Restoring Balance and Harmony to the Gut Microbiome
Gerard Mullin, MD & Liz Lipski, PhD, CCN, CNS, CHN
Format: Video of Slides

There is an ongoing resurgence of interest in the role of gut microbiota (flora)-host interactions in health and disease. The gut microbiota are a hidden metabolic organ of bacteria biomass that influence a number of important metabolic functions that are not conducted by the host. Research on the gut microbiome indicates that it regulates metabolism and cell signaling, directs the development and regulation of the gut, maintains gut integrity, promotes detoxification and helps with digestion of food. Dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance in the composition of the gut microflora that can lead to ill health. We live in a world out of balance and our diet and lifestyles have led to an epidemic of dysbiosis. Traditionally, people kept the digestive system in balance by eating cultured and fermented foods. This session will focus on the role of the microbiome in health and disease. Participants will learn about the healthy microbiome, the consequences of dysbiosis and how to reestablish it when out of balance using a functional medicine 5R's approach emphasizing the role of food as medicine. Topics to be covered in depth include an overview of dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, probiotics, and prebiotics. The session will also include a cooking demonstration of cultured and fermented foods. This will include: sauerkraut, half-sour dill pickles, yogurt, and kefir. Making gut healing foods is simple and effective and something that can be easily taught and incorporated in our own lives and in our patient's lives.