By Dr. Alexandra Shustina, DO

In today’s times, food for many people has become the root of many diseases. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is inflammatory, nutritionally poor, and toxic. Many illnesses are triggered by an improper diet, and chronic disease is on the rise.

Food is the fuel we put in our bodies. It is not merely calories in and out. Food is intelligent communication, which we need to survive and thrive. It would make perfect sense that if we replaced proper gasoline with a junky fluid, our cars would not run. Why is it so hard to believe that if we put junk in our bodies, our bodies would break down? Many people do not make the proper connection because the adverse effects are not felt immediately and may often be delayed. This gap in time between eating a toxic food and its adverse effects is a testament to the resiliency of the body. The body is so incredibly resilient that no man-made technology can match it. Over time, with persistent toxicity, the body will be depleted, and disease can ensue.

Food can and should be medicine. According to Maimonides, food should be our first tool in treating disease. The nutrients found in food are the strongest medications. The digestive tract is one of the entry points of the body and a center where the breakdown of food and nutrients takes place.
It is also a processing center for other bodily functions. A large part of our immune system is located in the gut. The good bugs in our intestines, collectively called the “Gut Microbiota,” interact and balance the immune system. Many chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are made in the gut.
The gut is so central to the body that gut health = total body health.

In my recent eBook, ‘Good Gut Feeling’ you can discover the power to transform your health with exclusive personal recipes that I make for my family to keep their guts healthy.
Our gut is often referred to as our ‘second brain’ due to the significant impact it has on our overall health and well-being. This is why it is so important to take care of our gut, not just from a nutritional standpoint but from a holistic perspective as well. In this blog, we will explore the concept of ‘good gut feeling’ and how it relates to holistic medicine from an integrative holistic gastroenterology perspective.

Integrative Holistic Gastroenterology is a branch of medicine that combines traditional gastroenterology with holistic and complementary therapies. The goal of integrative holistic gastroenterology is to provide a more comprehensive approach to digestive health by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of gastrointestinal disorders.
When we talk about ‘good gut feeling,’ we are referring to the sense of well-being that comes from having a healthy gut. A healthy gut is one that is balanced, has a diverse and thriving population of gut bacteria, and is able to efficiently digest and absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. When our gut is healthy, we feel energized, focused, and generally happy.

One of the key ways to achieve a healthy gut is through diet. A diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can help to support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut. Additionally, consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, can help populate the gut with beneficial bacteria.
However, diet is just one aspect of gut health. Stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins can all have a negative impact on gut health. This is where holistic medicine and integrative holistic gastroenterology come in.

Holistic medicine offers a variety of therapies and treatments that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. These include acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga. By reducing stress, we can help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which is a common factor in many gastrointestinal disorders.
Integrative holistic gastroenterology also offers a range of treatments that can help improve gut health. These include herbal remedies, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Additionally, integrative holistic gastroenterology practitioners may recommend lifestyle changes, such as getting more sleep or reducing exposure to toxins, to help support gut health.

One of the most exciting areas of research in gut health is the connection between the gut and the brain. The gut and the brain are connected through a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters known as the gut-brain axis. This connection means that the health of our gut can have a significant impact on our mood and mental health.
Studies have shown that people with gastrointestinal disorders are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Additionally, people with depression and anxiety are more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms. This suggests that there is a strong connection between the gut and the brain.
By taking a holistic approach to gut health, we can help improve both our physical and mental well-being. This approach involves treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just the physical symptoms of a particular illness.

In conclusion, a ‘good gut feeling’ is more than just a feeling. It is a state of health and well-being that is achieved through a holistic approach to digestive health. Holistic medicine and integrative holistic gastroenterology offer a range of treatments and therapies that can help support gut health and improve overall well-being.

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