Seven Deadly Diseases Rooted In Your Gut Microbiome
Did you know the bacteria in our gut comprise an internal organ all of their own? We are colonized by ten times more bacteria in our gut than there are cells in our body! They play a profoundly important role in human health and disease. From helping us absorb nutrients, to synthesizing vitamins and breaking down cellulose, we couldn’t survive without this microbial zoo inside us.
Shortly after birth, we are colonized with over 1000 species of gut bacteria. Influences such as vaginal delivery vs. Cesarean section, breast-feeding vs. bottle feeding, antibiotic use, industrialized processed food, stress, levels, chronic illness and poor dietary choices all have a profound impact on which bugs predominate.
Recent data also shows that toxic chemicals, like glyphosate, may selectively destroy healthy microbes, leading to further imbalance and disease. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are the main bacteria in our gut which aid metabolization of undigested food remnants. Healthy bacteria in the gut promote the integrity of our gut lining, preventing “leaky gut” and thus prevent antigens and microbes from crossing over into the bloodstream. They also contribute to our host defense by regulating innate immune system.
Intestinal dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbes) leads to many deadly disease states, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, autoimmunity, mood disorders, and even cancer.
Did you know these seven deadly diseases may be rooted in abnormalities of your Gut Microbiome!?
1. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is thought to be caused in part by aggressive T-cell mediated cytokine response to the commensal bacteria, which leads to chronic inflammation and damage of the intestinal lining. Another immune abnormality related to the development of Crohn’s disease is that certain fighting cells, called macrophages, may have trouble recognizing which bacteria is friend or foe. They initiate an attack on what they perceive to be an enemy, when in fact it’s just a harmless residential bacteria lining the gut. In a genetically susceptible people, inflammatory bowel disease may be related to this out of control response to commercial organisms. In addition, Seksik et al. found that the fecal microflora in patients with Crohn’s disease contained significantly more enterobacteria than in healthy subjects.
In Ulcerative colitis (UC) the disease is limited to the distal colon. Studies have shown lower numbers of lactobacilli during the active phase of ulcerative colitis. Species, such as Lactobacillus salivarus, Lactobacillus manihotivorans and Pediococcus acidilactici were present in remission, but not in patients who had active inflammation of ulcerative colitis.
2. Obesity
Normal gut bacteria play an important role in development of obesity. Patients on a high-fat diet have higher levels of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and lower levels of Bacteroidetes, indicating that obesity may be associated with decreased diversity of species. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides is higher in obese people and has been found to be correlated to body weight. Clostridium difficile infections may be another possible cause of obesity. Overweight individuals have more short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) than lean individuals, especially a particular SCFA, called propionate.
Certain bacteria (Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum) were able to produce Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) in the gut. CLA may have an anti-obesity effect in humans. Another study showed that after eight weeks of feeding, L. rhamnosus PL60 reduced the body weight of obese mice without reducing energy intake. Prebiotics and probiotics can also be used to fight obesity. Besides probiotics, certain gut bacteria could also protect humans from obesity. The Bacteroidetes phylum, particularly Bacteroides spp., has been suggested to protect against increase weight gain.
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may also hold promise in treating obesity. Animals who received FMT from the obese twin donors developed increased body mass and obesity compared to those receiving transplants from the lean twin donors.
3. Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a destructive autoimmune disease attacking the pancreas islet cells causing the inability to produce insulin. Healthy balance of gut bacteria may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines to protect patients against the development of Type 1 Diabetes. These changes helped to restore intestinal mucosal barrier function. Impaired intestinal mucosal barrier, also known as “leaky gut” and altered mucosal immunity are involved in development of this disease, and many other autoimmune diseases. Abnormal gut microbes may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, since cross-talk between gut bacteria and the innate immune system is one of the triggers for destruction of the islet cells of the pancreas.
Higher levels of Bifidobacterium species decreased the effects of endotoxemia. Endotoxemia is a very pro-inflammatory process that occurs when bacterial coatings, called LPS, cross over into the immune system through a permeable intestinal lining. There is perhaps no more pro-inflammatory trigger to disease than LPS, which has been linked to autoimmunity, depression, diabetes, heart disease and more. Endotoxemia is clearly associated with diabetes and obesity. Bifidobacterium was associated with improved glucose tolerance, improved insulin secretion and decreased inflammation.
4. Liver Disease
The gut and liver work closely together. The liver receives approximately 70% of its blood supply from the intestinal venous outflow. The liver is the first line of defense against gut-derived antigens and it is equipped with a broad array of immune cells; macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer cells to accomplish this function. Gut bacteria play a key role in the maintenance of a healthy liver. Ethanol, ammonia, and acetaldehyde produced by the intestinal microflora are metabolized by the liver and heavy loads of these chemicals may cause inflammation and toxic overload in this filter organ.
Small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) may play a role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Small intestinal motility is decreased in the presence of small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO) in rats with liver disease. Interestingly, antibiotic treatment of SIBO may improve non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, gut-derived microbial toxins and other bacterial products may be cofactors in the development of alcoholic liver disease.
5. Chronic Heart Disease
Gut bacteria composition has a direct link with the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The gut bugs form trimethylamine (TMA) from dietary choline. TMA may increase risk of atherosclerosis. In chronic heart failure (CHF) patients invasive Escherichia coli were identified. Increase in intestinal permeability in chronic heart disease may trigger inflammation, contributing to further impairment in heart function.
Colonization with Lactobacillus brevis decreased intestinal permeability, whereas Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Streptococcus viridians showed the opposite effect. Increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, leads to bacteria translocation (endotoxemia) which is an important stimulus for inflammatory cytokines to be activated in chronic heart failure.
6. Cancer
It is well known that the presence of microbial pathogens or the disruption of the healthy microbiome may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal cancers, like stomach and colon cancers. It was reported that gut bacteria can trigger macrophages to produce products that damage DNA, inducing chromosomal instability in cells. Oxidative stress brought on by abnormal microbes may also contribute to inflammation in these cancers.
The composition of the gut bacteria is quite different between healthy individuals and colon cancer patients. Certain butyrate-producing bacteria (Ruminococcus spp. and Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis) were low in the stool of colorectal cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. Butyrate is important for normal colon cell health. Two Prevotella species were completely absent from the colon cancer samples analyzed. Prevotella may help maximize energy from a plant-based diet. The higher levels of Prevotella in the healthy individuals may reflect differences in intake of fiber and plant-foods compared to the individuals with colon cancer. On the other hand, species like Acidaminobacter, Phascolarctobacterium, Citrobacter farmer, and Akkermansia muciniphila were significantly higher in colon cancer patients.
7. Autoimmune Diseases
There is a clear link to autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and the gut microbiome. In one study, joint inflammation did not develop in animal models who were germ-free. Rheumatic arthritis patients had significantly lower levels of Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides fragilis. In addition, increased LPS uptake through the gut lining is a risk factor for development of arthritis.
It’s time to take charge of your gut!
So now you know how important it is to keep your microbiome happy in order to prevent serious disease… It literally could mean the difference between life and death. A healthy microbiome starts with a whole food organic diet rich in plant foods, healthy fats, like coconut, avocado and olive oils, prebiotic fiber sources, nuts and seeds, probiotic-rich living foods, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants.
Please join me for the upcoming Microbiome Summit starting on February 29th to learn more… Over 30 Experts discussing how to cultivate a healthy micro biome!
Microbiome Summit
Register for FREE here. Or if you’d rather have lifetime access to all 30+ interviews and listen as often as you like, click here to order.
References:
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Impacts of Gut Bacteria on Human Health and Diseases
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Gut Microbiota and Inflammation
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Clinical Consequences of Diet-Induced Dysbiosis
Dr Jill discusses the Microbiome and Autoimmune disease
Is phempigus related in autoimmun diseases that you talk about?
yes, it may be….
Do you have a favorite digestive enzyme supplement?
Hi Amy
Favorite for regular use is Xymogen Xymozyme 1-2 with meals. For those with more severe pancreatic insufficiency, the pancreatin-based Xymogen PanXyme is better. Both can be ordered direct from Xymogen using code: DrJill and last name: Carnahan
Warmly
Dr Jill
Dr. Jill what is the best antibiotic to use for Sibo? Thank you
Hi Nikki
It depends on the type of SIBO that you have, methane or hydrogen predominant. Rifaxamin works well for the hydrogen predominant.
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Dr Jill
Dr. Jill,
How does one find out if which one we have? Methane or Hydrogen predominant?
What if you have both kinds of SIBO? I’ve read that herbs are as or more effective than antibiotics–what is your opinion on this?
There is also info online that fecal transplants don’t help SIBO. Could FMT still be helpful in people with SIBO, & if so, is there an agreed upon protocol? thanks so much if you can provide more info on this. Best, Dorothy
If you have both, methane predominants and you will need to treat with dual antibiotic or multiple herb regimen. FMT treats colonic dysbiosis but does not address the small bowel.
Dr. Jill Do you have a preferred probiotic that you recommend? Thank you so much for your gift of service to the world. It is greatly appreciated!
Hi Teresa
There are many excellent probiotics but my two favorites are 1) Klaire Labs Detox Support and 2) Klaire BioSpora. You can order either direct from manufacturer using code: 618 on website
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Dr. Jill
What are your thoughts on Fructose Malabsorption? Can that be reversed? Is there a link between Fructose Malabsorption and Gilbert’s Disease. Both have to do with enzymes and not being able to break down fructose and medicine.
Fructose Malabsorption affects the gut.
Hi Michelle
Fructose malabsorption is linked to villous atrophy and also SIBO. I would start with a breath test to make sure there is not also bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines.
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Dr Jill
Thank you so much for this great article…it explains all I have been going through…the worse my gut/digestion/constipation the more my whole body is…now my liver!!! Do you see patients? I am struggling to heal on my own…trying tons of natural/supplements suggested but seem to not be able to figure out with my crazy lack of focus and brain fog now that my physical health is so crummy.
Hi Chris
Thanks for your feedback… it really is true the root of all disease begins in the gut.
Dr Jill
Dear Dr Jill, I am 64, have rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Also fatigued. Avoiding drugs after bad reaction to methatryxate. Am gluten free, caffeine free, chemical free, sugar free, alcohol free, and avoid all refined foods. Using tumeric in cooking, bone broths, veges,meat, fish, rice, to heal gut. What supplements do you recommend?
Hi Pam
I cannot give you specific medical advice without a consultation. But you can ask your doctor to do a stool test, urinary organic acid testing and breath test to determine if there are any abnormalities in the gut that need to be treated.
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Dr Jil
Is there a preferred probiotic product that supplies many, if not all, of the specific microbes that are lacking in these ‘7 deadly diseases’ of the microbiome?
nope! there are no probiotics that supply the type of diversity necessary for health
Hi I had my gut profile done by stool from Amercian gut project and I grew 43% Stenotrophonmonas i now classed as pseudomonas. 17% entero bacteria .What am I to be worried about in terms ofthe 7 deadly diseases? Are tests representative to large bowel or also small intestine . I was a real outlier compared to rests of the groups for my age. gender, western etc. This took 6 months to process and I have been taking more probiotics, kefir but I cant handle water kefir . It makes me nauseus.
Hi Marion
The Gut project is experimental research so one cannot make a diagnosis based on your sample. If you are concerned about microbial populations, talk to a functional medicine doctor to get further testing to determine what needs to be done. You likely have something going on, like SIBO or dysbiosis.
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Dr Jill
Is a positive smooth muscle auto antibody result a sign of possible increased bacterial and viruses in the liver and GI system.
Jill I was treated for citrobacter and yeast over growth 4 weeks ago with cipro and a drug I can’t remember the name for yeast starts with F. It’s been a week and a half my gut feels raw I still drinking kieffers what more can I do to keep these two at bay. I can’t eat any sugar now it makes few out of it sick, no grains no process foods. I’m eating veggie and rice or veggies and eggs, small amounts of chicken/ beef. No dairy. What more can I do to help keep citrobacter and yeast from over taking my gut again.
Hi Barbara, some patients find great success with the AIP diet (autoimmune paleo). If you google it, you will find plenty of cookbooks and resources…
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Dr. Jill
I have type 1 diabetes and have Hashimoto’s. I recently found out I have gastric dumping syndrome. I would love to learn more about the associations of these and what would help. I’m tired of being fatigued, my joints hurting, stomach nausea and being overweight! And how does one go about a consult with you?
Great presentation at the microbiome summit. I wish I lived near you so I could have you diagnose me. I’ve been suffering with chronic Lyme, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, IBS, whatever you want to call it. It seems like I have Sibo and leaky gut. Doctors haven’t been able to help me. Is there an herb that can kill the overgrowth of bacteria? I’ve already changed my diet but still have problems with fatigue and pain. Right now I’m on Cipro for cystitis. I’m worried more antibiotics are not helping. I’ve had years of antibiotics before teeth cleanings and 2weeks IV penicillin for Lyme. My health struggles have been going on 29 years. I’m 60. What do you suggest I do that’s affordable?
Thanks, Sherry
Thank you, Sherry! You can search for a functional medicine doctor near you at http://www.functionalmedicine.org
Hello Dr. Carnahan. I heard you speak on the Microbiome Summit with Dr. Kellman. I was captivated by the information you were sharing. I had two questions for you. Can you please tell me the name of the herbal antibiotic you had mentioned. And does one need a doctor’s referral to come see you in your clinical setting?
Thanks
Hi Jeanne
We are accepting new patients by referral only. I mentioned Bio-botanicals Biocidin product. Call office if you’d like to order #303-993-7910
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Dr Jill
Dr. Jill,
What are your thoughts on grass fed/ hormone free
Pastured meats and wild caught fish (any concerns about radiation)? Do you think they have a place in an optimal diet? Or is a true plant based diet the way to go?
Also what are your thoughts on soaked beans?
Thank you!
Dr. Jill,
Is there a connection with Leaky Gut and being homozygous for C677T? (random food allergies being the main indicator for the gut) If homocysteine levels are normal, is it something I need to continue to seek medical information on? I’ve been to the Doctor and they are saying to not look further into it since homocysteine was normal and Vitamin B12 was actually high. Also, tested positive for ANA and Thyroid Antibodies, the Doctor again saying to not look further into it. Are all these issues connected?
No direct connection with leaky gut and MTHFR
Hello Dr. Carnahan,
I have Hashimoto’s as well as Candida overgrowth and eczema. I have very low white blood cell count. My white blood cell count are below the range at 4.8 and I have an old test result that showed them at 9.2. What could be causing them to be so low? Could my low white blood cell count explain the Candida overgrowth since white blood cells kill fungus?
Hi Dr. Jill!
When you have a patient come in with extreme debilitating fatigue that is so bad they can’t put on makeup and it’s exhausting to take a shower, what all do you test for that could be causing this? Thank you!
Allergies, Gut Dysbiosis, Infections, Chronic inflammation, Environmental Toxins, Nutritional Deficiencies and Endocrine abnormalities….
Hello Dr. Jill,
I’m having iron deficiency anemia with no explanation. I eat iron-rich foods in my diet and I have light periods every 23-24 days. But I’m still anemic and my numbers keep getting lower. I’m getting scared because there’s no explanation for it. I’m not having difficulty absorbing other vitamins and minerals like B12. It’s just iron that’s the problem. My doctor doesn’t know what it is. She said possibly malabsorption but that would cause malabsorption of all vitamins and minerals, not just iron. Do you know what this could be or some different things I should ask my doctor to test me for?
Hi Amanda
Yes, this is likely due to malabsorption and you should have your doctor check for various forms of dysbiosis, like SIBO and SIFO and treat them.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
How would you normally treat dysbiosis in large bowel/colon along with SIBO and Candida? Streptococcus is the main bug in the dysbiosis.
thanks
Hi Stephen
That would best be a discussion with your doctor. You could chose a variety of herbs or prescription medications to cover all organisms.
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
What would you recommend to someone who has psoriasis? I found out a friend of mine has it and I know about leaky gut but I wanted to give her specific advice. Should she assume Candida and treat that or is it more so related to her diet?
Thank you!
Hi Claire,
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease so best to find root cause: stress, infections, toxins, nutritional imbalances or inflammation and treat the root cause.
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Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I have Hashimoto’s, iron deficiency anemia, and really bad bloating. Within the past couple months, the bloating has gotten twice as bad and my antibodies have went from 972 to 1800. I thought it was a lab error so I got it rechecked at the same lab 2 weeks later and my antibodies went to 3000. My iron has went way lower than what it was before. My ferritin was around 8-12. Now it’s 4. And it’s not just ferritin, all my iron results are low and my TIBC is really high. It’s like my body is not absorbing iron because of the 6 month pregnant belly I have. I’m so exhausted I sleep all day. I go to bed bloated and wake up at 5pm (been asleep all day) and am still bloated and I haven’t even eaten anything all day. I’m really scared! Do you know what could be going on?
Hi Megan,
It sounds like you have dysbiosis. Find a functional medicine doctor to test and help you treat the root cause.
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr. Jill,
I’m very low in iron. When I take supplements, it goes up only slightly and very slowly. I took an 18mg supplement and it brought my ferritin up 7 points in 3 months. My functional doctor thought I might have internal bleeding and suggested a colonoscopy. What are your thoughts?
Chronic anemia may result from a occult GI bleed and if iron/hemoglobin are low colonoscopy is recommended.
Hi Dr. Jill,
How do you recommend increasing stomach acid in someone who has Hashimoto’s?
Talk to your doctor about using Betaine HCl with pepsin. I do not advise using it without physician supervision as it may cause gastritis.
Hi Dr. Jill!
What would you recommend for someone who has bad distention? I know there’s a lot of info out there about bloating but I struggle with distention. If I wear shorts that fit well and aren’t loose, it is very noticeable. I know some websites refer to bloating and distention as the same thing but I’m referring to bloating out to the sides, not straight out but to the sides. Thank you!
find a doctor to test and treat the root cause!
Hi Dr Jill,
I have always been underweight and with SIBO/yeast. I recently had some stressful events and lost even more weight. Can SIBO and yeast get worse during stress and cause this type of weight loss? I am having trouble gaining back the weight now. Are there any other digestive problems besides SIBO/yeast that can cause weight loss that I should look into? The doctors aren’t finding anything.
I had a high d-lactate level on my OAT which was considered high acidolphilus. How do you treat too much good bacteria?
Thanks!!
Hi Marie,
Hi lactic acid is caused by SIBO. You may need re-treatment for SIBO and or SIFO
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Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill!
Is there a connection between gut health and social anxiety/social awkwardness? What kind of tests would you recommend running for this?
Thank you!
Hi Peyton
Dysbiosis in gut can affect anxiety/depression…
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Dr Jill
So with high lactic acid, is treatment with probiotics not good since they produce d lactate and l lactate?
What can cause low stomach acid in someone who has Hashimoto’s? And does thyroid medication like Levo correct the low stomach acid?
Hi Jennifery
Stress and many other things cause low stomach acid. It may or may not be related to your Hashimoto’s
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Dr Jill
Hi Dr Jill,
For years now I have been struggling with chronically low ferritin levels. The doctors prescribe iron supplements and it goes up slightly but takes forever to get up to optimal levels. And then when I stop taking iron, it goes right back down. Even taking 54 mg a day (which my doctor says is the equivalent of 7.5 steaks a day) it still takes forever and goes up very slowly and doesn’t stay up. It appears to be some kind of malabsorption but I’ve been deficient in other vitamins like B12 but I took a supplement and it came right up quickly. That doesn’t happen with the iron. It doesn’t come up quickly. It doesn’t move. I can take massive doses of iron and it barely moves. But it’s only iron, not other vitamins. Those absorb just fine with multivitamins/supplements. I don’t know if this makes a difference or not, but my hemoglobin is fine, even on the high end of the range. Could this be an infection doing this that’s feeding on my iron? I have been to gastroenterologists and several doctors and nobody has answers. They just say iron supplements.
Hi Mariah,
taking iron supplement will not raise ferritin if the cause is malabsorption or inflammation… treat the root cause and stop the iron supplementation 😉
Warmly
Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Which organic acids test do you recommend for testing for SIFO and nutritional deficiencies? I’ve heard Genova has many of them. Do you recommend the Metabolic Analysis Profile or the Comprehensive Profile?
Hi Katie
I use ONE and NutrEval, Organix and ION.
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Dr Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
Is there a herb that could be taken with rifaximin rather than neomycin for methane SIBO? I’ve read that rifaximin on its own isn’t particularly effective, but I’m hesitant to use neomycin because of the potential side effects. I haven’t found much information on people combining herbs with antibiotics–have you had any success with this?
Thanks for all the helpful posts!
Hi Char,
I’ve found either neomycin or tinidazole to be most effective for methane-SIBO. The herbs are less effective.
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Dr Jill
Hello,
My daughter has been having a problem with her iron that has been going on for years. It is like she cannot properly absorb iron. A couple years ago, the doctors diagnosed her with anemia (very low ferritin, low % saturation, low serum iron, and high TIBC) although her hemoglobin is normal. She was experiencing and continues to sleep all day and lose her hair. She takes iron supplements with Vitamin C. Her ferritin goes up 2 points. Eats meat every day. Her ferritin goes up by 2 points. Her periods are very light. I have taken her to specialists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, functional medicine doctors, and every doctor under the sun. The last doctor we saw thought she might be having malabsorption, which makes sense, but when she tested her other vitamin and mineral levels, everything else is optimal except for her iron. So then I asked the doctor can malabsorption affect iron only and no other vitamins and she said she didn’t know. I also asked if some pathogen is feeding on her iron specifically. So she ran a one-day comprehensive stool test through Genova and of course, it showed no pathogens. No parasites, no H. Pylori, nothing that could explain her low iron. My daughter is sad because she’s missing out on her life being so fatigued and losing her hair. I’ve watched your interviews before about gut health and you’re amazing and so smart. Do you happen to know what could be causing this? I just don’t understand it because her other vitamin and mineral levels are good, some of them even above the halfway point of the range so not even verging on low so it sounds like she’s absorbing other vitamins with no problems.
Hi Lisa
A stool test shows what is colonizing the large bowel microbiome but tells you nothing about the small bowel where malabsorption occurs. You may need to do further testing such as organic acids or breath testing for SIBO to determine the cause. Chronically low ferritin is likely due to malabsorption or inflammation or villous atrophy.
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Dr Jill
Hello,
I have a question. Both sides of my abdomen are distended, but my left side is distinctly more distended than the other. Any ideas what could be causing this? Or can SIBO or Candida make one side more distended than the other? Thank you.
You will need to see your doctor about this. I cannot make a diagnosis online….
Hi I had some elevated bacterial dysbiosis markers on an OAT. I’m not sure what this means. Does this mean I have a bacterial overgrowth somewhere since the test is testing for bacterial byproducts? And if so, how do I find out what and where the overgrowth is so it can be treated?
Hi Emily
The OAT test doesn’t indicate where the bacteria are, just if there is likely issues with bacterial dysbiosis. If you use anti-microbial herbs to treat, you can assume it is likely in the gut and have good success no matter where the problem lies.
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Dr Jill
Hi
I was wondering if probiotics are always necessary to heal a leaky gut and put an autoimmune disease in remission?
Typically it is…
Hi Dr. Jill,
I’m really worried about what’s going on with my daughter, and we can’t get any answers. She is at a healthy weight at 115. She could gain about 5 more pounds but overall her weight is healthy for her height at 5’3. But her face and stomach tell two different stories. Her face looks very emaciated. She looks like she’s 102 pounds, if not 90 pounds. But her stomach and legs look like she’s 140 pounds. It’s almost like how you see people in developing countries who are starving and their face is really sunken but their belly is really big. And I’m not sure if this is relevant at all but I thought I’d mention it…she’s low in iron and we don’t know why and she was already looking bad but she just had her period and now she looks a lot worse. Her face looks even more gaunt than it did before. So I just don’t know and the doctors have literally been clueless. I’m wondering if she losing blood somewhere making her iron low and her face look so gaunt.
You may find a functional medicine doctor to help you by searching http://www.functionalmedicine.org
Hi Dr Jill,
Do you have any information on strep throat. I hear from some that antibiotics are needed but others say natural methods work too or even better. What is your take on antibiotics for it?
My children have had sore throat. I was doing all the natural remedies I could think of: garlic, ginger, AVC/Grapefruit seed extract gargle, lots of Vitamin C, propolis… But they developed high fever and one got a rash. I’m now thinking perhaps antibiotics may be wise? Or perhaps I am not giving enough of the natural antibiotics?
Thanks
Hi Claire,
Yes, strep throat is best treated with antibiotics to prevent any rheumatological side effects long-term
warmly
Dr Jill
Dr. Jill
I ran across your interviews on YouTube regarding to mold exposure. I have been exposed to mold exposure and I have pretty much every symptom you spoke of. I live in an apartment and took upon myself to get Air testing done, because owner declined. Results came back aspergillius and cladosporium. Can you recommend any vitamins or herbal I can start using to feel better. Was active all my life with more than enough energy and now I feel as my life has ended. I do have severe asthma from this along with other issues. This is a nightmare.
Sincerely
PB
Hi PB,
I am sorry to hear this… please get out of the exposure so you can get well
warmly,
DR Jill
Hi Dr. Jill,
I’ve been suffering with extremely low ferritin levels, in addition to low serum iron and low % saturation for years. I have Hashimoto’s and I’ve been gluten free for 3 months. It’s helped significantly with many symptoms and it’s made my B12 and Vitamin D go way up to normal. But my ferritin still won’t move despite taking ferrous fumarate supplements with Vitamin C. My ferritin will go up like from 5 to 26 but then will fall back down. They’ve checked and found that there’s no intestinal bleeding. My periods are light. I can’t function with low ferritin levels. I get bad shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, and can’t think straight whenever it falls really low so I need to get this resolved. But I don’t know what’s causing it. I’ve seen a functional medicine doctor and she ran a stool test and it showed no gut infections. She also looked at my most recent thyroid tests and they looked really good. She said my T3 and T4 are great and that I’m not hypothyroid. So I don’t know what’s causing the low ferritin levels.
Chronic inflammation, occult infections, malabsorption syndromes and autoimmunity can all cause low ferritin