The microbiome is a topic that I feel has gained considerable momentum in the past decade in its importance and function. There are infinite resources and YouTube videos with many that sound like echoes of each other. I will share my views on it. The trillions of bacteria are not only a huge part of the immune system that oversees proper digestion and immune defense, but they are also a reflection of you. The way a person eats, sleeps, exercises, and manages stress in their life will modulate the microbiome either for good or bad. There are many studies that have collaborated what I just stated. I urge my readers to stop and consider these fundamental areas that we can control in choosing a deliberate lifestyle that impacts our microbiomes positively. One exception that can make this challenging is a life that has experienced high amounts of stress that may not be the person’s own doing. But I believe unforeseen circumstances can be managed with an appropriate response. Another cause is gut dysbiosis due to long-term unbeneficial diet, antibiotic use, poor nutrition, or a pathogen that is causing chronic inflammation. I’m not stating that having all these puzzle pieces in place will guarantee a perfect gut, or resolve chronic illness, but I do believe it’s essential for the person who is determined to one day overcome it.

Supplemental probiotics is one of the first common natural approaches to improve gut health. I tried various probiotic brands in all kinds of doses and strains consistently for the first six years after being diagnosed. Most of what I read online stated that the causes of IBD were related to gut bacteria and the lack of a healthy microbiome, so I decided to make some changes and gave it my all.

I documented my experiences to try and narrow down any distinct positive changes or brands that stood out from the rest. Unfortunately, the results were not consistent sometimes I felt a little better it seemed and other times it was not effective. I later found out that many companies don’t have strict regulations that ensure the probiotics are alive when taken. My awesome Gastroenterologist informed me about a company called Metagenics that offers pharmaceutical grade probiotics. Their products are tested with high standards and lab transparency and can only be ordered through a health care provider. I tried these probiotics over the course of about a year. I can say that out of all the ones I tried, these appeared to be the best in helping me with minor alleviation.

My hope in these early years was that after consuming trillions of probiotics the numbers in my gut would come into balance and the battle would finally end. It was wishful thinking but of course fell short of a successful outcome. I have never experienced probiotics of any strain or dosages to stop a flare once it was set in motion, nor did any form of fermented food. I was really hoping that the sauerkraut, kefir, or yogurt would be helpful but they only aggravated my symptoms. I can say in good conscience that I gave it a fair shot so there wouldn’t be any thoughts down the road of reconsideration.

The microbiome is without question a very real and necessary piece of the puzzle when dealing with autoimmune gut health. However, it is more complex than constant intake of probiotics and prebiotics. Countless people have tried incorporating them diligently and did not find the results they were hoping for. If gut dysbiosis is the cause of symptoms it might be possible to reverse it with the right diet and probiotic protocol, but each case is different. I speak on this subject not only from personal experience but also from interacting with many people who have similar struggles.

Something that I learned about four years ago was that probiotic pills can’t alter and colonize the microbiome permanently. It is more of a temporary relief in targeting mostly mild GI symptoms. This was made known to me after watching a video with leading experts at the Aspen Institute discussing the microbiome and emerging therapies for gut health. Once a person stops taking probiotic pills the gut will default to its previous state in a short period of time. A study on this topic can be viewed on the link below.

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)31102-4

One day my Gastroenterologist mentioned to me that there is a unique test he can order that is out of pocket but will provide new insight for my health. This uncommon but worthwhile test is called a GI-Mapping panel. This will show you a snapshot of your microbiome in detail and indicate what responses may or may not be needed. Not all microbiome tests are created equal, and based on some research I’ve found some to be rather limited and not all that helpful.

Diagnostic Solutions is the company my doctor spoke of regarding the GI-Map Panel. I ended up taking four GI-Maps over the course of a year and a half. This is because there was a very antibiotic-resistant bacteria that was detected called fusobacterium, which is known to cause auto-immune inflammation and colon cancer. It took time and different approaches to kill this bacteria because it conceals itself within cells and creates biofilms. It was eventually killed through high vitamin D dose therapy. I would never have known it was there if it wasn’t for this testing. This dangerous strain along with several others on the GI-Map are not screened for in common labs that check for pathogenic bacteria.

I also learned that the balance of various bacteria strains present on my tests were not that bad at all. The changes I did make were temporary diet modifications and were enough to alter the microbiome in my favor. For about five years of remission, I haven’t purchased any probiotics because I know I don’t need them. Looking back I don’t regret all the money that was spent on probiotics. I learned a lot about the fascinating bacterial functions that are involved in immune regulation, digestion, and the impact of an imbalanced microbiome.

One more form of alternative therapy had been ruled out in my search for natural remission. This would bring me closer to something that would yield the results I was looking for. I believe that an intentional diet and healthy lifestyle will have a long-term effect on the gut without question. My summary for this post is to not neglect the microbiome because it will impact you both physically and mentally. Gain the factual data for yourself in deciding what is the best approach and the order in which they should be implemented.

Wishing all of you a healthy gut and lifestyle!