Restoring Gut Health – Interview with Dr. Carolyn Dean

1. What, exactly, is gut inflammation? Is there a way to formally test the body (blood work?) to determine whether someone has inflammation?

In Medicine gut inflammation relates to Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, and they do biopsies to diagnose it. One blood test, CRP (C-reactive protein can be high in both, but higher in Crohn’s than UC.

You may be asking about Leaky Gut and Gut Dysbiosis. Those conditions can be tested with the Zonulin ELIZA test. Zonulin controls the size of the openings between your gut lining and your bloodstream.

The triggers are gluten, parasites, yeast and harmful bacteria. Also yeast overgrowth can cause gut inflammation – there are Candida antibody tests but everyone has some yeast so it’s primarily done to determine how high the antibody levels are.

2. What are some of the most common health effects and/or symptoms of gut inflammation?
Both physical and mental health effects?

•   Bloating

•   Candida overgrowth

•   Constipation

•   Ongoing diarrhea

•   Gas

•   Chronic fatigue

•   Food allergies

•   General/seasonal allergies

•   Joint pain

•   Arthritis

•   Skin rashes (related to inflammation)

•   Nutritional deficiencies (improper absorption)

•   Weakened immune system (from overexertion)

•   Negative Mood

•   Brain fog

•   Anxiety

•   Depression (usually worsened)

3. What are the best ways to address gut inflammation? How should probiotics be incorporated into a daily diet? Is one pill a day enough?

Avoid yeast producing foods: Sugar, gluten dairy. Don’t eat late, don’t overeat, don’t drink liquids with your meals.

Take soil-based probiotics for the best therapeutic replacement of intestinal flora. Take 1 capsule twice a day 1 hour away from food. Drink sea salt or Himalayan salt in your drinking water – 1/8-1/4 tsp per quart for its 72 minerals to help with mineral depletion and dehydration. Also supplement with the mineral magnesium as this is depleted by gut inflammation and is a natural anti-inflammatory that lowers C-reactive protein and helps with some of the symptoms such as fatigue, depression, negative mood and brain fog.

Not all forms of magnesium are easily absorbed by the body. Magnesium citrate powder mixed with hot or cold water is highly absorbed and can be sipped throughout the day at work or at home.

Medical Disclaimer:

The ideas, procedures and suggestions contained in this article are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your physical health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss, injury or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this article.