key to kidney
function as it helps inelimination, that's, your poo
and your urine.
(23:42):
Reducing salt can lessen thework on kidneys and improving
their efficiency in wasteremoval.
Herbal supplements supportingthe urinary system include
oregano, cranberry juice, lemonand other citrus fruits, coconut
oil, burberry, d-mannose andgoldenrod.
(24:04):
We'll talk more about thatlater.
Let's talk about the lymphaticsystem.
The lymphatic system returnsfluid from tissues to the blood,
absorbs fats from the digestivesystem and aids in immune
immune response and includes thelymph nodes, vessels, thymus
and spleen.
A poorly functioning lymphaticsystem can cause fluid to back
(24:27):
up in your body, which is knownas lymphedema, and an increased
weight gain.
If you've been listening to thepodcast, you know that I've
struggled with lymphedema, butit's currently in remission and
you can learn about it in thatepisode.
So here are some natural waysto boost your lymphatic system
(24:49):
Lymphatic massage, which is themanual process, or you can also
use a machine, and you can learnabout that in the lymphedema
episode.
The machine and other types ofphysical activity promotes
lymphatic flow, enhancing thesystem's ability to transport
fluids and immune cells.
Dr Darling suggests at least 10minutes of daily exercise.
(25:12):
Check out our episode onlymphedema to learn more about
this health condition.
Your swollen face, neck, arms,legs, feet or ankles could be a
sign of a significant healthproblem.
Hydration helps in the flow oflymphatic fluid, supporting the
system's detoxification role.
Echinacea, plantain leaf powder, yarrow valerian, licorice root
(25:37):
, dandelion root, redcloverflower, burdock, echinacea
I said that already andelderberry can support your
lymphatic system, and we have adandelion gummies recipe
available on the podcast.
Now Be sure to listen to thisepisode wherever you get your
(25:57):
podcasts.
After this short break.
We're going to talk aboutunderstanding common digestive
disorders and so much more.
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Speaker 2 (28:12):
Understanding common digestive disorders.
Digestive diseases areincreasingly common, with causes
ranging from poor diet toimbalanced gut bacteria or
immune conditions.
We're going to talk about threeprevalent issues.
Leaky gut syndrome is up first.
Leaky gut, or increasedintestinal permeability, occurs
(28:35):
when the gut lining becomes tooporous, allowing toxins,
undigested food and microbes toleak into surrounding tissues or
the bloodstream.
This can spark inflammation,alter gut flora and worsen
autoimmune or digestive problems, or both.
Symptoms include diarrhea,fatigue, allergies, ulcers or
(28:56):
autoimmune flare-ups.
Keeping a health journal totrack symptoms is crucial for
identifying triggers.
Let's take a moment tounderstand the gut.
So what is gut flora?
Gut flora, also known as gutmicrobiota or microbiome, refers
to the diverse community ofmicroorganisms primarily
(29:19):
bacteria, but also fungi,viruses and archaea living in
the digestive tract, especiallythe large intestine.
These microbes play a crucialrole in digestion, immunity and
overall health.
The human gut hosts trillionsof microorganisms with over a
thousand different bacterialspecies, collectively containing
(29:42):
about 100 times more genes thanthe human genome.
Gut flora helps break down food, produce vitamins, regulate
metabolism and protect againstharmful pathogens.
According to the NationalInstitutes of Health, gut flora
is essential for maintaining abalanced immune system and
influences everything fromdigestion to mental health via
(30:05):
the gut-brain axes.
An imbalance in gut flora knownas dysbiosis, is linked to
conditions like irritable bowelsyndrome, ibs, inflammatory
bowel disease, ibd, obesity andeven anxiety.
Dr Justin Soderberg, amicrobiologist at Stanford
(30:26):
University, explains in a 2021NIH article at Stanford
University, explains in a 2021NIH article the gut microbiota
is like an ecosystem that shapesour health.
Diet is the biggest driver ofits composition and a diverse
microbiome is key to resilience.
Next we're talking aboutgastritis.
(30:46):
Gastritis involves inflammationof the stomach lining, often
linked to poor diet.
Overuse of pain medicationsalso can contribute to this
problem, or bacterial overgrowth, like Helicobacter pylori or H
pylori.
It commonly overlaps with leakygut and shares symptoms like
(31:07):
nausea, vomiting, indigestion,upper abdominal pain or feeling
of fullness after meals.
Left untreated gastritis canlead to serious complications
such as a stomach ulcer.
Next is irritable bowelsyndrome or IBS.
Ibs is a type of inflammatorybowel disease or type of IBD.
(31:29):
It affects the large intestine,causing symptoms like cramping,
bloating, gas, diarrhea orconstipation.
Like leaky gut and gastritis,ibs is often tied to dietary
triggers, stress or glut floraimbalances.
Crohn's disease and ulcerativecolitis are two other forms of
(31:52):
IBD.
It involves chronicinflammation of the intestines
and requires similar managementstrategies.
Dr Imarin Mayer, agastroenterologist and author
notes in a UCLA Health articlethe gut-brain axis plays a
critical role in digestivedisorders.
Article.
The gut-brain axis plays acritical role in digestive
(32:13):
disorders.
Stress and diet directlyinfluence gut health and
imbalances in microbiota canamplify symptoms.
End quote.
I've personally spent decadesenduring tests, scopes and
cameras invading me from one endof my body to the other to
diagnose the root cause of mystomach disorders and chronic,
widespread inflammation.
I received many diagnoses, fromgluten sensitivity, food
(32:37):
allergies, lymphedema, alupus-like autoimmune disease,
valley fever, listeria, and IBSand IBD.
My legs, core, face and neckhad swollen to three times their
normal size and I gained 40pounds, but I was gaslit by
seven doctors.
In 2020, I was at the peak ofmy physical health as a
(32:58):
sponsored athlete adventuresports athlete and you can
scroll through my timeline on Xand see lots of photos and video
of me doing all the outdoorsythings.
So I'm speaking for personalexperience here.
Over four weeks, I challengedmyself in 2022 with intense
(33:19):
activities, including whitewaterkayaking on the Arkansas River
and the Caché Laputa River inColorado, followed by summiting
Medicine Bow Peak and Baxter'sPinnacle in Wyoming.
Mere days later, I pushed mylimits further by attempting to
climb the Grand Tetons.
However, by January 2024, myphysical condition had
(33:39):
deteriorated dramatically.
I required the support of acane to walk and it scared me
because back in 2014, I had beenusing 2013, 2014, I'd been
using a walker service dog and afull-time caregiver.
Despite following a strict wholefood diet, maintaining regular
(34:01):
exercise and continuing myadventures several times a week,
I inexplicably gained 40 pounds.
The swelling and weight gainwere confusing, as they seemed
to defy my otherwise healthylifestyle and dedication to
fitness.
This unexpected health declineleft me searching for answers.
It was tough Worse.
(34:22):
Two general practitioners andthree specialists a nephrologist
, rheumatologist andcardiologist didn't believe my
story about unexplained weightgain.
They gaslit me.
They all said I'm putting on alittle weight and talked about
body positivity.
We'll talk about the bodypositivity, movements and
(34:42):
negative consequences in afuture podcast, believe me.
But for this conversation, Iknow that one specialist asked
me if I thought I was living inthe wrong gender.
Now I don't know how theconversation with my
cardiologist went fromdiscussing concerns about
unexplained weight gain, chronicfatigue, swelling and worries
for my heart as a result ofthese conditions to his
(35:05):
suggestion that I have genderdysphoria, but there we were.
Suggestion that I have genderdysphoria, but there we were.
In total, five doctors tried torefer me to mental health rather
than take my symptoms seriously.
When I finally found a countrydoctor who did believe me and
ran some tests, it turned out Ihad dangerously high
inflammation markers.
A neurologist sorry, arheumatologist suspected both
(35:30):
valley fever and an unspecifiedautoimmune disease.
After three months of using theLifeWave red light therapy
patches, which we'll talk aboutin another episode, instead of
using prednisone, which mostdoctors would recommend in this
situation, I lowered myC-reactive protein, or CRP, by
(35:50):
20 points.
After 10 days on ivermectinprescribed by a general
practitioner to treat thelisteria, and 90 days of
hydroxychloroquine for thevalley fever and lupus-like
symptoms, all symptoms are nowcompletely in remission and I've
lost the weight.
I also found agastroenterologist who had a
(36:13):
theory they were testing onpatients like me.
In medicine, when a patientpresents with multiple symptoms
that don't clearly fit into asingle diagnosis, the condition
is often referred to asmedically medically unexplained
symptoms or MUS.
A syndrome of multiple symptomsor sometimes idiopathic
(36:36):
multi-symptoms illness are othernames often used.
These terms describe asituation where a patient
experiences a constellation ofsymptoms, such as fatigue, pain,
digestive disorders,neurological complications, that
lack a clear, unifying medicalexplanation.
After thorough evaluation.
And when I say thoroughevaluation, some of these tests
(37:00):
were so painful and I screamedso much please make them stop.
I was calling out to Mattbegging him to make them stop.
I was calling out to Mattbegging him to make them stop.
No-transcript.
So when I tell you it's notdifficult, it's not easy to
(37:23):
diagnose gut health problems,believe me, but this one
doctor's unorthodoxrecommendation and killing off
parasites that I alreadymentioned changed my life.
The doctor recommended that Iundergo a gluten challenge.
He encouraged me to eat all thewheat products I wanted for 14
days.
I was instructed to keep ajournal recording the product
(37:45):
name, source, whether or not itwas GMO or non-GMO wheat, the
date and any symptoms.
After 14 days I realized that Iwasn't allergic to wheat or
gluten sensitive.
I was sensitive to geneticallymodified wheat.
In an upcoming podcast I'llshare an interesting theory on
why some people's bodies cannotprocess GMO foods.
(38:08):
But from my experience you cansee how you might have a
multi-symptom illness thatrequires unconventional
treatments, especially if you'vetried all the conventional
medicine solutions with minimalimpact and unwanted side effects
.
So if you're struggling withgut health problems, you want to
avoid inflammatory triggers,including processed foods, seed
(38:32):
oils, synthetic dyes, pesticides, irradiated foods, artificial
sugars, excessive caffeine,excessive alcohol,
antibiotic-laden meats and, forsome, gmo foods and
gluten-containing grains.
A 2023 study in nutrients foundthat diets high in processed
foods disrupt gut microbiota,worsening conditions like IBS.
(38:56):
I struggled with low bloodsugar and gut issues, says Anna,
a blogger who shared herjourney on MindBodyGreen.
Switching to a Mediterraneandiet with fermented foods like
sauerkraut and cutting outprocessed snacks made a huge
difference.
I felt energized and lessbloated.
Within weeks I felt the same,anna.
(39:20):
So let's talk aboutincorporating probiotics and
prebiotics into your diet.
Probiotics introduce beneficialbacteria to the gut, while
prebiotics nourish them.
An imbalance in gut flora, suchas overgrowth of H pylori or
candida albicans yeast, cantrigger or worsen leaky gut
(39:43):
gastritis or IBS.
A 2021 study in Frontiers inMicrobiology showed that
probiotics from fermented foodscan reduce inflammation and
improve gut barrier function.
Foods like mushrooms andnon-GMO oats can boost good
bacteria in as little as fourweeks, and we'll talk about more
(40:03):
about that in more detail soon.
So let's explore whichlifestyle changes are
recommended for your good guthealth.
Stress management techniquessuch as prayer, meditation or
yoga can ease the gut brain axisdisruption.
Intermittent fasting, when whentolerated, can enhance microbial
(40:24):
diversity and reduce intestinalinflammation per a 2022 Nature
Reviews gastroenterology study.
However, fasting isn't suitablefor everyone.
Personally, I can't fastbecause I have a low blood sugar
problem.
Veterans, there's support foryou.
Veterans with digestive issuescan access the VA's whole health
(40:47):
program, which integratesnutrition, mental health support
and lifestyle changes.
My VA nutritionist helped mepinpoint food triggers, says
John, a veteran from Texas, in aVA blog.
I'm not fully healed, but I'mmanaging my life better now, he
says.
However, some veterans reportmixed experience.
(41:07):
In my case, I knew more aboutnatural blood sugar remedies
than my VA nutritionist.
In my experience, we'll talkabout more on the healthcare
providers' lack of nutritionalknowledge and why that is and
how to get around it.
(41:27):
But gut health carries a stigma,but open conversations about
gut health are vital.
Learning about your digestivesystem and natural remedies
empowers you to take charge.
Talking about gut issues wasembarrassing at first, susanna,
but sharing my story helped meconnect with others and find
solutions.
Medical professionals like DrMayer stress that education and
(41:51):
early intervention can preventcomplications.
So here's how to take controlof your gut health with vitamins
, minerals and herbs.
Natural strategies for guthealth are plentiful.
Believe it or not, relief fromdigestive issues often start
with lifestyle changes, likereducing toxins in your
environment.
(42:11):
Some of the biggest toxicoffenders are indoor mold, pet
hair and what gets trapped inyour pet hair, and you want to
work to eliminate toxins in foodingredients, candles, scents
that you wear on your body,cleaning products, the
off-gassing of materials such asplastics and health and beauty
(42:34):
products.
Next, you might considertesting for food allergies.
If you have celiac disease orare gluten sensitive, doctors
recommend avoiding gluten, whichis found in many products.
So read your labels carefully.
Tree nuts, soy, peanuts, cowdairy, red pork, red meat, pork,
eggs and soy are common foodallergies.
(42:56):
So here's how to optimize yourdiet for good gut health.
Diet is the cornerstone of guthealth.
Foods can either soothe orworsen inflammation, especially
for those with autoimmuneconditions like me.
An anti-inflammatory diet, suchas a Mediterranean style,
emphasizes whole foods likeleafy greens, fresh fish, rich
(43:20):
in omega-3s, fruits, vegetables,olive oil and bone broth.
My guy's ancestors areMediterranean and he cooks 90%
of the time while I bake breadsand sweets, so it's easy for us
to have a Mediterranean dietfrom the best ingredients we can
find or grow ourselves.
We can find or grow ourselves.
(43:46):
In future podcasts I'll helpyou develop tasty Mediterranean
recipes, because cooking is alife skill, a survival skill and
a good health skill.
Prebiotic foods like garlic,onions, leeks, asparagus,
bananas, apples, chia seeds,flax seeds, dandelion greens and
blueberries feed beneficial gutbacteria.
Again, I'll give you somefuture recipes and ways to use
(44:10):
these prebiotic foods.
Probiotic rich foods such askimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut,
miso soup, full-fat yogurtwithout R-B-S-T that also
contains live cultures, kefirpickles, traditional buttermilk
and natto help restore gut florabalance.
(44:31):
Vitamins and herbs supportingthe autoimmune and gut health
are plentiful, and here's acomprehensive list.
Well, I won't call it acomprehensive list, but it's
very thorough.
Very concentrated liquidextracts of herbs are called
tinctures.
Tinctures are one of the mostpopular ways to take herbal
(44:54):
medicine internally.
Tinctures are especially goodat treating acute symptoms.
Teas can be better used fortreating chronic conditions.
Although most tinctures aremade with alcohol as a solvent,
some people prefer not usingalcohol.
Vegetable glycerin or applecider vinegar are great
substitutes for alcohol.
When treating an acutecondition with a tincture, one
(45:18):
to two drops per day isrecommended.
I'll talk more about tincturesand how to make them in a future
podcast.
For now, you might considerusing one of the recommended
mushroom tinctures for treatingyour gut condition.
Remember, the podcast websitehas a link to download this list
.
So let's talk about medicinalmushroom tinctures for immune
(45:40):
system health and autoimmuneconditions.
Medicinal mushroom tincturesfor immune system health and
autoimmune conditions.
Turkey tail and remember, youdon't need to write this down,
you can download the list Turkeytail, reishi, cordyceps and
lion's mane help balance anoverstimulated immune system.
Keep in mind that roughly twoto four million people globally
(46:03):
have a true mushroom allergy,which can lead to difficulty
breathing.
If you're unsure aboutmushrooms, take a small test
before starting a mushroomtincture regimen.
Whenever I'm trying a newsupplement, I have children's
liquid Benadryl close by.
Usually, three drops of liquidBenadryl under my tongue can
quickly stop anaphylaxis or anallergic reaction.
(46:24):
Next, I recommend well, not me.
Experts recommend addingturmeric and black pepper
chinkter for loweringinflammation.
I use this on a daily basis.
Coq10, 500 milligrams daily.
Vitamins D and K2 work together.
Consider taking 2000 to 5000international units or IU daily
(46:49):
of vitamin D in winter Less ifyou're spending time outdoors in
the summer and vitamin K2 at 80micrograms daily.
Essential fatty acids likeomega-3, epa and DHA.
Vitamin B12.
Have your doctor test yourlevels before starting vitamin
(47:14):
B12 to determine your baselineand a recommended starting dose.
Boost your glutathioneproduction or take acetylated
glutathione 500 to 1,000micrograms daily.
I use LifeWave's glutathionepatch to naturally boost
glutathione levels.
I'll have an upcoming podcaston the glutathione patch and
glutathione benefits in a futurepodcast.
(47:35):
So here are the vitamins andherbs supporting leaky gut,
gastritis and IBS.
Supporting leaky gut gastritisand IBS Gastritis is a condition
caused by inflammation of thestomach lining.
It's often associated withleaky gut syndrome and both
often have an autoimmune issueat the core of each disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome IBSprimarily affects the large
(47:59):
intestine or colon.
It's kind of an inflammatorybowel disease that causes
several types of discomfort, forexample, digestive issues.
Diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Constipation, cramping andabdominal pain are fairly common
.
Ibs is often linked to leakygut syndrome and sometimes
clinicians will treat you forIBS or gastritis or leaky gut
(48:25):
syndrome, but you might have allof the above.
The recommendations below willhelp leaky gut, gastritis and
IBS.
To help ease the symptoms ofIBS and gastritis, consider
trying 800 to 1,000 milligramsof Slippery elm three to four
times per day as a supplementtincture or tea.
(48:46):
If you have IBS, one to twotablespoons of chopped
marshmallow root per cup of coldwater, taken three times per
day, is recommended.
Marshmallow root forms aprotective layer over the
damaged gut mucosal layer.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduceinflammation.
It also reduces oxidativestress and can help keep chronic
(49:10):
gut conditions in remission.
The recommendation is 1.5 gramsdaily for men and one gram for
women.
Vitamin D at 4,000 IU per dayis recommended, but know your
baseline levels first.
Digestive enzymes before orafter a meal can help the body
break down carbs, proteins andcomplex sugars, which reduces
(49:32):
the chance of inflammation aftermeals.
Take care not to drink a lot ofliquids for one hour after
taking digestive enzymes,because digestive enzymes are
water soluble.
If you're in the habit ofdrinking liquids with meals,
like wine or water or tea, youmight be flushing away your
(49:53):
beneficial digestive enzymes.
Collagen powder can help boostthe production of gastric juices
which repair the intestinalmucosal lining.
Collagen also slows andreverses fine lines and wrinkles
and adds elasticity to yourskin.
Aside from good genetics frommy Nigerian, irish and Spanish
(50:15):
people, I don't have fine linesand wrinkles and I'm well over
50.
And I think collagen and aclean diet and other good
lifestyle practices is one ofthe main reasons.
So avoid unnecessary antibiotics, especially in your food.
(50:35):
A lot of people will run to thedoctor and get an antibiotic,
but try to treat it at homenaturally, rather than taking an
antibiotic, a situation wherethe antibiotics don't work as
well and it will disrupt yourmicrobiome or gut health.
Medicinal mushroom tincturesfor leaky gut, gastritis and IBS
(51:01):
, turkey tail, reishi and lion'smane mushrooms used as a tea or
a tincture help calm theinflammatory response and
protects the lining of thestomach.
Lion's mane is also protectiveagainst H pylori.
Now that you're 11-11, on theright path for optimal gut
health, here are your actionsteps.
(51:23):
First, don't start any of theserecommendations until you talk
to your health care team.
Gut health is a journey, not adestination.
Making informed choices canalleviate symptoms that allow
you to live better.
Your gut is screaming for help.
Don't ignore it.
From the 60 to 70 millionAmericans battling digestive
(51:46):
disorders to the veterans likeJoe who reached out on X and
John still fighting the war inhis stomach, this crisis is real
and personal.
It's not just about bloating orpain.
It's about reclaiming yourenergy, your vitality, your
confidence in your life.
It's about reclaiming yourenergy, your vitality, your
confidence in your life.
The good news you have thepower to fight back, naturally,
starting now.
(52:07):
Imagine waking up without thatchurning in your stomach,
teaching a class like Sarahwithout fear of bloating,
finding relief through simplechanges.
The path to better gut healthbegins with one bold step Taking
action.
Don't let stigma or dismissalstop you.
Your body deserves better andso do you.
(52:27):
So here are your action stepsto transform your gut health.
Number one start a gut healthjournal today.
Grab a notebook and track yourmeals, water intake, supplements
, sleep, meditation and stressreduction, physical activities
and symptoms for 14 days.
Yes, it's important to trackall of it.
Spot triggers like GMO foods orprocessed snacks that could be
(52:52):
sabotaging your gut.
Knowledge is your first weapon,but our memories are not that
great, so write it down.
Number two swap outinflammatory food for a
gut-friendly alternative.
Replace processed snacks withprobiotic-rich foods like
sauerkraut or kimchi.
(53:12):
Add it to a nutritious meal orsnack.
Try a Mediterranean-style mealwith leafy greens and
omega-3-rich fish.
This week, I'll share recipesfor green smoothies and fruit
and veggie smoothies.
In future podcasts.
Small swaps lead to big wins.
Number three reach out forsupport.
Book an appointment with adoctor, naturopath or a VA
(53:35):
environmental health coordinator.
If you're a veteran, don't wait.
Early intervention can preventyears of suffering.
Visit publichealthvagov fordepleted uranium exposure
screening.
Number four join theconversation.
Subscribe to the New Normal BigLife podcast at nnblblog for
(53:57):
more upcoming episodes or glutensensitivity, celiac disease,
myths and more.
Share your story on X to breakthe stigma and inspire others,
and follow me on X too.
Veterans, family members,active duty and military
supporters are welcome to joinour Veterans United community on
X.
Number five is hydrate and move.
(54:19):
Drink half your body weight inounces of water daily.
Is hydrate and move.
Drink half your body weight inounces of water daily For
example, 75 ounces for a 155,150 pound person and commit to
15 minutes of movement likewalking, cycling or jumping rope
daily.
Add lymphatic massage to boostyour gut and lymphatic systems.
(54:40):
You're not alone in this fight,whether you're a veteran
carrying the weight ofdeployment or someone like Sarah
battling silent symptoms.
Every step forward counts.
Take the first one today.
Your gut, your mind and yourfuture self will thank you Until
next time.
Friends, I'm your host,antoinette Lee, here at the New,
(55:00):
normal, big Life Podcast.
I hope to see you on the river,in the backcountry or in the
horse barn living your best life.
Tag NNBLblog on X so we can seeyou living your new normal and
big life.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it and support others
in this community who needs itand support others in this
(55:24):
community.
Since 2012, the Health Rangerstore has been answering your
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
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(55:47):
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Ready to shop, use my affiliatelink to get started.
New normal big lie and Irritable Bowel Disorder,
ibd to Gastroesophageal RefluxDisease.
Gerd Specialists say chronicgut issues can trigger anxiety
and depression.
Us veterans face a particularlytough battle.
Gastrointestinal issues accountfor over 500,000 annual visits
(00:39):
to Veterans HealthAdministration facilities.
In fact, joe, an Iraq WarMarine Corps veteran, reached
out to me on X for help withthis important topic.
Globally, the numbers arestaggering Over 3 billion people
suffer from gut-related issues.
Let's unpack gut health and howto fix it naturally.
Hi friends, Welcome to the NewNormal Big Life podcast.
(01:00):
We bring you natural news andstories about nature that we
hope will inspire you to getoutside and adventure.
Adventure, along with astep-by-step plan to help you
practice what you've learned andcreate your own new normal and
live the biggest life you candream.
I'm your host, antoinette Lee,the Wellness Warrior.
The National Institute ofDiabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases, niddk,estimates that 60 to 70 million
(01:26):
Americans live with diagnoseddigestive diseases.
That's roughly one in fivepeople dealing with conditions
like IBS, gerd, crohn's diseaseor chronic constipation.
A 2022 American Gastrologicalassociation AGA survey revealed
that 40% of Americans about 130million people have had bowel
(01:50):
symptoms disrupt their routines.
We normalize the conversationaround uncomfortable GI symptoms
.
Patients need to know they'renormal and ask questions early.
Dr Rajiv Jain, board-certifiedgastroenterologist.
Globally, the picture is evengrimmer.
A 2020 study from the RomeFoundation found that 40% of
(02:14):
adults across 33 countriesroughly over 3 billion people
meet criteria for functionalgastrointestinal disorders or
FGIDs.
Professor Dr Jan Tak, head ofgastroenterology at UZ Luven,
emphasizes these disordersdemand more awareness.
(02:36):
They're critical for cliniciansand policymakers.
The Global Burden of Diseasesstudy in 2019 reported 2.28
billion cases of digestivediseases worldwide, from
infections to chronic conditionslike colorectal cancer.
But here's the human toll.
(02:57):
For many gut issues aren't justphysical.
Take Sarah, a 34-year-oldteacher from Ohio.
She shared her story with theAGA I'd be bloating so bad I
couldn't teach my class.
I felt embarrassed, isolatedand honestly scared.
Something was seriously wrong.
Sarah's experience mirrorsmillions who face stigma and
(03:19):
delay care.
A 2023 MD VIP survey found thattwo-thirds of US adults report
recurrent symptoms like bloatingor abdominal pain, yet many
avoid seeking help due to shameor dismissal.
Mental health takes a hit too.
Dr Douglas Drussman, agastroenterologist and founder
(03:41):
of the Rome Foundation, explainsGut-brain interactions are real
.
Chronic gut issues can triggeranxiety and depression, creating
a vicious cycle.
Studies show that up to 30% ofIBS patients experience mental
health challenges compoundingtheir suffering.
(04:01):
Veterans have a unique guthealth burden.
Us veterans face a particularlytough battle.
A 2021 PMC study reported thatgastrointestinal issues account
for over 500,000 annual visitsto the Veterans Health
Administration facilities.
Veterans may have a higher rateof gut related conditions,
(04:22):
possibly due to poor nutritionduring deployments,
deployment-related environmentaltoxins like chemicals and
depleted uranium, stress orexposure to pathogens.
I served two tours in Iraq,says John, a 42-year-old veteran
from Texas, in a VA blog post.
My stomach issues started thereand they never went away.
(04:44):
It's like my body's stillfighting a war, he says.
With about 18 million veteransin the US, rough estimates
suggest 3 to 3.8 million mayhave gut issues based on general
population prevalence.
But the PMC study cautionsfurther research is needed to
verify prevalence in veteranscompared to civilians.
(05:06):
But unique factors likepost-traumatic stress disorder
or PTSD, or environmentalexposures may elevate our risk.
If you've been listening to thepodcast for a while, you know
that I'm an 11-year US Armyveteran.
Listen to the podcast trailerepisode to learn my story and
challenges with a hiddendisability after surviving a TBI
(05:28):
, broken back and chronic healthconcerns.
However, exact numbers of USveterans exposed to depleted
uranium DU, du weapons areuncertain.
Du weapon exposure is uncertaindue to limited comprehensive
data and challenges in trackingexposure.
(05:50):
However, estimates and studiesprovide some insight based on
military operations wheredepleted uranium DU was used,
primarily during the 1991 GulfWar Operation Iraqi Freedom OIF,
operation Enduring Freedom OEFand Operation New Dawn OND.
In 1991 Gulf War, the Instituteof Medicine estimates that more
(06:16):
than 700 veterans may haveexperienced Level 2 exposure,
intermediate exposure, fromworking on depleted uranium,
contaminated vehicles or cleanupefforts, such as after 1991
Camp Doha fire in Kuwait.
Thousands of veterans may havehad level three exposure, lower
(06:36):
level exposure, from beingdownwind of burning in vehicles
or entering contaminated tanks.
The Depleted Uranium Follow-UpProgram at the Baltimore VA
Medical Center monitors a smallcohort of Gulf War veterans
exposed through friendly friarincidents, but exact numbers for
this group are not publiclyspecified, though it's described
as a small group.
(06:58):
Post-1991 conflicts such as OIF,oef and OND.
Depleted uranium was usedextensively in Iraq in 2003,
with estimates of 1,000 to 2,000tons of depleted uranium
munitions fired during the IraqWar, compared to 300 tons in the
1991 Gulf War.
(07:18):
Veterans involved in combat,cleanup or salvage operations in
these conflicts face potentialexposure.
According to a Harvard study,the Department of Defense notes
that exposure occurred primarilythrough friendly fire incidents
, proximity to burning depleteduranium-containing vehicles or
(07:38):
handling contaminated debris.
No precise count of exposedveterans is provided, but 1.5
million US troops were deployedto OIF and OEF, with a subset
potentially exposed according tothe National Institutes of
Health.
Specific exposure scenariosinclude veterans at the
Karshi-Khanabad airbase inUzbekistan, where depleted
(08:03):
uranium contamination fromSoviet forces was possible, and
those on firing ranges usingdepleted uranium munitions.
Exposure levels and monitoringis not comprehensive.
Focuses on veterans withconfirmed or suspected exposure,
(08:28):
particularly those on in ornear vehicles hit by depleted
uranium munitions, rescuers orthose involved in salvage
operations.
Veterans self-report exposurevia questionnaires such as the
DOD Form 2872, and urine testmeasures.
Uranium levels according to theNational Institutes of Health,
a 2008 OIM reports thatthousands of veterans may have
(08:52):
had low level or level threeexposure to depleted uranium,
but precise counts are elusivedue to inconsistent exposure
documentation.
Before we cover the next topicin this episode, I want to
introduce you to the adventuresports lifestyle with what I
call a micro story about anadventure that I've had.
The adventure sports lifestyleand my deep connection to nature
(09:15):
is essential to my good health.
So here's the story On a daywhen I woke up just angry at the
world, not for any particularreason.
Life is good.
My health is in reasonably goodshape.
I don't really have anything tocomplain about.
But I just woke up, I don'tknow, angry and I really
(09:37):
struggled to work.
I wasn't focused, it wasdifficult to socialize.
It was difficult to socialize,and so I decided I needed
something where I can put mycomplete focus in a task that
was more of a body movementoriented task versus a cerebral
task like writing or research.
(09:59):
So I went outside to mybackyard archery range and I
shot arrows in the earlyafternoon heat until I was
exhausted.
And you know something, Iwasn't angry anymore.
The amount of energy that I putinto lining up my shot,
(10:21):
controlling my body and focus onthe task at hand made all my
negative feelings just melt away.
That's the importance offinding an outdoor hobby that
you fall in love with.
I did that.
I hope this inspires you to getoutside and adventure alone
(10:42):
with friends or other people youlove most.
Now back to the healthimplications and veteran
testimonies.
While the VA and DOD state nosignificant health effects have
been conclusively linked todepleted uranium exposure and
monitor cohorts, some studies inveterans raise concerns.
(11:03):
For example, dr Doug Roque, aformer US Army health physicist
who worked on depleted uraniumcleanup told Al Jazeera Quote
when we went to clean up thedepleted uranium after the Gulf
War, we were told it was safe,but we saw respiratory issues
(11:24):
and rashes right away.
The long-term risks are real.
End quote.
Garrett Repen Hagen, a veteranwho served in Iraq from 2004 to
2005, described to the Bulletinof the Atomic Scientists quote I
tried to stay away from theburn pits and contaminated areas
(11:44):
, but you can't always avoid it.
We weren't warmed enough aboutdepleted uranium's risk.
End quote.
Without precise records, aconservative estimate suggests
10,000 to 50,000 US veteransacross these conflicts may have
been exposed to depleted uraniumat some level, with higher risk
(12:05):
groups like friendly firesurvivors and cleanup crews
numbering in the multi-thousands.
Some veterans reportgastrointestinal symptoms like
nausea, pain and diarrhea atdebilitating levels, potentially
linked to depleted uraniumexposure.
A Hill and Ponton article listsgastrointestinal problems among
(12:26):
possible depleteduranium-related symptoms, though
no definitive causal link isestablished.
So here are somerecommendations for veterans
concerned with depleted uraniumexposure and what it may be
doing to their overall healthand gut health in particular.
Veterans concerned withdepleted uranium exposure can
(12:49):
contact the VA's EnvironmentalHealth Coordinators for
screening or join the DepletedUranium Follow-Up Program at
publichealthvagov.
You can find a link to the VA'sEnvironmental Health
Coordinators group in the showdescription and the episode
website.
This potential link betweendepleted uranium exposure among
(13:12):
US veterans and the servicemembers of our international
allies serving in the regionalso impacts civilians in those
war-torn countries and theirneighboring nations.
Before we widen our focus beyondthe veteran gut health crisis,
there are other important guthealth factors to consider.
Any forward-deployed servicemember surviving on meals ready
(13:35):
to eat or MREs can attest to itsnegative impact on their gut
health.
Another Iraq war infantrymansaid quote I offered a starving
stray dog an MRE in a war zoneand the dog refused to eat it.
He smelled the open MRE packetthen looked at me like I was
trying to poison him.
(13:55):
That makes me wonder what kindof toxic food they were feeding
us.
End quote.
Many people like mountaineers,camping and RV enthusiasts and
preppers use long-term storablemeals.
But that but here's why Istress the importance of buying
storable food from a companylike my affiliate, ready Hour.
(14:16):
Storable food from a companylike my affiliate, ready Hour.
In an MRE or meal ready to eat,it's much different from what
you'd get from a company likeReady Hour.
Mres are a self-containedindividual field ration
developed by the US military forservice members in combat or
other field conditions wherefresh food or kitchen facilities
(14:37):
are unavailable.
Mres are designed to belightweight, portable and
durable, providing a completemeal with sufficient calories
1,200 to 1,300 calories per mealto sustain troops in
high-stress environments.
Each MRE typically includes amain entree, like beef, stew,
chili or pasta, a side dish likerice, fruit or crackers, and
(15:00):
snacks like nuts, candy orenergy bars, beverages like
powdered drinks and coffee, andeven electric light drinks.
Then you'll have youraccessories and it's packaged in
a vacuum-sealed, durable,waterproof pouch to withstand
harsh conditions.
Sounds great, right?
Mres are primarily used by theUS military, but are also
(15:25):
popular among preppers, like Isaid, and you should really
consider choosing another sourceif you have an option.
I know if you're still in themilitary, you don't have an
option, but other people do.
(15:46):
As a person who ate a fairnumber of MREs, during my
11-year period in the Army, Ihad constant stomach pain and
bouts of going too much or beingunable to go for months after
eating MREs.
After leaving the Army, likemost veterans, I was diagnosed
with several gut problems.
The shelf life of an MRE dependson storage conditions,
particularly temperature, asheat accelerates degradation.
(16:08):
According to the US Army'sofficial guidelines, mres are
designed to have a three tofive-year shelf life, depending
on storage conditions.
But again, what's in it?
Right Ready Hour products havea 25-year shelf life and the
ingredients are really clean.
So if you have an MRE and youstore it at 80 degrees
(16:32):
Fahrenheit, you'd get about athree-year shelf life, according
to the manufacturer.
If you store it at 60 degrees,you'd have about a three-year
shelf life, according to themanufacturer.
If you store it at 60 degrees,you'd have about a five-year
shelf life.
The DLA specifies that MREs aretested to remain safe and
palatable for at least 36 monthsunder optimal conditions.
Mres, while nutritionallybalanced, they say, are high in
(16:57):
sodium and processed ingredients, which some veterans report,
exacerbate or make worsedigestive issues like pain,
bloating or constipation,especially during prolonged use
in the field.
A VA study on veterangastrointestinal health suggests
diet-related stressors maycontribute to such symptoms.
But I feel the major concern isthe quality of MRE ingredients.
(17:20):
Even those familiar snacks andpantry staples at the grocery
store the ones with governmentapproved labels might contain
chemicals so dangerous they'rebanned across Europe and Canada,
yet in America they lurk inplain sight, hidden behind
cryptic names and industryloopholes.
Catch the Toxic Secrets what'sReally in your Food episode of
(17:43):
the New Normal Big Life podcast,and download your list of food
ingredients to avoid and all thedifferent ways they show up on
food packages in the showdescription.
After a short break, we'll talkabout breaking the silence and
so much more.
On gut health crisis in America.
World events are constantlyteaching everyone some very
(18:04):
painful lessons.
Without warning.
Everything we take for grantedcan suddenly fail, and if you're
not prepared in advance, youreally don't have a chance.
The fact is, the modern worldruns on a just-in-time supply
schedule.
Even the biggest grocery storescan carry only enough food for
a few days' worth of normalshopping.
So when disaster strikes andchaos ensues at your local
(18:27):
stores, the odds are simplyagainst you.
If you don't have emergencyfood and gear stockpiled in
advance, you will probablysuffer.
My partner, ready Hour, is hereto help you ahead of time.
Ready Hour has a long historyof providing calorie-rich,
reliable and deliciousnourishment for life's
(18:47):
unexpected situations andcritical emergency gear too.
They're part of a family ofcompanies that have served
millions of people like you fordecades.
My family and I use Ready Hourproducts for camping,
(19:09):
mountaineering and disasterpreparedness for five years now,
thank you.
It's your bridge to safety andsurvival when things just aren't
normal anymore.
So make your next decision,your smartest decision.
Be ready for tomorrow, today,trust Ready Hour, ready to shop.
Use my affiliate link in theshow description.
There is some good news on thegut health crisis in America
(19:33):
front.
The good news is awareness isgrowing.
Dr Jane urges earlyconversations with providers can
help make a difference.
Digestive health issues are onthe rise, implicating millions
with conditions like leaky gut,gastritis and irritable bowel
syndrome.
These disorders often are tiedto diet, lifestyle or autoimmune
(19:56):
factors, and they can disruptdaily life with symptoms like
bloating, pain and fatigue.
Fortunately, natural approachessuch as dietary shifts,
probiotics and stress reductionoffer relief for many, including
veterans, who benefit fromtailored programs.
Understanding your body andmaking informed choices can
(20:16):
transform your gut health.
Understanding your body andmaking informed choices can
transform your gut health.
So let's talk about your body'smajor systems and how they work
.
The body has 13 major systems,which we'll cover in a future
podcast, but today let's focuson the systems related to gut
and intestinal health.
So the digestive system breaksdown food into nutrients the
(20:44):
body can absorb and eliminatesthe waste.
Its components include themouth, esophagus, stomach,
intestines, liver, pancreas andgallbladder.
Incorporating fermented foodslike yogurt, sauerkraut and
kimchi can enhance gut bacteria,which is crucial for digestion.
Research suggests thatprobiotics help in identifying
harmful pathogens from normalcells, supporting digestive
(21:08):
health.
A diet high in fiber from plantfoods feeds the gut microbiome,
which can improve digestion andnutrient absorption.
Proper hydration aids indigestion, helping to prevent
constipation and promote regularbowel movements.
It's recommended that everyperson drink half their body
weight in ounces of water daily,more in a higher temperature
(21:31):
and when physically active.
So a 150-pound person shoulddrink a minimum of 75 ounces of
water daily.
Digestive enzymes, prebiotics,probiotics, dill seed and leaf,
lemon balm, chamomile flowerfiber and ginger root are just a
few of the herbal supplementssupporting digestive health, and
(21:54):
we're going to give you acomprehensive list before we're
done today.
Let's talk about the immunesystem.
The immune system defends thebody against disease by
identifying and neutralizingpathogens and other harmful
agents.
It's comprised of white bloodcells, the lymphatic system, the
spleen, the thymus and bonemarrow.
(22:17):
A diet rich in vitamin C, d andzinc directly supports immune
function.
Dr Karen White from the CDChighlights the importance of
these nutrients in enhancingimmunity.
Adequate sleep is a vital partof immune system health, helping
in the production and functionof immune cells.
(22:37):
Dr Ballard notes that the needfor seven to nine hours of sleep
is crucial to boost immunity.
Again, proper hydration iscrucial as it supports all
bodily functions, includingimmune response, by maintaining
optimal conditions for whiteblood cells to function.
Maintaining optimal conditionsfor white blood cells to
(23:00):
function, quercetin, bromelain,zinc, magnesium and vitamin C
and D will support immune health, and we're going to give you so
much more about naturalremedies and other supplements
to support immune health Beforewe end this podcast episode.
Today.
The urinary system filtersblood to remove waste and excess
(23:22):
substances leading to urineproduction.
It includes the kidneys,ureters, bladder and urethra.
Again, drinking plenty of waterhelps in flushing out toxins.
Dr Robert Green states thathydration is key to kidney
function as it helps inelimination, that's, your poo
and your urine.
(23:42):
Reducing salt can lessen thework on kidneys and improving
their efficiency in wasteremoval.
Herbal supplements supportingthe urinary system include
oregano, cranberry juice, lemonand other citrus fruits, coconut
oil, burberry, d-mannose andgoldenrod.
(24:04):
We'll talk more about thatlater.
Let's talk about the lymphaticsystem.
The lymphatic system returnsfluid from tissues to the blood,
absorbs fats from the digestivesystem and aids in immune
immune response and includes thelymph nodes, vessels, thymus
and spleen.
A poorly functioning lymphaticsystem can cause fluid to back
(24:27):
up in your body, which is knownas lymphedema, and an increased
weight gain.
If you've been listening to thepodcast, you know that I've
struggled with lymphedema, butit's currently in remission and
you can learn about it in thatepisode.
So here are some natural waysto boost your lymphatic system
(24:49):
Lymphatic massage, which is themanual process, or you can also
use a machine, and you can learnabout that in the lymphedema
episode.
The machine and other types ofphysical activity promotes
lymphatic flow, enhancing thesystem's ability to transport
fluids and immune cells.
Dr Darling suggests at least 10minutes of daily exercise.
(25:12):
Check out our episode onlymphedema to learn more about
this health condition.
Your swollen face, neck, arms,legs, feet or ankles could be a
sign of a significant healthproblem.
Hydration helps in the flow oflymphatic fluid, supporting the
system's detoxification role.
Echinacea, plantain leaf powder, yarrow valerian, licorice root
(25:37):
, dandelion root, redcloverflower, burdock, echinacea
I said that already andelderberry can support your
lymphatic system, and we have adandelion gummies recipe
available on the podcast.
Now Be sure to listen to thisepisode wherever you get your
(25:57):
podcasts.
After this short break.
We're going to talk aboutunderstanding common digestive
disorders and so much more.
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Speaker 2 (28:12):
Understanding common digestive disorders.
Digestive diseases areincreasingly common, with causes
ranging from poor diet toimbalanced gut bacteria or
immune conditions.
We're going to talk about threeprevalent issues.
Leaky gut syndrome is up first.
Leaky gut, or increasedintestinal permeability, occurs
(28:35):
when the gut lining becomes tooporous, allowing toxins,
undigested food and microbes toleak into surrounding tissues or
the bloodstream.
This can spark inflammation,alter gut flora and worsen
autoimmune or digestive problems, or both.
Symptoms include diarrhea,fatigue, allergies, ulcers or
(28:56):
autoimmune flare-ups.
Keeping a health journal totrack symptoms is crucial for
identifying triggers.
Let's take a moment tounderstand the gut.
So what is gut flora?
Gut flora, also known as gutmicrobiota or microbiome, refers
to the diverse community ofmicroorganisms primarily
(29:19):
bacteria, but also fungi,viruses and archaea living in
the digestive tract, especiallythe large intestine.
These microbes play a crucialrole in digestion, immunity and
overall health.
The human gut hosts trillionsof microorganisms with over a
thousand different bacterialspecies, collectively containing
(29:42):
about 100 times more genes thanthe human genome.
Gut flora helps break down food, produce vitamins, regulate
metabolism and protect againstharmful pathogens.
According to the NationalInstitutes of Health, gut flora
is essential for maintaining abalanced immune system and
influences everything fromdigestion to mental health via
(30:05):
the gut-brain axes.
An imbalance in gut flora knownas dysbiosis, is linked to
conditions like irritable bowelsyndrome, ibs, inflammatory
bowel disease, ibd, obesity andeven anxiety.
Dr Justin Soderberg, amicrobiologist at Stanford
(30:26):
University, explains in a 2021NIH article at Stanford
University, explains in a 2021NIH article the gut microbiota
is like an ecosystem that shapesour health.
Diet is the biggest driver ofits composition and a diverse
microbiome is key to resilience.
Next we're talking aboutgastritis.
(30:46):
Gastritis involves inflammationof the stomach lining, often
linked to poor diet.
Overuse of pain medicationsalso can contribute to this
problem, or bacterial overgrowth, like Helicobacter pylori or H
pylori.
It commonly overlaps with leakygut and shares symptoms like
(31:07):
nausea, vomiting, indigestion,upper abdominal pain or feeling
of fullness after meals.
Left untreated gastritis canlead to serious complications
such as a stomach ulcer.
Next is irritable bowelsyndrome or IBS.
Ibs is a type of inflammatorybowel disease or type of IBD.
(31:29):
It affects the large intestine,causing symptoms like cramping,
bloating, gas, diarrhea orconstipation.
Like leaky gut and gastritis,ibs is often tied to dietary
triggers, stress or glut floraimbalances.
Crohn's disease and ulcerativecolitis are two other forms of
(31:52):
IBD.
It involves chronicinflammation of the intestines
and requires similar managementstrategies.
Dr Imarin Mayer, agastroenterologist and author
notes in a UCLA Health articlethe gut-brain axis plays a
critical role in digestivedisorders.
Article.
The gut-brain axis plays acritical role in digestive
(32:13):
disorders.
Stress and diet directlyinfluence gut health and
imbalances in microbiota canamplify symptoms.
End quote.
I've personally spent decadesenduring tests, scopes and
cameras invading me from one endof my body to the other to
diagnose the root cause of mystomach disorders and chronic,
widespread inflammation.
I received many diagnoses, fromgluten sensitivity, food
(32:37):
allergies, lymphedema, alupus-like autoimmune disease,
valley fever, listeria, and IBSand IBD.
My legs, core, face and neckhad swollen to three times their
normal size and I gained 40pounds, but I was gaslit by
seven doctors.
In 2020, I was at the peak ofmy physical health as a
(32:58):
sponsored athlete adventuresports athlete and you can
scroll through my timeline on Xand see lots of photos and video
of me doing all the outdoorsythings.
So I'm speaking for personalexperience here.
Over four weeks, I challengedmyself in 2022 with intense
(33:19):
activities, including whitewaterkayaking on the Arkansas River
and the Caché Laputa River inColorado, followed by summiting
Medicine Bow Peak and Baxter'sPinnacle in Wyoming.
Mere days later, I pushed mylimits further by attempting to
climb the Grand Tetons.
However, by January 2024, myphysical condition had
(33:39):
deteriorated dramatically.
I required the support of acane to walk and it scared me
because back in 2014, I had beenusing 2013, 2014, I'd been
using a walker service dog and afull-time caregiver.
Despite following a strict wholefood diet, maintaining regular
(34:01):
exercise and continuing myadventures several times a week,
I inexplicably gained 40 pounds.
The swelling and weight gainwere confusing, as they seemed
to defy my otherwise healthylifestyle and dedication to
fitness.
This unexpected health declineleft me searching for answers.
It was tough Worse.
(34:22):
Two general practitioners andthree specialists a nephrologist
, rheumatologist andcardiologist didn't believe my
story about unexplained weightgain.
They gaslit me.
They all said I'm putting on alittle weight and talked about
body positivity.
We'll talk about the bodypositivity, movements and
(34:42):
negative consequences in afuture podcast, believe me.
But for this conversation, Iknow that one specialist asked
me if I thought I was living inthe wrong gender.
Now I don't know how theconversation with my
cardiologist went fromdiscussing concerns about
unexplained weight gain, chronicfatigue, swelling and worries
for my heart as a result ofthese conditions to his
(35:05):
suggestion that I have genderdysphoria, but there we were.
Suggestion that I have genderdysphoria, but there we were.
In total, five doctors tried torefer me to mental health rather
than take my symptoms seriously.
When I finally found a countrydoctor who did believe me and
ran some tests, it turned out Ihad dangerously high
inflammation markers.
A neurologist sorry, arheumatologist suspected both
(35:30):
valley fever and an unspecifiedautoimmune disease.
After three months of using theLifeWave red light therapy
patches, which we'll talk aboutin another episode, instead of
using prednisone, which mostdoctors would recommend in this
situation, I lowered myC-reactive protein, or CRP, by
(35:50):
20 points.
After 10 days on ivermectinprescribed by a general
practitioner to treat thelisteria, and 90 days of
hydroxychloroquine for thevalley fever and lupus-like
symptoms, all symptoms are nowcompletely in remission and I've
lost the weight.
I also found agastroenterologist who had a
(36:13):
theory they were testing onpatients like me.
In medicine, when a patientpresents with multiple symptoms
that don't clearly fit into asingle diagnosis, the condition
is often referred to asmedically medically unexplained
symptoms or MUS.
A syndrome of multiple symptomsor sometimes idiopathic
(36:36):
multi-symptoms illness are othernames often used.
These terms describe asituation where a patient
experiences a constellation ofsymptoms, such as fatigue, pain,
digestive disorders,neurological complications, that
lack a clear, unifying medicalexplanation.
After thorough evaluation.
And when I say thoroughevaluation, some of these tests
(37:00):
were so painful and I screamedso much please make them stop.
I was calling out to Mattbegging him to make them stop.
I was calling out to Mattbegging him to make them stop.
No-transcript.
So when I tell you it's notdifficult, it's not easy to
(37:23):
diagnose gut health problems,believe me, but this one
doctor's unorthodoxrecommendation and killing off
parasites that I alreadymentioned changed my life.
The doctor recommended that Iundergo a gluten challenge.
He encouraged me to eat all thewheat products I wanted for 14
days.
I was instructed to keep ajournal recording the product
(37:45):
name, source, whether or not itwas GMO or non-GMO wheat, the
date and any symptoms.
After 14 days I realized that Iwasn't allergic to wheat or
gluten sensitive.
I was sensitive to geneticallymodified wheat.
In an upcoming podcast I'llshare an interesting theory on
why some people's bodies cannotprocess GMO foods.
(38:08):
But from my experience you cansee how you might have a
multi-symptom illness thatrequires unconventional
treatments, especially if you'vetried all the conventional
medicine solutions with minimalimpact and unwanted side effects
.
So if you're struggling withgut health problems, you want to
avoid inflammatory triggers,including processed foods, seed
(38:32):
oils, synthetic dyes, pesticides, irradiated foods, artificial
sugars, excessive caffeine,excessive alcohol,
antibiotic-laden meats and, forsome, gmo foods and
gluten-containing grains.
A 2023 study in nutrients foundthat diets high in processed
foods disrupt gut microbiota,worsening conditions like IBS.
(38:56):
I struggled with low bloodsugar and gut issues, says Anna,
a blogger who shared herjourney on MindBodyGreen.
Switching to a Mediterraneandiet with fermented foods like
sauerkraut and cutting outprocessed snacks made a huge
difference.
I felt energized and lessbloated.
Within weeks I felt the same,anna.
(39:20):
So let's talk aboutincorporating probiotics and
prebiotics into your diet.
Probiotics introduce beneficialbacteria to the gut, while
prebiotics nourish them.
An imbalance in gut flora, suchas overgrowth of H pylori or
candida albicans yeast, cantrigger or worsen leaky gut
(39:43):
gastritis or IBS.
A 2021 study in Frontiers inMicrobiology showed that
probiotics from fermented foodscan reduce inflammation and
improve gut barrier function.
Foods like mushrooms andnon-GMO oats can boost good
bacteria in as little as fourweeks, and we'll talk about more
(40:03):
about that in more detail soon.
So let's explore whichlifestyle changes are
recommended for your good guthealth.
Stress management techniquessuch as prayer, meditation or
yoga can ease the gut brain axisdisruption.
Intermittent fasting, when whentolerated, can enhance microbial
(40:24):
diversity and reduce intestinalinflammation per a 2022 Nature
Reviews gastroenterology study.
However, fasting isn't suitablefor everyone.
Personally, I can't fastbecause I have a low blood sugar
problem.
Veterans, there's support foryou.
Veterans with digestive issuescan access the VA's whole health
(40:47):
program, which integratesnutrition, mental health support
and lifestyle changes.
My VA nutritionist helped mepinpoint food triggers, says
John, a veteran from Texas, in aVA blog.
I'm not fully healed, but I'mmanaging my life better now, he
says.
However, some veterans reportmixed experience.
(41:07):
In my case, I knew more aboutnatural blood sugar remedies
than my VA nutritionist.
In my experience, we'll talkabout more on the healthcare
providers' lack of nutritionalknowledge and why that is and
how to get around it.
(41:27):
But gut health carries a stigma,but open conversations about
gut health are vital.
Learning about your digestivesystem and natural remedies
empowers you to take charge.
Talking about gut issues wasembarrassing at first, susanna,
but sharing my story helped meconnect with others and find
solutions.
Medical professionals like DrMayer stress that education and
(41:51):
early intervention can preventcomplications.
So here's how to take controlof your gut health with vitamins
, minerals and herbs.
Natural strategies for guthealth are plentiful.
Believe it or not, relief fromdigestive issues often start
with lifestyle changes, likereducing toxins in your
environment.
(42:11):
Some of the biggest toxicoffenders are indoor mold, pet
hair and what gets trapped inyour pet hair, and you want to
work to eliminate toxins in foodingredients, candles, scents
that you wear on your body,cleaning products, the
off-gassing of materials such asplastics and health and beauty
(42:34):
products.
Next, you might considertesting for food allergies.
If you have celiac disease orare gluten sensitive, doctors
recommend avoiding gluten, whichis found in many products.
So read your labels carefully.
Tree nuts, soy, peanuts, cowdairy, red pork, red meat, pork,
eggs and soy are common foodallergies.
(42:56):
So here's how to optimize yourdiet for good gut health.
Diet is the cornerstone of guthealth.
Foods can either soothe orworsen inflammation, especially
for those with autoimmuneconditions like me.
An anti-inflammatory diet, suchas a Mediterranean style,
emphasizes whole foods likeleafy greens, fresh fish, rich
(43:20):
in omega-3s, fruits, vegetables,olive oil and bone broth.
My guy's ancestors areMediterranean and he cooks 90%
of the time while I bake breadsand sweets, so it's easy for us
to have a Mediterranean dietfrom the best ingredients we can
find or grow ourselves.
We can find or grow ourselves.
(43:46):
In future podcasts I'll helpyou develop tasty Mediterranean
recipes, because cooking is alife skill, a survival skill and
a good health skill.
Prebiotic foods like garlic,onions, leeks, asparagus,
bananas, apples, chia seeds,flax seeds, dandelion greens and
blueberries feed beneficial gutbacteria.
Again, I'll give you somefuture recipes and ways to use
(44:10):
these prebiotic foods.
Probiotic rich foods such askimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut,
miso soup, full-fat yogurtwithout R-B-S-T that also
contains live cultures, kefirpickles, traditional buttermilk
and natto help restore gut florabalance.
(44:31):
Vitamins and herbs supportingthe autoimmune and gut health
are plentiful, and here's acomprehensive list.
Well, I won't call it acomprehensive list, but it's
very thorough.
Very concentrated liquidextracts of herbs are called
tinctures.
Tinctures are one of the mostpopular ways to take herbal
(44:54):
medicine internally.
Tinctures are especially goodat treating acute symptoms.
Teas can be better used fortreating chronic conditions.
Although most tinctures aremade with alcohol as a solvent,
some people prefer not usingalcohol.
Vegetable glycerin or applecider vinegar are great
substitutes for alcohol.
When treating an acutecondition with a tincture, one
(45:18):
to two drops per day isrecommended.
I'll talk more about tincturesand how to make them in a future
podcast.
For now, you might considerusing one of the recommended
mushroom tinctures for treatingyour gut condition.
Remember, the podcast websitehas a link to download this list
.
So let's talk about medicinalmushroom tinctures for immune
(45:40):
system health and autoimmuneconditions.
Medicinal mushroom tincturesfor immune system health and
autoimmune conditions.
Turkey tail and remember, youdon't need to write this down,
you can download the list Turkeytail, reishi, cordyceps and
lion's mane help balance anoverstimulated immune system.
Keep in mind that roughly twoto four million people globally
(46:03):
have a true mushroom allergy,which can lead to difficulty
breathing.
If you're unsure aboutmushrooms, take a small test
before starting a mushroomtincture regimen.
Whenever I'm trying a newsupplement, I have children's
liquid Benadryl close by.
Usually, three drops of liquidBenadryl under my tongue can
quickly stop anaphylaxis or anallergic reaction.
(46:24):
Next, I recommend well, not me.
Experts recommend addingturmeric and black pepper
chinkter for loweringinflammation.
I use this on a daily basis.
Coq10, 500 milligrams daily.
Vitamins D and K2 work together.
Consider taking 2000 to 5000international units or IU daily
(46:49):
of vitamin D in winter Less ifyou're spending time outdoors in
the summer and vitamin K2 at 80micrograms daily.
Essential fatty acids likeomega-3, epa and DHA.
Vitamin B12.
Have your doctor test yourlevels before starting vitamin
(47:14):
B12 to determine your baselineand a recommended starting dose.
Boost your glutathioneproduction or take acetylated
glutathione 500 to 1,000micrograms daily.
I use LifeWave's glutathionepatch to naturally boost
glutathione levels.
I'll have an upcoming podcaston the glutathione patch and
glutathione benefits in a futurepodcast.
(47:35):
So here are the vitamins andherbs supporting leaky gut,
gastritis and IBS.
Supporting leaky gut gastritisand IBS Gastritis is a condition
caused by inflammation of thestomach lining.
It's often associated withleaky gut syndrome and both
often have an autoimmune issueat the core of each disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome IBSprimarily affects the large
(47:59):
intestine or colon.
It's kind of an inflammatorybowel disease that causes
several types of discomfort, forexample, digestive issues.
Diarrhea, gas and bloating.
Constipation, cramping andabdominal pain are fairly common
.
Ibs is often linked to leakygut syndrome and sometimes
clinicians will treat you forIBS or gastritis or leaky gut
(48:25):
syndrome, but you might have allof the above.
The recommendations below willhelp leaky gut, gastritis and
IBS.
To help ease the symptoms ofIBS and gastritis, consider
trying 800 to 1,000 milligramsof Slippery elm three to four
times per day as a supplementtincture or tea.
(48:46):
If you have IBS, one to twotablespoons of chopped
marshmallow root per cup of coldwater, taken three times per
day, is recommended.
Marshmallow root forms aprotective layer over the
damaged gut mucosal layer.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduceinflammation.
It also reduces oxidativestress and can help keep chronic
(49:10):
gut conditions in remission.
The recommendation is 1.5 gramsdaily for men and one gram for
women.
Vitamin D at 4,000 IU per dayis recommended, but know your
baseline levels first.
Digestive enzymes before orafter a meal can help the body
break down carbs, proteins andcomplex sugars, which reduces
(49:32):
the chance of inflammation aftermeals.
Take care not to drink a lot ofliquids for one hour after
taking digestive enzymes,because digestive enzymes are
water soluble.
If you're in the habit ofdrinking liquids with meals,
like wine or water or tea, youmight be flushing away your
(49:53):
beneficial digestive enzymes.
Collagen powder can help boostthe production of gastric juices
which repair the intestinalmucosal lining.
Collagen also slows andreverses fine lines and wrinkles
and adds elasticity to yourskin.
Aside from good genetics frommy Nigerian, irish and Spanish
(50:15):
people, I don't have fine linesand wrinkles and I'm well over
50.
And I think collagen and aclean diet and other good
lifestyle practices is one ofthe main reasons.
So avoid unnecessary antibiotics, especially in your food.
(50:35):
A lot of people will run to thedoctor and get an antibiotic,
but try to treat it at homenaturally, rather than taking an
antibiotic, a situation wherethe antibiotics don't work as
well and it will disrupt yourmicrobiome or gut health.
Medicinal mushroom tincturesfor leaky gut, gastritis and IBS
(51:01):
, turkey tail, reishi and lion'smane mushrooms used as a tea or
a tincture help calm theinflammatory response and
protects the lining of thestomach.
Lion's mane is also protectiveagainst H pylori.
Now that you're 11-11, on theright path for optimal gut
health, here are your actionsteps.
(51:23):
First, don't start any of theserecommendations until you talk
to your health care team.
Gut health is a journey, not adestination.
Making informed choices canalleviate symptoms that allow
you to live better.
Your gut is screaming for help.
Don't ignore it.
From the 60 to 70 millionAmericans battling digestive
(51:46):
disorders to the veterans likeJoe who reached out on X and
John still fighting the war inhis stomach, this crisis is real
and personal.
It's not just about bloating orpain.
It's about reclaiming yourenergy, your vitality, your
confidence in your life.
It's about reclaiming yourenergy, your vitality, your
confidence in your life.
The good news you have thepower to fight back, naturally,
starting now.
(52:07):
Imagine waking up without thatchurning in your stomach,
teaching a class like Sarahwithout fear of bloating,
finding relief through simplechanges.
The path to better gut healthbegins with one bold step Taking
action.
Don't let stigma or dismissalstop you.
Your body deserves better andso do you.
(52:27):
So here are your action stepsto transform your gut health.
Number one start a gut healthjournal today.
Grab a notebook and track yourmeals, water intake, supplements
, sleep, meditation and stressreduction, physical activities
and symptoms for 14 days.
Yes, it's important to trackall of it.
Spot triggers like GMO foods orprocessed snacks that could be
(52:52):
sabotaging your gut.
Knowledge is your first weapon,but our memories are not that
great, so write it down.
Number two swap outinflammatory food for a
gut-friendly alternative.
Replace processed snacks withprobiotic-rich foods like
sauerkraut or kimchi.
(53:12):
Add it to a nutritious meal orsnack.
Try a Mediterranean-style mealwith leafy greens and
omega-3-rich fish.
This week, I'll share recipesfor green smoothies and fruit
and veggie smoothies.
In future podcasts.
Small swaps lead to big wins.
Number three reach out forsupport.
Book an appointment with adoctor, naturopath or a VA
(53:35):
environmental health coordinator.
If you're a veteran, don't wait.
Early intervention can preventyears of suffering.
Visit publichealthvagov fordepleted uranium exposure
screening.
Number four join theconversation.
Subscribe to the New Normal BigLife podcast at nnblblog for
(53:57):
more upcoming episodes or glutensensitivity, celiac disease,
myths and more.
Share your story on X to breakthe stigma and inspire others,
and follow me on X too.
Veterans, family members,active duty and military
supporters are welcome to joinour Veterans United community on
X.
Number five is hydrate and move.
(54:19):
Drink half your body weight inounces of water daily.
Is hydrate and move.
Drink half your body weight inounces of water daily For
example, 75 ounces for a 155,150 pound person and commit to
15 minutes of movement likewalking, cycling or jumping rope
daily.
Add lymphatic massage to boostyour gut and lymphatic systems.
(54:40):
You're not alone in this fight,whether you're a veteran
carrying the weight ofdeployment or someone like Sarah
battling silent symptoms.
Every step forward counts.
Take the first one today.
Your gut, your mind and yourfuture self will thank you Until
next time.
Friends, I'm your host,antoinette Lee, here at the New,
(55:00):
normal, big Life Podcast.
I hope to see you on the river,in the backcountry or in the
horse barn living your best life.
Tag NNBLblog on X so we can seeyou living your new normal and
big life.
Share this episode with someonewho needs it and support others
in this community who needs itand support others in this
(55:24):
community.
Since 2012, the Health Rangerstore has been answering your
calls for a trustworthy,responsive and affordable source
of health-focused products.
Built from scratch, with itsown US-based fulfillment center
and dedicated in-house customersupport, they've got you covered
, From nutritional supplementsand superfoods to storable foods
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They offer competitive priceson top quality, lab tested items
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(55:47):
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