Podcast #314:
IBS, Autoimmunity, & Low Vitamin D!

Guest: Dr. Michael Ruscio

Is it me, or does it seem like autoimmunity comes up in just about every episode of the podcast these days?

This week’s autoimmune “discovery” is that the immune system can attack the cells responsible for keeping your digestive tract moving in the right direction — from mouth to the … well, you know what.

When that happens, you end up with a bad case of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, otherwise known as SIBO, responsible for all kinds of not-so-fun digestive complaints including 84% of IBS cases.

Who knew?

The rabbit hole just goes deeper and deeper every week, my friends!

On today’s episode of Underground Wellness Radio, our friend and Digestion Sessions presenter Dr. Michael Ruscio joins me for a fascinating discussion, including:

2:55 – From pre-law to pre-med: Dr. Ruscio shares his story of overcoming his own health challenges.

7:41 – The SIBO Cliffs Notes: a quick review of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

8:50 – The meaning of “motility” and why it might be the most important factor in a healthy gut.

16:42 – The breath test is the best test. How to check for small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Ask your doc!

21:20 – Hope for healing autoimmunity and what our ancestors can teach us about the body’s innate wisdom.

24:28 – The 3 things you need to be aware of if you want to turn off damage, heal your body, and avoid SIBO relapse.

27:17 – Is science “missing the boat” on the brain’s role in SIBO?

30:45 – SIBObesity: a real-life example of how SIBO could be majorly affecting your weight.

35:42 – How hungry bacteria in your gut may be overgrowing, “energy harvesting” and packing on extra pounds.

39:07 – Low Vitamin D levels? You gotta hear this.

47:25 – Dr. Ruscio prescribes some sun and supplementation to help keep you healthy.

Posted by UW Sean in wellness

Could a Gut Infection Be Causing Your Digestive Issues?

Guest Post by Jen Broyles

Digestive issues are all too common in today’s society.

In fact, 10-15% of the U.S. population has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects 2-3 million people in the US. These chronic symptoms of abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, and fatigue can be debilitating and extremely frustrating. I get it. I’ve been there, and I’m still recovering.

I spent years seeing numerous doctors and undergoing a plethora of tests only to be told there was nothing seriously wrong. I just had IBS, and I needed to manage my stress, drink more water, and eat more fiber.

Well, as many of you know, it’s just not that simple. In fact, many people with chronic GI issues or autoimmune conditions often have some type of gut infection. Unfortunately, conventional medicine fails to thoroughly test for these types of infections, and instead gives you medications to manage the symptoms.

Gut infections can include parasites, bacterial overgrowth, Candida (yeast overgrowth), and bacterial infections. All of these infections are extremely common and often overlooked. If you’ve been eating a very clean, real food diet such as Paleo, SCD, or GAPS, and you still don’t feel 100% better, then a gut infection is highly likely.

Infections will not go away with diet changes alone. It will require an herbal or pharmaceutical protocol along with a healthy diet to rid your body of an infection.