The IBS Empowerment movement is a refreshing movement of women speaking out openly about their stomach issues and seeking solutions vs. struggling silently. #IBStiktok and #hotgirlshaveibs have racked up hundred of millions of views. So why is this trend so important, and what can you do if you’re struggling with stomach issues? We tapped gastrointestinal expert, author of Get Off Your Sugar, and founder of Alkamind, Dr. Daryl Gioffre, to answer all your burning gut health questions.
Why is it important that gut health is trending now?
Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said it best – look to the gut, for it is the cause of all disease. Notably, 80% of your nervous and immune systems live in your gut. Plus, if you are dealing with anxiety or depression, one of the places you need to look closer at is your gut microbiome, as 95% of serotonin, your happy, feel-good hormone, is made in the gut.
“People now realize that taking care of your gut is critical not only to feel good and have better energy, but also to live longer and prevent chronic degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s,” said Gioffre.
Why are hot girls (aka those seemingly eating super healthy) still having stomach issues?
“What you eat and drink is critical to your overall health, but the amount of stress and our ability to manage that stress outweighs what we eat a million times to one regarding how it affects your gut health,” said Gioffre. “We are more stressed than we have ever been, and when stressed, our body doesn’t care about digestion and growth and repair. All it cares about is getting you out of fight or flight and danger.”
According to Gioffre, you are not what you eat; you are what you digest, absorb, and assimilate. This is one of the primary reasons why so many people are doing all of the “right things” for their health (i.e., eating organic, plant-based, exercising, etc.) are still suffering from gut symptoms such as heartburn (reflux), indigestion, bloating, constipation, and leaky gut. And when you have a leaky gut and inflammation, you are more likely to suffer from downstream problems such as thyroid issues, skin problems, brain fog, low energy, liver and gallbladder stress, and cardiovascular inflammation.
What is the biggest misconception when it comes to gut health?
Most doctors tell us that heartburn and indigestion, which are also accompanied by bloating, gas, and constipation, are caused by too much acid, and this is one of the biggest mistruths we have been led to believe, according to Gioffre. The cause of these problems, on the contrary, is caused by too little stomach acid, a condition known as hypochlorhydria.
So why haven’t most of us heard this before?
“Because antacids such as PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) are a $17 billion annual market, and Americans are taking the lead, as 1 in 3 suffers from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and astoundingly, 60 million will experience reflux (heartburn) at least once over a month.”
In addition, the acid in our stomach is the first line of defense against dangerous pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, and candida. Without sufficient levels of acid, we develop higher levels of chronic inflammation and leaky gut from these stealth pathogens that the acid should have wiped out in our stomach as they transit down with the digestive tract.
What are three ways to start improving your gut health?
Take a Probiotic
“We are massively deficient in probiotics compared to what our ancestors used to get. This is the most important supplement for your gut because it helps replenish good bacteria while simultaneously crowding out the bad bacteria,” said Gioffre. “I recommend getting probiotics in both supplement and food, such as fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.”
Add More Fiber
The research shows only 5% of the population is getting the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber our gut needs daily for optimal health. This is one of the primary reasons why 42 million Americans struggle with constipation, and many are turning to laxatives for immediate relief, not understanding the dangerous consequences.
An easy solution? Try Dr. Daryl’s Internal Shower Shot. Add two tablespoons of chia, juice from a lemon slice, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to 6 ounces of water. Let it sit a minimum of 5 minutes, mix, then drink on an empty stomach. This scrubs your intestines acting as an “internal shower” in your gut, helping to move food and prevent any impactions down the road.
Minimize the WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction for the Gut)
Wheat (gluten), too much meat (aim to get no more than 2-4 oz per meal; otherwise, it turns to sugar in your body), dairy, and sugar are all massively acidic and inflammatory to the gut. “Look to minimize these substances, as they should not compromise more than 20% of your daily diet (think moderation, not deprivation),” said Gioffre.
At the same time, increase your leafy greens (think green juice, smoothies, soups, and salads), healthy fats (avocados, raw nuts, and seeds), and fiber-rich slow-burning carbs (quinoa, wild rice, sweet potato, root vegetables, squash, etc.).
