Gut Health, Antibiotics and Swimming with Dr. Grace Liu

Welcome! Today’s guest is Dr. Grace Liu, who is a pharmacist and functional medicine practitioner. She is the “Gut Goddess.” Her expertise is in pharmacy nutrition and optimal health, and her training includes plant biology, food science, nutritional science, pharmacy, and Crossfit Nutrition. She and I met at the PaleoFX 2015 conference in Austin, TX, and I’ve been excited to have her on the show. Join us!

Grace obtained a nutritional science degree, then took some time off before going to pharmacy school. She worked in traditional medicine for 13 years. She became really sick and then discovered Paleo and CrossFit. It was when she lived in China in 2008 that she began focusing on gut health, and this focus is what led her to specialize her practice in all aspects of gut health.

Grace shares the following about gut health:

Gut health is important for many reasons, but one reason is that 80% of the immune system is in the gut. Operating without proper gut health is like operating with only half of your brain!

Grace uses a “tree” picture to illustrate each person’s microbiome, showing the branches of the different bacteria found in the gut.

Many problems and health disorders are caused when the needed varieties of bacteria aren’t present. One problem is the presence of too many antibiotics in our society!

If you aren’t feeling well, you probably need to replenish the needed bacteria. Grace discusses the inexpensive tests that can be done to assess the composition of the gut.

Dysbiosis or SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) is common in the upper gut; sometimes a low carb diet can help.

Grace explains the process of “weeding” as it applies to monitoring your gut flora.

Grace shares her 7 Steps to Heal your Gut:

Hormones in Digestion

Bionic Fiber

Probiotics

Diet

Exercise

Weeding

Fermented Foods

Grace shares her favorite ways to heal the adrenals because of the gut connection: go to bed early, assess heart rate variability, and try hydrotherapy. Swimming seems to be a secret to health!

The take-home action steps are: gut health is likened to what keeps our cars in good running order. “Good bacteria are the guardians of good health! Invite them in through probiotics and good nutrition.”

You’ve learned the basics of gut health from Dr. Grace! Everyone can benefit from all that she has shared with us. Thanks for listening!

How to reach Dr. Grace Liu and more:

www.thegutinstitute.com  (Grace’s website with many links and resources)

Phylogenetic Tree app: http://ubiome.nourishbalancethrive.com/

Dr. Grace's probiotic

Now it’s your turn!

WHAT changes have you made in your diet? 

HOW have those changes affected your health? 

WHAT has been your biggest challenge while implementing a healthy lifestyle? 

WHO do you want to hear from?

Let me know in the comments below and I will try my best to get them on the show!  I want to answer your burning questions and for YOU to add your thoughts to the conversation.  So go ahead and leave a comment now.  

And if you want even more resources to heal yourself naturally, make sure you sign up for my email updates, because I share some insights in my email updates that I don’t share anywhere else.

Thanks so much for stopping by and until next time, remember to eat consciously, because the world needs a healthy and vibrant you!

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Summary of Pearls shared on the show

Occasional Love Letters from Dr. Anh, where I share my favorite recipes and products, upcoming events, new information I’ve learned, and other goodies ☺