14. The Body Is a Garden
Video Version
Audio Version
Timestamps
3:15 - The Microbiomes
5:00 - The Gut Brain
6:00 - Types of Microorganisms
7:15 - The Gut and the Immune System
9:00 - Becoming a Poor Host to Disease
11:45 - How to be Healthy
14:00 - Food and the Microbiome
21:30 - What Goes Wrong
26:00 - Improving Gut Health
35:00 - Theology and the Microbiome
Catch up on previous episodes in this series:
The Intelligence of the Body -
https://www.awakencatholic.org/physically-spiritual/the-intelligence-of-the-body
Every Cell Remembers (Epigenetics) -
https://www.awakencatholic.org/physically-spiritual/every-cell-remembers
The Tiger in Your Inbox (Polyvagal Theory) -
https://www.awakencatholic.org/physically-spiritual/the-tiger-in-your-inbox
Show Notes
Microbiomes = The colonies of microorganisms that take up residence throughout the human body.
The Enteric Nervous System = the mesh-like system of neurons that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract and is part of the autonomic nervous system.
Categories of Microorganisms
Symbiotic = Microorganisms that are helpful.
Commensal = Microorganisms that do not have a direct positive effect, but fill space preventing parasitic organisms from populating the gut.
Parasitic = Microorganisms that are harmful
The gut microbiota affect cravings -
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-gut-bacteria-tell-their-hosts-what-to-eat/
The gut and the immune system -
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181218123123.htm
ERROR - At 8:30 I mistakenly identified Oxytocin as a chemical that is created in the gut microbiome. While there is some evidence that the microbiome has an effect on Oxytocin (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0074774216301180), I am not aware of evidence that it is produced in the microbiome.
Serotonin is the chemical that is largely produced by the gut -
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/292693
“Is what I am doing compatible with what my body expects? [...] There are certain conditions that brought the human body to be what it is. If we are living in a way that is compatible with what our body expects, our body flourishes. If we live in a way that is incompatible with what our body expects, then it produces disease.”
Phytochemicals = chemicals originating in plants that are not essential nutrients but
Probiotics - Food or supplements that add symbiotic bacteria to the microbiome
Prebiotics - Food that feeds and promotes the growth of the symbiotic and commensal microbes
Examples of Problems
Dysbiosis = microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body
Yeast (Commonly Candida) Overgrowth =
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/candida-symptoms-treatment
Autobrewers Syndrome = https://www.healthline.com/health/auto-brewery-syndrom
SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) - https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/sibo-overview-what-is-it
How to Improve Gut Health
Eat whole, natural foods
Consume pre and probiotics
Sleep a lot and well
Exercise regularly
Manage and limit stress
“The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2415.
Continue Reading - https://www.becominggift.com/post/body-sin
