Cat is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and has spent most of her career in the functional laboratory diagnostic space. Her educational background has a dual appointment in exercise physiology and dietetics with a master’s degree in metabolic physiology. She has a decade of experience in advanced laboratory interpretation, education, and counseling in addition to clinical practice. She takes a functional and integrative approach to health with a firm belief that “all disease begins in the gut”. Her research interests and passions include insulin signaling, nutrient metabolism, and weight loss physiology. Cat also is a certified diabetes care and education specialist. In clinical practice, Cat specializes in cardiovascular prevention, sport performance nutrition; gluten sensitivity, celiac and autoimmune nutrition; the gut-brain connection, and of course all things related to the digestion, the microbiome and intestinal health where she has chosen to “niche down”. Cat is a member of the Medical Education team at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, but also the interdepartmental team coordinator playing a pivotal role in education program design. Cat is a graduate from the University of Florida.

In this episode of our podcast, we’re discussing the connection between gut health and weight loss with. We explore the vital role of the gut microbiome in metabolic health and uncover how the GI map test can provide critical insights into your gut ecosystem. Cat explains the significance of microbial diversity and highlights the powerhouse bacteria Akkermansia for its anti-inflammatory benefits and its role in strengthening the gut barrier. We also get into practical dietary adjustments, the impact of medications like proton pump inhibitors and GLP-1, and the necessity of personalized treatment plans to optimize gut and metabolic health.

Topics discussed in this episode include:

• How understanding the gut microbiome can unlock secrets to weight loss and metabolic health.

• Why the GI map test is essential for analyzing the gut ecosystem.

• How low microbial diversity is linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiometabolic health issues.

• The role of Akkermansia in strengthening the gut barrier and reducing inflammation.

• Benefits of Akkermansia probiotics and dietary adjustments like increasing fiber and polyphenols.

• Importance of amino acids like glutamine in maintaining the mucin layer.

• Using berberine when weaning off GLP-1 medications for gut health.

• Necessity of personalized treatment plans considering factors like affordability and willingness.

• Implications of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gut microbiome balance.

• Varying effects of GLP-1 medications on gastric motility and bowel regularity.

• Importance of practitioner collaboration for ongoing learning and improved patient care.

• Patterns of low microbial diversity in gut health related to metabolic syndrome.

• Akkermansia’s role in preventing bacterial translocation and serving as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• How GLP-1 medications can impact gut health and weight management.

• The future potential of gut modulation to assist with drug efficacy and tapering off medications.

• Emphasizing colorful polyphenols from foods like pomegranate and cranberry for gut health.

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Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory: https://www.diagnosticsolutionslab.com/

Cat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cat-simmons-ms-rd-cdces-9328b01b/