Gut and Thyroid Health with Kiran Krishnan
In this episode of Thursday Thyroid Talks, host Sarah Joy welcomes a special guest to discuss the connections between herpes, gut health, and thyroid issues. Sarah shares a personal story about discovering the guest's work through a microbiome lab representative. This discovery led her to develop the Gut and Thyroid Restoration program, which has positively impacted many lives.
The guest expresses gratitude for Sarah's efforts in making advanced microbiome testing and treatments accessible. They discuss the success and innovation behind the biometrics vaginal restoration kit and gut restoration kit, highlighting their transformative effects on health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of research, innovation, and dedication in improving wellness.
Coach Sarah highlighted the significant impact of tools and support in addressing health issues often overlooked by mainstream systems. Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist and founder of Microbiome Labs, discussed his journey and passion for health innovation, which was influenced by his medical doctor mother and microelectronics engineer father. Krishnan emphasized the importance of the microbiome in understanding and addressing chronic conditions. He also shared a compelling case where advanced gut testing revealed occupational bacterial exposures in a nurse, demonstrating the precision and potential of his work in microbiome research.
Coach Sarah and Kiran delved into the importance of whole genome sequencing for accurately understanding the human microbiome. Kiran emphasized that most current tests rely on 16s sequencing, which is inaccurate at the species level. Whole genome sequencing, however, provides precise data on the species and their relative abundances, which is crucial since our microbiomes are significantly different, even though our genetics are nearly identical.
Kiran explained that this advanced sequencing allows for detailed mapping of microbial populations and their functions, leading to personalized diet, lifestyle, and supplementation recommendations. He also highlighted the significant improvements in sequencing technology, likening it to advancements in camera resolution, which enhance the clarity and accuracy of the data.
An example provided was Zen Biome, a product containing a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum with a unique gene that offers significant benefits like reducing anxiety and improving sleep. This gene illustrates how even small genetic differences can drastically alter the functions of microbes.
Coach Sarah highlights the importance of understanding specific microbial species for health. She collaborates with specialists to create personalized protocols based on precise test results, which significantly improve her clients' health. Sarah notes that addressing a dysfunctional microbiome is crucial, as it underlies many chronic diseases, including thyroid issues, diabetes, anxiety, and more. By correcting gut health, not only do current health problems improve, but future risks are also mitigated, emphasizing the profound and lasting impact of her work.
Generational Health Impact: How Microbiome Health Today Shapes Future Generations
Coach Sarah highlights the profound generational impact of microbiome health. Improving the microbiomes of women today not only enhances their health but also benefits their future children. A healthier maternal microbiome, passed during childbirth and nursing, can lead to lifelong health benefits for children. Addressing gut health, for instance, can even impact fertility across generations. If a pregnant woman with a leaky gut bears a female fetus, the inflammation could impair the fetus's reproductive organs, affecting her fertility later in life.
Understanding and Addressing Vaginal Biome Issues
Coach Sarah also discusses the unique nature of the vaginal microbiome. Unlike other body parts where microbial diversity is beneficial, a healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by one species of lactobacilli. Disruption of this balance, through factors like infections or antibiotics, can lead to issues such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and even infertility. Maintaining this delicate ecosystem is crucial for reproductive health and preventing various infections.
Coach Sarah and Kiran highlighted the impact of various products and practices on vaginal health. Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water, common lubricants, and gels used in gynecological exams can alter vaginal pH and disrupt the beneficial vaginal microbiome, often with long-lasting effects. Tampons, particularly those with pesticides, and certain antibiotics also contribute to microbiome imbalance. Additionally, latex condoms and spermicides may cause inflammation and further disrupt the vaginal environment. All these factors combined can lead to significant vaginal health issues, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the products and treatments used.
Also, we explored the importance of vaginal and gut health for fertility. They highlighted that spermicides on condoms haven't been tested on the vaginal microbiome, which could impact reproductive health. They emphasized the significance of pH balance and suggested using pH strips for testing. Sarah and Kiran also discussed the role of both partners in fertility, noting that male infertility is often overlooked despite being a significant factor. They recommended ensuring both partners have healthy microbiomes and gut health to improve fertility chances and overall health for future children. They concluded that regular gut and vaginal biome testing should become standard practice for everyone aiming to improve reproductive health.
The differences between functional and conventional medicine. Functional medicine offers a deeper analysis through extensive testing, often focusing on the microbiome to address the root causes of health issues. Kiran highlighted that functional medicine's detailed tests can reveal crucial insights not visible in standard blood work, leading to transformative results for clients. For example, one client experienced significant improvements in her health, which greatly impacted her life trajectory.
Kiran emphasized several key strategies for improving overall health: engaging in resistance training to boost microbiome health, ensuring adequate sleep to support microbiome diversity, and taking high-quality probiotics. He also suggested reducing exposure to harmful substances, managing stress through mindfulness, and spending more time outdoors to interact with natural microbes. Lastly, Kiran advocated for working with a knowledgeable health coach to navigate health challenges effectively and stay accountable.
Coach Sarah shared a success story about a client who lost 100 pounds effortlessly after making several changes, including adjusting her diet and workout routine and starting on specific supplements. Sarah detailed how her program involves personalized testing and treatment plans, which clients can access through her practice. She also mentioned current discounts on microbiome supplements and emphasized the importance of testing before starting any regimen to ensure targeted, effective treatment.
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