Call  020 7060 3181


Navigation

Posts Tagged ‘gut dysbiosis’

DNA Methylation Epigenetics

Posted on: No Comments

DNA Methylation Epigenetics

Are our genes making us fat? Do we inherit chronic skin conditions & hair loss? DNA Methylation Epigenetics Our DNA contains instructions for building all parts of our body. So, although genetic polymorphisms predispose us to developing a certain health condition, epigenetics or how our environment impacts our genes plays a larger role in the development of a chronic condition such as eczema. 1) 2)

  • The DNA in our bodies is wrapped around proteins called histones.
  • Both the DNA and histones are covered with chemical tags. This second layer or structure is called the Epigenome.
  • The epigenome shapes the physical structure of the genome. It tightly wraps inactive genes making them unreadable. It relaxes active genes making them easily accessible.
  • Different sets of genes are active in differential types.
  • The DNA code remains fixed for life but the epigenome is flexible.
  • Epigenetic tags react to signals from the outside world such as diet and stress. The epigenome dynamically responds to the environment. Stress, diet, behavior, toxins, and other factors regulate gene expression.
  • The epigenome adjusts specific genes in our genomic landscape that responds to our rapidly changing environment.
DNA methylation epigenetics

DNA methylation epigenetics

Our body is a system, an ecosystem where everything is connected. When that system is out of balance, diseases arises.

Nutrigenomics teaches us how to prevent, treat and reverse almost every chronic illness. Chronic disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, allergies, asthma, IBS, reflux, migraines, acne, low sex drive, fatigue and more.

Disease goes away as a side effect of getting healthy. When we treat the cause or causes with proper understanding of these processes that led to the disease, then we’re going to change. We won’t accept that simply living with certain conditions is acceptable.

Immune Modulation and Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammatory disorders such as eczema, acne and psoriasis – skin conditions – are characterised by a hyper responsive immune system.  10 key epigenetic factors must be addressed to regulate and better coordinate our immune response.

1.  Blood Sugar instability  Blood sugar imbalances cause immune dysfunction and malcoordination.  Stable blood sugar is critical for a healthy immune response.

2.  Low Vitamin D Levels Individuals with low vitamin D3 levels (below 40 ng/ml) are at significant risk for developing chronic inflammation and allergy-like conditions 3)

3.   Gut Dysbiosis  Unhealthy microbial imbalance in the gut microbiome leads to leaky gut syndrome and chronic inflammation 4) so we’ve got to address gut issues in order to get well.

4.   Mitochondrial Dysfunction  The mitochondria are the energy producing organelles in each cell of the body.  They are extremely key in the bodies ability to handle oxidative stress.  Dysfunction in the mitochondria leads to increased free radical and oxidative stress which creates immune alterations. Low Glutathione Levels. Glutathione is the major antioxidant within every cell of the body.  It’s critical for white blood cell (WBC) function as the WBCs encounter tremendous amounts of free radical and oxidative stress every second of the day. Low glutathione leads to chronic inflammation and often to auto-immunity 5).

6.  Methylation. Methylation is a key process that protects DNA, turns on and off genetic traits and helps to detoxify environmental chemicals.  Many of us individuals have certain genetic polymorphisms that limit their ability to appropriately methylate. Methylation plays a very important role in T cell function and poor methylation status is associated with the development of autoimmunity. Psoriasis is a T cell mediated inflammatory skin disease. 6)  Poor Omega 6:3 ratio  – the average person has significantly more omega 6 fats than omega 3 fats.  The increased omega 6 stimulate the release of pro-inflammatory mediating prostaglandin molecules.  This is a key factor in the development of chronic inflammation and skin related disorders 7).

Epigenetics

Epigenetics

7.  Environmental Toxins:  Exposure to high levels of infectious microbes, environmental chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, beauty, hygiene and other personal care products, heavy metals and biotoxins e.g. mold. These wear down our body’s glutathione levels, alter the gut microflora and increase inflammatory activity in the body (7, 8, 9).

8.  High Stress High mental and emotional stress increases stress hormone production. This changes our posture and the way we breathe, which in turn induces inflammatory activity within the body. Poor posture, breathing and musculoskeletal aches and pain that result can simulate chronic mental and emotional stressors 10)

9.  Lack of Sleep Poor quality sleep promotes immune dysfunction and increased inflammation throughout the body. Good sleeping habits and optimal melatonin secretion reduce inflammation and promote improved tissue healing 11).

10.  EMF Exposure  Electromagnetic frequency exposure has been shown to alter the function of the immune system. Also, its been shown to increase one’s susceptability to developing an auto-immune condition 12)

10 signs of SIBO

Posted on: No Comments

10 signs SIBO & difference between IBS and SIBO. The FODMAP diet and why it’s not for everybody. Most digestive problems like IBS are formed by lifestyle; our nutrition & our daily stress. Digestive complaints — constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating are very common.

The IBS diet

Most digestive problems like IBS and SIBO are formed by lifestyle; our nutrition and our daily stress. Digestive complaints — constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn and bloating are very common. SIBO can leave us feeling tired all the time. SIBO or IBS? (read on)…

We shouldn’t have to live with them though.

SIBO or IBS?

SIBO is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It’s often confused with IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome).
Dysbiosis is a microbial imbalance on or inside the body. 10 Signs of SIBO — read on…

FODMAP, GAPS paleolithic diet, pegan diet, sirtfoods, sugar free. What’s our take on these?

London Nutrition expert Susannah at The Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge and The Chelsea Private Clinic uses a functional approach. This can help identify between SIBO and IBS.

Digestive issues affect gut healthLondon naturopath and osteopath Susannah looks at total body wellness. Her gut health assessment links dysfunction to skin issues, stubborn belly fat, tiredness, low immunity, musculoskeletal pain, etc…
— How can you actually use this? —

SIBO test

SIBO test

10 signs of SIBO

1. Gas 2. Bloating 3. Diarrhoea 4. Abdominal pain or abdominal cramping 5. Constipation (much less common than diarrhoea) 6. Diagnosis of IBS or IBD irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease
7. Food intolerances such as
gluten
casein
lactose
fructose
and more
Can we get rid of food intolerance for good? Drop us a line. How can we help answer your food intolerance questions?
8. Chronic illnesses such as: fibromyalgia : chronic fatigue syndrome : diabetes : neuromuscular disorders
autoimmune disorders
9.  Nutrient deficiencies and their associated symptoms: Vitamin B12, A, D, E, iron, other B vitamins, fat, protein and carbohydrate malabsorption.
Carbohydrate intolerance-symptoms se.g. bloating or pain or gas or fatigue after eating.
Fat malabsorption.
10. Joint pain

SIBO test

SIBO Breath Test This is the gold standard. However, it’s quite cumbersome. Individuals must fast for 12 hours, breathe into a small balloon, ingest a precise amount of sugar and repeat breath samples every 15 minutes for 3 or more hours. Abnormal breath tests also can signify pancreatic insufficiency and celiac disease.

Organix Dysbiosis Test or Urine Organic Acid Test This functional medicine lab test the urine for by-products of yeast or bacteria in the small intestine. If your small intestine is housing a yeast or bacterial overgrowth, byproducts will appear in your urine, indicating their presence. This test is much easier for patients and only requires one single urine specimen. This is the test I use most often in my clinic.

Comprehensive Stool Test This is also a functional medicine lab test looking at the flora of the large intestines.

History By listening to our patient’s history and symptoms oftentimes, this can reveal far more than any test. The question is, can we make a diagnosis of SIBO in order to effectively treat it?


SIBO diet

The goals of treatment for SIBO and IBS are In The Four Phases.

PHASE 1) correct underlying cause PHASE 2) provide the 2 PHASE plan: nutrition support to target the cause 3) Nutritional support to treat side-effects of malabsorption 4) treat bacterial overgrowth


The standard treatment for SIBO is an antibiotic called Xifaxan or Rifaximin. You may be prescribed this by a prescribing physician as part of our clinic team. Because Xifaxan isn’t well absorbed throughout the body, it mostly stays in the gut. So, it’s effective against SIBO. The antibiotic – probiotic combination is carefully considered @ Susannah Makram Clinics. The right amount of probiotic is incorporated into your FOUR PHASE treatment.

Nutrient supplementation is only effective to target your primary health concern when administered in this supervised manner.

SIBO Diet

SIBO Diet

Sibo Treatment

So now you know the 10 signs of SIBO. Generally, it’s advised to adopt a long-term diet low in carbohydrates. Specifically, refined carbohydrates. HOWEVER, Candida overgrowth is more common in those susceptible to SIBO. So we may set ourselves up for more issues with low carbohydrate diets thus.

EAT DRINK TAKE MAKE for SIBO and IBS. What it is. Personalised nutrition in the 4) phases. What it’s not: a generic FODMAP Diet or the GAPS Diet – in fact it’s not a diet at all! Functional Nutrition with Susannah is designed to be effective by its practical nature that fits into your lifestyle as well as the specially designed methodical approach it takes to heal your gut.


Safe, clinical, practical and effective.


Call  020 7060 3181