probiotics Archives - Dr. Nikolas Hedberg, D.C.

How Your Gut Microbiota Affects Your Thyroid

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Thyroid August 16, 2019autoimmune thyroiditis, gut microbiota, Hashimoto's disease, hypothyroidism, iodine, iron, microbiome, probiotics, selenium, thyroid, zinc

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Your gut microbiota has an intimate connection with your thyroid including connections with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease. In this research review I’d like to cover a recent paper entitled, “Microbiota and Thyroid Interaction in Health and Disease” published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism by Eleonare Frohlich and Richard Wahl.

The authors begin by stating that the gut microbiota can act on thyroid function due to the region of where someones lives, their diet including iodine intake, obesity, age, sex hormones, and how autoimmunity can impact the microbiota. I was impressed to see them state that the gut microbiota is linked to autoimmune disease, estrogen, iodine, and obesity. Estrogen can be a key factor in Hashimoto’s disease and a healthy gut is required for optimal estrogen metabolism and excretion through the feces.

They also mention the connection between the gut and the liver in relation to thyroid hormone metabolism in both these organ systems. Your gut is key to properly absorbing and utilizing the thyroid medication that you’re taking and they mention this as well.

Dr. Michael Ruscio Interview

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion, The Dr. Hedberg Show June 28, 2018November 7, 2018Dr. Michael Ruscio, microbiome, microbiota, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, prebiotics, probiotics, SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

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In this episode of The Dr. Hedberg Show, I interview Dr. Michael Ruscio and we discuss non-celiac gluten sensitivity, prebiotics, probiotics, the microbiome, SIBO, FODMAPs and much more. You can read the transcript below.

Michael Ruscio is a doctor, clinical researcher and best-selling author whose practical ideas on healing chronic illness have made him an influential voice in functional and alternative medicine. His work has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals and he speaks at integrative medical conferences across the globe. Dr. Ruscio also runs an influential website and podcast at DrRuscio.com, in addition to his clinical practice located in northern California.

The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Jeff Moss

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Digestion February 9, 2018November 9, 2018Alzheimer's disease, anxiety and depression, Autism, autonomic nervous system, gut microflora, gut-brain axis, HPA axis, microbiome, microbiota, probiotics

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In this podcast, I discuss the gut-brain axis with Dr. Jeff Moss. This was a fascinating conversation about the latest research on the connection between gut microflora and it’s intimate connection to the brain and nervous system. We talk about this connection with neurotransmitter imbalances, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, gut healing strategies and much more.

How to Improve Digestion

Dr. Nikolas Hedberg Autoimmune Disease, Digestion, The Dr. Hedberg Show June 1, 2016November 14, 2018adrenal stress, Digestion, fatigue, food sensitivities, Graves disease, Hashimoto's disease, helicobacter pylori, hypothyroidism, leaky gut syndrome, probiotics

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“All disease begins in the gut.” –Hippocrates

Was Hippocrates right over 2,000 years ago? I would have to agree with him a majority of the time when it comes to chronic diseases. A healthy digestive system begins with excellent digestion so let’s go over some tips to help you improve your digestion. Firstly, I’d like to briefly cover the reason why your digestion may be out of balance.

What causes bad digestion?

Eating very quickly while on the run and not completely focusing on your meal will result in poor digestion. You must be in a parasympathetic dominant state which is your “rest and digest” branch of your nervous system. Many people are sympathetic dominant when they eat which is the “fight or flight” branch of your nervous system.

When your sympathetic nervous is revved up, your body produces adrenaline which takes blood away from your stomach and lowers stomach acid so you won’t digest food very well. Watching television, reading, texting, checking Facebook etc. while you’re eating will draw you out of your rest and digest state resulting in poor digestion. Read more