Dr. Abby Borkowski answers top health questions from her Instagram community, focusing on nervous system regulation, gut health, and circadian rhythm optimization.

Key Highlights

The Nervous System & Gut Health

• The Stress Link: Stress triggers a "fight or flight" (sympathetic) state, which halts proper digestion.
• Root Cause: Most GI symptoms are manifestations of nervous system dysregulation.
• Lactose Intolerance: While Lactaid pills provide a temporary enzyme fix, the goal is healing the gut lining with L-glutamine, aloe vera, or bone broth.

Functional Testing Recommendations

• Hormones: The DUTCH Test is the gold standard for hormone metabolism and liver detox.
• Microbiome: A GI Map or stool test is best for autoimmune and digestive concerns.

Sleep & Stress Hacks

• Light Exposure: View sunlight within one hour of waking to set a strong cortisol awakening response; this directly dictates your melatonin levels at night.
• Environment: Keep your room at 65°F or lower and swap LED bulbs for incandescent light at night.
• Movement Snacks: Take 5-minute movement breaks every two hours to flush stress during the workday.

Targeted Health Tips

• Hashimoto’s: A gluten-free diet is a primary recommendation for managing this autoimmune condition.
• Estrogen Dominance: Symptoms like breast tenderness and heavy periods require liver and gut support to metabolize hormones properly.

Working with Dr. Abby

Initial consultations last one hour and focus on connecting the dots between your history and current symptoms. Dr. Abby emphasizes that patients must be ready to do the work, as lifestyle implementation is more powerful than any supplement list.

Follow Dr. Abby: @dr.abbyborkowski.