Pain, hardship, and personal challenges can be profound motivators and teachers.
My son’s cancer diagnosis has been the most motivator I’ve ever faced. It’s been the catalyst for all the work I’ve put out.
Numerous mentors and partners have stories of triumph over adversity- Jordan Rubin is a prime example.
Jordan once had Crohn’s disease, a chronic illness resulting in gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation. He was confronted with a difficult choice: undergo surgery to remove his entire intestines and a terrible quality of life or face certain death.
Thrust into such a bleak predicament, Jordan embarked on a transformative health journey that has had profound ramifications chronicled in his best-selling book, The Maker’s Diet. As the co-founder of Ancient Nutrition alongside Dr. Josh Axe, Jordan attributes his revitalization to the remediation of his gut health.
Our understanding of the gut microbiome has significantly evolved. We’re gaining insights into the types of bacteria and fungi in our intestines and the health of our intestinal walls. The concept of a ‘leaky gut’ was derided not long ago. However, we have moved beyond that stage of disbelief.
Frankly, my experience with probiotics leads me to conclude that the bacteria in Just Thrive is the superior supplement to all others I’ve tried. I have witnessed its life-changing benefits.
Comparing Just Thrive and Ancient Nutrition probiotics reveals many similarities. Both are based on spore-forming organisms, specifically the Bacillus family. While Just Thrive adopts a pharmaceutical model, focusing on specific strains and top-notch research.
Ancient Nutrition probiotics differentiate themselves by including herbs in unique formulas tailored to various needs, such as men’s, women’s, clarity, immune, etc.
The significance of spore-forming bacteria (SBO) probiotics cannot be overstated, and don’t have the adverse histamine effects of other probiotics. [1] They are noted for their remarkable survivability. Most probiotics are unable to survive stomach acid. SBOs circumvent this problem with their ‘armadillo-like’ protective shells, allowing them to reach the gut and start working.
And they truly work wonders. The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, significantly influencing our health. When this microbial balance is disturbed – by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a decrease in beneficial ones – it can lead to gastrointestinal complications.
Supplementing SBO probiotics, especially Bacillus species, can bolster the population of beneficial microbes. In addition, bacillus species can effectively colonize the gut because they are resilient against harsh conditions like stomach acid and bile salts. As a result, these probiotics foster a diverse and robust gut microbiome, leading to several positive outcomes.
A varied gut microbiome supports improved digestion. Beneficial bacteria aid in breaking down complex carbohydrates, fibers, and other indigestible compounds that our bodies cannot process independently. By producing enzymes that decompose these substances, SBO probiotics enhance digestion efficiency, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and utilization.
SBO probiotics promote better nutrient absorption.They aid in digesting food components that might remain undigested. Doing so releases essential nutrients and micronutrients for the body to absorb and utilize.
A diverse gut microbiome, nurtured by SBO probiotics, plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. The gut is a primary site for immune activity, and a balanced gut microbiota helps regulate immune responses. Beneficial bacteria foster anti-inflammatory compound production, maintain gut barrier integrity, and inhibit the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. By influencing the immune system, SBO probiotics can mitigate the risk of inflammation, allergies, and other immune-related disorders.
Intestinal permeability refers to how substances inside the intestines, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients, can permeate the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. The term “leaky gut” refers to a condition characterized by increased intestinal permeability. This occurs when the small intestine’s lining becomes compromised, allowing undigested food particles, toxic waste products, and bacteria to seep through the intestines and into the bloodstream. The potential causes of this condition are multifaceted and can often be related to lifestyle factors.
Diet, for instance, plays a crucial role. Regular consumption of refined sugars, processed foods, and alcohol can incite inflammation and disrupt the gut’s bacterial balance, contributing to increased intestinal permeability. Chronic stress is another contributing factor that can negatively impact various aspects of health, including gut health. It can trigger inflammation and disturb the gut microbiota, both conditions facilitating a leaky gut.
Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can harm the intestinal lining, increasing intestinal permeability. Some autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, are also associated with a heightened risk of developing a leaky gut. In addition, specific medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics, can damage the gut lining and increase permeability.
Excessive alcohol consumption, which can provoke inflammation in the intestines and injure the gut lining, is another potential cause. Similarly, conditions like small intestine bal overgrowth (SIBO), which involves excessive bacteria in the small intestine, can damage the intestinal lining and precipitate a leaky gut. Nutrient deficiencies, such as those in vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc, can compromise the integrity of the gut lining, increasing its permeability.
This is a significant contributing factor to autoimmune conditions. In these circumstances, the body detects foreign substances in the blood that shouldn’t be there and reacts aggressively, leading to a heightened immune response.
This a huge topic and a lot of variables.
This is part of the magic of collagen. The main benefit of collagen for a leaky gut is its ability to repair your gut’s delicate intestinal lining. Your gut lining comprises a single layer of cells held together by tight junctions that regulate what passes through your gut lining into your bloodstream.
The body’s collagen production typically starts to slow down after age 30. Supplementing and consuming bone broth are great options for getting a boost.
I view collagen more as a nutrient, a food more than a supplement. It’s a part of my family’s daily routine, along with SBO probiotics. I will follow up with a deeper dive article on collagen.
The personal journeys of many have come together to give hope, solutions to a better quality of life. Finding the positive in the adversity is the only way I know to justify the pain.
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