Food has long been linked to health and weight – you are what you eat as the saying goes. This, it turns out, is truer than we thought. What we eat affects our mood, energy level, sleep and even the bacteria and other necessary elements of our digestive tract collectively known as the gut microbiome. And what we’re putting into our mouths isn’t the only thing affecting our health. What’s already inside our digestive tracts is also integral to our overall wellness.
In our modern world, industrialization, soil depletion, monoculture, over farming, pollution, and a host of other factors have contributed to a loss of diversity in the vitamins, minerals, and other gut microbiome necessities. A recent UCLA study showed that fourteen bags of spinach in today’s marketplace contains the equivalent nutritional diversity of one bag when our grandmothers were growing up. One apple today offered only one twelfth of an apple from that bygone era as well. Essentially, the old adage should be “A dozen apples a day keeps the doctor away!”
Why does this matter? In one word – inflammation.
Making the connection to gut health
There has been a lot of focus and recent research to examine the connection between inflammation, chronic conditions, and the role of an unhealthy gut. The term “leaky gut” refers to an imbalance where the more than 4,000 square feet of intestinal lining develops cracks or holes in its otherwise tight barrier. The unhealthy gut lining allows microparticles normally kept inside the gut to be absorbed by the bloodstream.
Dr. Robin Rose has experienced first-hand how important gut health is. After spending 15 years as a double Board-certified physician in gastroenterology and internal medicine, and holding a masters in neuropsychology, Dr. Rose left traditional western medicine to augment her already impeccable credentials with a more holistic approach to patient care. Becoming a certified Functional Medicine practitioner, she founded Terrain Health in Ridgefield in 2020 for the purpose of taking a more comprehensive approach to her clients’ health, including lessening the effects of chronic inflammation.
“The reason I became a doctor in the first place was to connect with and heal people,” said Dr. Rose. “Our western medical system is great for acute care, it’s one of the best in the world, but it’s not great for chronic care or preventative care. We’re seeing people living longer but they’re sicker. We need to get to the root cause of chronic disease and that’s what Functional Medicine is focused on.”
Monica Marcello, RVNA Health’s registered dietitian and nutrition educator also acknowledges the role chronic, low-level inflammation plays in triggering disease in other body systems such as the endocrine, cardiovascular, and even neurological and reproductive centers.
“People typically search out the help of a dietitian when they are complaining of bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea or other digestive ailments,” said Marcello. “There are digestive systems that do not present with any symptoms but can still be improved in order to decrease the risk of many chronic conditions, while optimizing energy and mood. However, there are also unhealthy digestive systems with serious underlying conditions that require individualized attention.”
For most people who want to live a healthier life, feel better, have more energy or alleviate occasional stomach or bowel discomfort, a holistic approach to eating is a good starting place.
Both professionals say that a Mediterranean style diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, fermented foods such as kombucha and miso, as well as whole grains and fiber provide fuel for a healthy gut and are anti-inflammatory. However, both professionals caution that more serious gut ailments need more investigation.
Marcello also advises people to “start simple” like finding a fermented food you can easily incorporate into your diet. Cross Culture Kombucha in Danbury is one of her favorites. She also recommends incorporating extra virgin olive oil as an easy starting place. “The more pungent and spicier smelling the oil, the more antioxidants, and the better it is for you,” she added.
For Dr. Rose, her functional medicine practice service includes an initial consultation, extensive bloodwork, questionnaires and a complete physical health, mental health and life background report often taking an hour or more. She is truly able to get to know all aspects of her client’s health and spends hours following up, customizing treatment plans, and ensuring they are receiving follow-up according to their personalized health profiles.
With so much to still be researched and explored, Dr Rose is excited for the possibilities to come. She recently partnered with a company called Microgenesis to examine the role of the gut microbiome and inflammation on fertility in women, which showed a clear link between a customized plan of probiotics, nutraceuticals, and diet on a woman’s ability to conceive.
Looking to learn more? Visit RVNAhealth.org for a full rundown of their services or visit TerrainHealth.org to find out more about Functional Medicine and Dr Robin Rose. •
