Take Care of Your "Second Brain"

"Nowhere in medical school was I taught about bacterial health in the gut. Yes, I was taught about severe gut issues such as C.difficile, which can cause life-threatening diarrhea. But I was not taught the importance of maintaining healthy gut bacteria. In fact, I don't recall any mention of it at all.

"But I can assure you that ensuring optimal gut bacteria is one of the most important things I do for my patients.

"The gut encompasses the largest portion of the body's Immune System. If that system is not working correctly, it's impossible to feel well.

"Indeed, the gut is frequently referred to as the "second brain" because it is the site of the enteric nervous system (including the brain), the enteric nervous system sends and receives nerve impulses and responds to emotions. The same hormones and neurotransmitters that drive brain function also are essential for optimal gut function.

"The gut and the central nervous system also communicate with one another. This means that problems in the gastrointestinal system can cause issues in the brain, and problems in the brain will be reflected in the intestines."

With this info you can see why it is important to manage your stress levels and to keep your intestinal bacteria and your digestive juices in balance.

Dr. Amy Lee, a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician and Bariatric Physicialn, suggests that you add these to your daily routine to get maximal digestive health.

1. Digestive Enzymes (Amalase (sugars/starches),

Lipase (fats), Bromelian (protein)

2. Good Probiotic, promotes good bacteria

3. EGCG, metabolic booster

4. Caralluma Fimbriate, reduces appetite

Dr. Lee also says you should NEVER eat these 3 things:

1. Yogurt; too much sugar not enough good

multidopholus strains

2. High Frustose Corn Syrup, 8X more addictive than

cocaine, makes you want to eat more

3. Olestra/Olean, very toxic to the body, in many "fat

free" foods