Even your Gut may need a good clean out this Spring time! In fact, seasonal changes in our lifestyle, metabolism and microbiome can lead to dramatic differences in our digestive health. From nutritional support to anti-inflammatory healing, an integrative approach can get things back on track.

The digestive tract truly is the cornerstone to our health. The large surface area provides a barrier to a contained environment that manages exposures to food, chemicals, and infection. To shield from these potential threats, the gut is well equipped. The gut houses more than two thirds of our immune cells, operates with a nervous system of its own (known as the enteric nervous system or the second brain) and is home to trillions of bacteria that make up our microbiome (referred to as the second genome).

The microbiome’s diversity is shaped from our very beginning. An infant born vaginally has been shown to have a more robust microbiome than if birthed by c-section, which then provides protection from common infant illnesses including eczema, allergies and asthma. Throughout our lifespan, the microbiome continues to shift under the influences of diet, stress, activity, exposures, infection, travel and anti-biotic use. It is thought that a one week course of anti-biotics can alter the gut flora for over two years. The shifting microbiome plays an important role in shaping our health, risk of disease and aging. Dysbiosis, the overgrowth of bad bugs is linked with auto-immunity, cardiac disease, mental health disorders and obesity.

The gut brain, or the enteric nervous system, plays an important role in orchestrating the intricate processes involved with digestion, absorption and elimination. The only organ to have a brain of its own, the gut has a complex circuitry of neurons within the enteric nervous system connecting the gut sensing cells to the brain through the autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These two neuro-hormonal systems allow the brain to control digestion through fight-flight reflexes and stress hormones. The complex gut brain controls all the workings of our inner tube and monitors the status of our microbiota sending bi-directional messages from our gut bugs to our brain. It is now clear, that gut bugs can influence our behavior and mood through “gut feelings” transmitted from the gut to the brain. It is likely that one day soon we will harness the power of the gut bugs and mediators of mood and behavior through the potential future use of psychobiotics, single strain brain-active probiotic substances.

The process of rebalancing the gut may require removal of inflammatory triggers or infection, restoration of gut motility and function, replacement of deficient nutrients or enzymes, repopulating the microbiome and rebalancing brain-gut signals. From diet to yoga, there is much that can be done to heal thy gut and transform your health and aging. We provide a five step plan “The 5R Gut Program”;

REMOVE
Removal of inflammatory agents such as antigenic, allergic and inflammatory foods. Through comprehensive functional testing, food allergies, sensitivities and food mediated disease can be assessed.

RESTORE
From acid balance to optimal motility, the gut remains in a delicate balance that can be restored with proper care and nutrition. Lengthened transit time can lead to constipation and overgrowth of bad bags. We recommend clinical testing and where appropriate rotational elimination diets.

REPLACE
Replacing key micronutrient and enzymatic deficiencies will help ensure proper metabolism. Through comprehensive testing and discussion on goals, micronutrients can be worked into a wellness plan

REPOPULATE
The gut bugs comprising the second genome play a large part in our health and aging. Integrating fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut and miso, perhaps with a store bought probiotic can help you get on track to restore the microbiotic balance of the gut ecosystem.

REBALANCE
Intricate connections of the gut brain to the master brain, underlie the stress-gut link. For optimal digestive health, there is a need to also heal thyself. Stress management, meditation, yoga, deep breathing are rebalancing practices that can help regulate mood and gut health.

With this FIVE “R” approach to a healthier, more vibrant gut, it is possible to super-charge your digestion and your health! So Springtime or not, this gut clean out will keep you and the gut garden in bloom! Happy gut, happy you!

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM

With Valentine’s day soon approaching comes the question; what is the fix to a languishing libido? In contrast to the myriad of over two dozen approved medical treatments for sexual dysfunction in men, not one medical treatment has been approved for use in women. While this disparity may appear comparable to the gender inequities that exist for women throughout society, solutions for women’s sexual health problems may be more elusive than for men due to the very nature of the problem.

Sexual health problems affect women more than men but remain largely under-recognized. Lack of desire, or hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is the most common form of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). With loss of libido, women are more prone to mood problems and relationship discordance. But how do you treat what can’t be measured? Unlike erectile dysfunction in men, libido is not as easily quantified. Furthermore, the multitude of factors that contribute to sexual desire makes a “magic bullet” solution improbable. For women, sexuality is affected by the level of stress, fatigue, hormones, mood, self-esteem, body perception, vaginal health as well as intimacy. And so, a top to bottom approach starts with rebooting the sexual brain.

To be more sexual, first requires being more present. Forever the multi-taskers, women tend to be less able than men to set aside their worries and the endless mental “to-do”list” and simply be in the moment. To be sexual we must think sexually too. Clearing your mental slate prior to sex, can allow a more mindful experience. Sex is experienced through our senses and our senses are key to our sexuality. Through scent, taste and touch signals are sent to our brain that influence mating, libido, and orgasm. Being sexual then is also about being sensual. The question of pheromones has long tied our noses to our lust. Animals, plants and even bacteria release chemical signals to attract mates. While no obvious pheromone signal has yet been found in humans, new research is revealing that a signature of chemo-signals released from our bodies may subliminally sway potential partnerings and social relationships. Differences in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a set of important immune system genes, imprints us with a unique “odourprint”. It is thought that our “odourprints” play a role in attracting a mate with an unlike MHC. This pairing yields an evolutionary advantage with offspring having a more diverse and more robust immune system.

Our taste buds can send sexual signals too. Aphrodisiacs are substances that increase sexual desire. Chocolate, long considered an aphrodisiac, contains three psychoactive chemicals; anandamide a feel good chemical, PEA (phelethylamine) a love chemical which releases dopamine in the pleasure centre of the brain and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin which helps lift mood. The Aztecs called avocado ahuacuati the “testicle tree” and coveted them for their sexual enhancing effects. Other foods and herbs claimed to be aphrodisiacs include; oysters (zinc), chili peppers (capscacin), arginine, maca, ginseng, and the Auryvedean herbs ashwagandha and tribulus terrestris.
While our scents and tastes may help elicit sexual arousal, there is no question as to the vital role in foreplay and sexual touching. From hosting a party to competing in sport, being prepared is key to a successful outcome. Sex is no different. Sexual touching is not only considered the socially accepted sexual norm, it is vital to achieving physiological and psychological readiness. Foreplay readies our bodies for sex; exciting our brains, quickening our heartbeat, and preparing the genitals for intercourse, while also relaxing us through stimulating the release of oxytocin. Forgoing foreplay affects women more than men as women’s sexual arousal tends to be more complicated. Indeed, research suggests the relationship between sexual touching and the quality of intercourse is stronger in women than in men. There is no one right way to engage in erotic touching. Surprisingly, in women, the erotic regions are distinct from their sexual organs. Whether it is on the lips, the ear, the scalp or the mons (pubic bone) – women want and need to be touched for proper sexual function. Couples can help each other by sharing the “roadmap” to their
erogenous zones.

When it comes to medical therapies; none is as potent in both partners as testosterone. This male sex hormone drives sexual function from libido to orgasm in both men and women. In women, testosterone begins to fall within two years of her menopause coinciding with the frequent complaint of absent or diminished libido. Testosterone’s role in enhancing both sexual and cognitive function in peri- and post-menopausal women has been confirmed by a substantial body of scientific research. However, there remains no government approved pharmacologic testosterone therapies available for use in women in North America. Sexual dysfunction remains a complex and inadequately addressed concern. The solutions need to be as multi-faceted as the problem; addressing the brain, sensory and hormonal aspects as well as intimacy. So take a hit of that Chanel #5 while dining with your mate on chocolate and oysters to help make this Valentine’s one
you both will not forget!

Dr. Jennifer Pearlman, MD CCFP NCMP FAARM ABAARM
Women’s health, hormone and beauty expert.

pearlrejuvenation.com
416.644.1112