24 Tweets 41 reads Feb 20, 2023
How to Repair Your Gut
THREAD
Disclaimer: This is NOT medical advice. I am NOT a doctor. Always consult with a qualified physician before starting any health regimen or taking any dietary supplement, herb, or drug. Research all supplements, herbs, or other interventions before using.
It's impossible to be in optimal health without a healthy gut
Gut issues can cause or contribute to:
- chronic fatigue
- autoimmune disease
- hormonal dysregulation
- psychiatric/neurological disorders
- cardiovascular disease
- & many more
This thread will touch on:
- possible root causes
- diagnostic testing
- elimination diet
- anti-microbial regimen
- microbiome revitalization
Note that the optimal treatment will vary for each individual depending on their diagnostic testing results & health profile
0) BACKGROUND ON GUT ISSUES
Most "gut issues" are some combo of:
- SIBO
- Candida
- Parasites
- Intestinal permeability ("leaky gut")
- Insufficient digestive horsepower
There is significant interplay between these and usually more than 1 is present
1) DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Sometimes it's possible to identify the issue via symptoms though this isn't always accurate
If you can narrow it down, consider getting one of the cheaper condition-specific tests to confirm
White tongue = candida
If you have no idea, the Genova Diagnostics GI Effects Comprehensive profile is the gold standard for overall gut health
Less expensive tests include (but are not limited to):
SIBO:
- Hydrogen/methane breath tests
CANDIDA:
- Candida Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM)
PARASITES:
- Genova Parasite Add-On
LEAKY GUT:
- Lactuose/mannitol (urine)
- Antigenic permeability screen
LOW STOMACH ACID:
- Heidelberg test
- Chloride blood test
2) TEMPORARY ELIMINATION DIET
REMOVE:
- Soy, corn, grains/oats, gluten/gliadin
- Dairy
- Added sugars & artificial sweeteners
- Artificial & "natural" flavors
- Legumes, nuts, & seeds
- Seed/vegetable oils
- Alcohol
- Tap water
REDUCE:
- Coffee
- Nicotine
- Blue light
Other key points:
- Avoid non-organic foods (esp GMO)
- Opt for low FODMAP fruits & veg
- Severe cases may require carnivore
- Increase sun & red light exposure
Keep a log of all food intake and corresponding symptoms and remove additional foods/ingredients as needed
3) DIGESTIVE HORSEPOWER
Some gut issues can actually be caused by low stomach acid or digestive enzyme insufficiency, which means:
- suboptimal food breakdown
- poor nutrient absorption
- pathogen overgrowth
This is especially relevant if you've ever had reflux issues
Solution: Betaine HCL & Digestive Enzymes
The following may also be helpful:
- Thorne BioGest
- Digestive Bitters
- Pepsin
Use carefully and research prior to use
Take before eating
4) FIX LEAKY GUT
The elimination diet will reduce inflammatory triggers and allow our intestinal lining to heal
To expedite this process, we can add
- 5-10g L-Glutamine (1-2 weeks max) or Kettle & Fire bone broth daily
Use caution when using L-Glutamine (ammonia production)
- 1.2 to 2.4g Butyric Acid as Sodium Butyrate
- 3.0g Goat milk colostrum
Note that goat milk is generally much easier to digest than cow's milk
If you react poorly to colostrum, remove it or try taking it with digestive enzymes
The following herbs are also helpful for leaky gut:
- Slippery elm bark
- Marshmallow root
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root
- Aloe vera (preferably in juice form)
There's a product called DGL Plus with all of these
Organic Throat Coat tea also contains most of these
Highly recommended adhering to the elimination diet & leaky gut protocol for 2+ weeks before starting any anti-microbial protocol
Also recommend working with a skilled practioner for these next steps, which aren't always necessary
Diet + leaky gut repair often does the trick
4) ANTI-MICROBIAL REGIMEN
This regimen will vary by situation
Make sure your selections are geared toward the right pathogens
Recommend 3+ anti-microbials
Binders like bentonite clay or zeolite may also helpful depending on your situation
Additional Notes:
In extreme scenarios, ivermectin & LL-37 may help but work with a doctor
Check for interactions b/t each agent and existing agents/conditions
The pathogen "die-off" may cause flu-like symptoms
Be strategic in your selections based on pathogen type
5) REPOPULATE MICROBIOME
Generally, the anti-microbial protocol is ~4 weeks with occassional "off days" but this can vary
You'll need to repopulate the microbiome during and after your anti-microbial regimen
That said, I'd be cautious with probiotic agents if SIBO is present
You can start probiotics during anti-microbial regimen
Choose at least 2:
- Seed Probiotic
- Visbiome VSL #3
- Goat Kefir (minimal lactose if any)
- Caprobiotics
- Thorne Floramend
For candida, Saccharomyces boulardii is especially helpful
My favs: Seed, Visbiome, & Kefir
Seed is very intentional about the strains they've included and has research suggesting it can reach the right parts of the gut
Visbiome is extremely well-respected and has tons of clinical trial data supporting efficacy
I would refrigerate even if it doesn't come that way
Note: Don't take probiotic agents at the same exact time of day as the anti-microbials; space out intake
For SIBO especially, consider targeted supplementation with:
- magnesium
- thiamine in the form of TTFD
- sublingual methyl B12
6) FOLLOW NOOTBRO
The visual version of this will be live on my new instagram: @nootbro
First substack email is going out tonight
nootbro.substack.com
Any questions? Feel free to reply to this thread
Also open to suggestions for the next thread
Lastly, I'd love a RT if you found this helpful!

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