Episode 122: Gut Health Secrets for a Stronger Immune System with Dr. Vivian Asamoah

08/14/24 • 39 min

We all know the importance of a strong immune system, but what if the key to unlocking your immune confidence lies within your gut? That's right, the health of your digestive system plays a crucial role in bolstering your immune defenses.

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada welcomes the brilliant Dr. Vivian Asamoah, a board-certified gastroenterologist specializing in functional medicine, to discuss the powerful connection between the gut and the immune system. Together, they talk about the science behind the gut-immune axis, explore common signs of an unhealthy gut, and discuss strategies for supporting gut health and overall well-being. Dr. Asamoah shares valuable insights from her practice, including a fascinating success story about a patient who overcame debilitating digestive issues through targeted treatment of a yeast overgrowth.

Listen now and join us as we explore the fascinating world of gut health and its profound impact on our immune system!

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
-Gut Health Secrets for a Stronger Immune System
-Dr. Asamoah's Journey from Conventional Medicine to Functional Medicine
-The Gut-Immune System Connection Explained
-Common Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
-Navigating Food Sensitivities and Restrictive Diets
-Understanding Food Intolerances and Elimination Diets
-Exploring Additional Gut Health Challenges like SIBO, LIBO, and Yeast Overgrowth
-The Importance of Integrating Traditional Medicine into Modern Healthcare
-A Successful Case Study Involving a Patient with Severe Food Sensitivity and Candida Overgrowth
-Building Immune Confidence through Diet, Lifestyle, and Stress Management
-How to Connect with Dr. Asamoah on Social Media

ABOUT DR VIVIAN ASAMOAH

Dr. Vivian Asamoah is a board-certified gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and nutritionist with a passion for functional medicine. She completed her fellowship at Johns Hopkins University Hospital and is CEO of Houston Gastro Institute, where she has served the West Houston community for over a decade. Dr. Asamoah is a renowned speaker, educator, and patient advocate, sharing her expertise on the impact of diet and lifestyle on gut health through her popular "Natural Gut Relief" Facebook community and YouTube channel. She is also the host of the weekly Facebook show "Back to Basics," featuring prominent guest interviews. Dr. Asamoah's commitment to personalized, integrated care is evident in her practice, which focuses on addressing the root causes of digestive issues through a combination of conventional and functional medicine approaches. She is actively involved in clinical trials exploring cutting-edge therapies for gastrointestinal conditions.

CONNECT WITH DR VIVIAN ASAMOAH
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-asamoah-md-6258b694/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/drvivianasamoah/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/drvivianasamoah
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmhQMF6VJyKrmCxFJyKIHA

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA
Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfident/
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfidentmd

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

Listen now and join us as we explore the fascinating world of gut health and its profound impact on our immune system!

ABOUT DR VIVIAN ASAMOAH

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

Previous Episode

Episode 121: Dysautonomia Explained: POTS, Diagnosis, & Treatment with Lauren Stiles

Have you ever felt like your body was working against you? Like your heart was racing, your brain was foggy, and you just couldn't seem to catch your breath?

In this episode, Dr. Kara Wada welcomes back her friend and guest, Lauren Stiles, JD, President of Dysautonomia International and a research assistant professor of neurology at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Lauren shares her personal journey with POTS, a form of dysautonomia, and discusses the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. She explains the complexities of the autonomic nervous system and why our current testing methods are limited in diagnosing dysautonomia. Dr. Kara and Lauren delve into the need for holistic approaches to manage these conditions, emphasizing the importance of anti-inflammatory diets and lifestyle changes. Lauren highlights the crucial role of patient advocacy and research in advancing understanding and treatment options for dysautonomia. They discuss the obstacles faced by researchers and clinicians in studying and treating these conditions and emphasize the need for more funding and support.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
00:53 Lauren's Journey with Dysautonomia and POTS
03:06 Understanding Dysautonomia and its different forms
05:03 Common dysautonomia types like neurocardiogenic syncope (vasovagal) and POTS
07:08 Limitations in diagnostic testing and the need for better biomarkers
08:47 The missing pieces of autonomic nervous system testing
13:29 The role of patient empowerment and holistic approaches to managing dysautonomia
20:24 Dysautonomia International's mission and initiatives: education, research, and advocacy
26:44 The challenges faced by researchers and clinicians in studying and treating dysautonomia
30:57 Changing Minds and Confronting Medical Gaslighting
37:07 How to Get Involved and Support Dysautonomia International

ABOUT LAUREN STILES, JD
Lauren Stiles is a passionate advocate for individuals living with autonomic disorders. She serves as President of Dysautonomia International, a leading organization dedicated to supporting and empowering patients, while also holding a position as Research Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. Lauren's personal journey with POTS began at age 31, sparking a relentless pursuit of answers and ultimately leading her to a diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy caused by Sjogren's Syndrome. This experience ignited her commitment to raising awareness, improving research, and advocating for better healthcare for those impacted by autonomic disorders. A graduate of Stony Brook University and Pace University School of Law, Lauren brings a wealth of experience in both science and law to her work. She has served in leadership positions on numerous government councils, non-profit boards, and professional associations, utilizing her expertise to drive positive change. Lauren finds joy in her life on Long Island with her husband, her beloved Jack Russell Terrier, and a flock of six amusing chickens.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN STILES, JD & Dysautonomia International
Website → https://dysautonomiainternational.org/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/dysautonomia-international/
Instagram → https://instagram.com/DysautonomiaIntl
X/Twitter → https://x.com/Dysautonomia
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/DysautonomiaInternational/

CONNECT WITH DR WADA
Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentMD/
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER →

Next Episode

Episode 123: Conquering Chronic Pain and Reclaiming an Active Life with DK Ciccone

We all know that movement is essential for health, but what if you're dealing with chronic pain? Many people feel limited, even discouraged, from embracing movement because of fear or past experiences.
But what if that even with chronic pain, movement can be a source of joy and empowerment?

In this week's podcast episode of the Becoming Immune Confident Podcast, Dr. Kara Wada had the pleasure of speaking with DK Ciccone, a certified Pilates instructor and author of "You're Meant to Move," who shares her personal journey of navigating chronic back pain and reclaiming her love of movement.
DK emphasizes that our bodies are designed to move, and even with pain, we can find ways to engage in activities that bring us joy and support our well-being. She encourages us to shift our perspective on pain, exploring the role of the nervous system and how we can foster a deeper connection with our bodies.
DK's inspiring message reminds us that movement is not just about achieving a certain aesthetic, but about cultivating a deeper sense of agency, self-compassion, and resilience.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE
01:40 DK Ciccone's Personal Journey with Chronic Pain
04:35 The role of body image and diet culture in shaping our relationship with pain
07:36 Unhelpful Messages and Misconceptions About Pain
10:38 The Impact of Dismissive Medical Advice
12:58 Holistic Approach to Pain Management
17:53 Building Resilience and Managing Pain Flares
24:45 Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Somatic Tracking
28:39 Finding Joy in Movement
30:49 Core Message of the book 'You're Meant to Move'
33:07 Conclusion and How to Connect with DK Ciccone

ABOUT DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE
Dana Karen (“DK”) Ciccone is a certified Pilates instructor who helps people in pain improve strength, mobility, and well-being in a weight-neutral environment. She’s also trained in pain reprocessing therapy through the Pain Psychology Center. Having begun her own journey with chronic back pain as a young teen, she has been exploring ways to help herself and others regain joy of movement for decades. After twenty years in the health sector, DK left a corporate career to follow her passion, later launching Movement Remedies, a chronic pain–focused Pilates studio in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first book, You’re Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life, was released December 2023.

CONNECT WITH DANA KAREN (“DK”) CICCONE

Website → https://movementremedies.org
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-karen-ciccone
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/movement_remedies/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/movement.remedies.llc/
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@movementremediesllc

Pick up a copy of DK Ciccone's book, "You're Meant to Move: A Guide to Conquering Chronic Pain, Increasing Stress Resilience, and Reclaiming an Active Life," available on Amazon.

ABOUT DR KARA WADA
Quadruple board-certified pediatric and adult allergy immunology & lifestyle medicine physician, Sjogren’s patient and life coach shares her recipe for success combining anti-inflammatory lifestyle, trusting therapeutic relationships, modern medicine & our minds to harness our body’s ability to heal.

CONNECT WITH DR WADA
Website → https://www.drkarawada.com/
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfident/
Podcast Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/becomingimmuneconfident/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/KaraWadaMD
Twitter → https://twitter.com/CrunchyAllergy
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@immuneconfident

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER → https://www.drkarawada.com/newsletter
Get Dr. Kara’s weekly dose of a naturally-minded and scientifically-grounded approach to immune system health.

JOIN THE 28-DAY Sjogren's Superpowers Activated Challenge: A Journey to Better Health and Unshakeable Confidence → https://www.drkarawada.com/sjogrens-28day-...