The body is not simply a collection of separate tissues or organ systems living together encased within our skin, rather its one whole intricate system that’s functioning together and ultimately impacting on one another – when in a state of desired balance (aka homeostasis) and also when we are out of balance, which may manifest as disease. This is certainly true when considering our gut health as its shown to have a direct link to our immune system, brain function, metabolism, energy and hormonal health.
“All disease begins in the gut” – Hippocrates 400BC
Imbalances within our gut not only influences our digestion which may lead to bloating, cramping, changes to bowels, pain, and nausea but also can disrupt the intricate hormonal dance within our body. This can lead to menstrual irregularities, conditions like endometriosis and PMS. But for many of us, we might not consider the impact that the state of our gut can have on our endocrine or hormonal system. For many women who are struggling with hormonal imbalances, or conditions like PCOS or endometriosis it’s not a common consideration to treat the gut to get things back into balance. Yet, the key to balanced, humming hormones is, in fact, a healthy gut as they are so closely connected.
Our gut is responsible for digesting and absorbing nutrients from our foods, it’s also where the majority of our immune system resides. It is also involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and energy production. Hormone production, detoxification, and elimination also take place here, highlighting even more just how closely connected these systems are.
What is Leaky Gut
Have you heard of leaky gut? This is basically when there is inflammation within the gut lining that results in large openings of our tight junctions that lie between our intestinal cells. These tight junctions are normally held together like Lego pieces to prevent toxins, food, and microbes from passing through and ‘leaking’ into our system. Normally, food and its nutrients are filtered through the cells and do not go between them, which is important considering that 60% of our immune system is right under the one-cell-thick lining of our intestinal tract. If foreign foods, toxins, and microbes are able to get through these large inflamed gaps they can trigger an immune response and activate a whole host of inflammatory cytokines, which can be the beginning of disease. Not to mention anything that is able to then enter our system can then get into our bloodstreams and travel around the body, even to the brain, causing neuroinflammation – more bad news.
With a leaky gut, excess estrogen is not excreted as it should be and the residual hormone can re-enter the system, back into circulation which can create estrogen dominance. This can result in higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of progesterone. Estrogen dominance is linked with breast cancer, endometriosis and symptoms of PMS like irritability, breast tenderness, constipation and fluid retention.
Introducing the Estrobolome
Within our colon, a section of our intestines is where we find a large number of microbes, yeast, parasites, fungi, and bacteria living. This is known as our microbiome and it’s a crucial element to having vitality and health. What we have recently learned is that within the microbiome we also have an estrobolome. This is a subset of bacteria within the microbiome that help to metabolise estrogens and reduce the levels of harmful estrogen, the ones that are responsible for thyroid cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and uterine cancer. People with a leaky gut more often than not have a poorly functioning estrobolome.
Effects on Thyroid Hormones
Also happening within the gut is the conversion of thyroid hormones T4 (inactive) into T3 (active form). This action can be compromised with cases of poor gut function, thus impacting on thyroid health which can then manifest with a whole host of symptoms from fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin or the opposite with excessive heat, weight loss, heart palpitations and anxiety.
Effects on Neurotransmitters
As we know, neurotransmitter synthesis occurs within the gut with up to 97% of our serotonin being produced in the gut. Serotonin is often referred to as our happy hormone, but that statement alone is quite limiting in terms of what this chemical is responsible for. Serotonin is also needed to promote bowel motility. With low levels of serotonin, constipation can occur, meaning that estrogens that are to be passed through and eliminated remain within our system, stagnated and contributing to estrogen dominance.
Effects on Hunger Hormones
Imbalances with gut flora can also influence insulin levels, with new research showing us that imbalances within the microbiome and/or leaky gut can drive up insulin levels and lead to increased production of androgens. Not to mention that with inflammation present in the gut, the bacteria that thrive in this environment are also those that can influence levels of ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (satiety hormone). This can result in an increased appetite, overeating, influence what foods you crave and even change your taste receptors.
Effects on Stress Hormones
With leaky gut, cortisol levels can also be increased meaning that your stress response is impaired. High cortisol can lead to increased visceral fat and predispose you to chronic metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
What You Can Do
Supporting your gut can be done easily through dietary applications and some simple lifestyle changes.
• Fibre is a crucial element in supporting the health of the microbiome. Be sure to get adequate and varied forms of fibre in the diet from plant sources (think vegetables, nuts, seeds and pseudo-grains like quinoa, buckwheat, and millet). Certain fibres act as prebiotics and are a food source for the gut bugs living within the colon. Fibre also helps to keep bowels moving regularly, to ensure that excess hormones are being eliminated.
• Keep inflammation down by avoiding gluten-containing grains, sugar and any other foods that you may have an intolerance or allergy to. Including spices like turmeric and drinking bone broth can also help to heal damage to your stomach lining.
• Include fermented foods and drinks to further support your microbial population, things like kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yoghurt.
• Support the liver to detoxify excess hormones by including cruciferous vegetables in the diet. These include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, asparagus, and kale. Other foods and herbs like parsley, turmeric, green tea, garlic, and onions also support the liver to detoxify.
For further support of your gut, your hormones & your health it's always best to work with a qualified practitioner that can give you the appropriate and individualised treatment that you may need. To learn more about how I can support you, get in touch