Trust Your Gut: Functional Lab Testing for Optimal GI Health with Dr. Oscar Coetzee
10/04/23 • 73 min
This episode of Conversations for Health features gut health expert Dr. Oscar Coetzee. Dr. Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Nutrition Department at Natural Healthcare Center. He is an Associate Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016 and is the Senior Director of Clinical Education.
In our conversation, Oscar brings to light a wide spectrum of gut health factors, including functional GI testing, how to implement an effective gut protocol, insights into akkermansia and butyrate, the gut/brain connection, and the role that lab testing can play in taking effective steps toward health.
I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.
Key Takeaways:
[2:29] Oscar’s passion for developing functional lab testing tools for practitioners grew as he recognized an overall industry lack of tools and testing options.
[4:50] The importance of optimizing wellness rather than diagnosing disease and the functional testing that promotes optimal health.
[7:20] Oscar’s preferred tests address three categories — organic acids, gastrointestinal, and genomics.
[8:36] An algorithm-based approach to GI spotlight testing has the potential to guide clinicians to improved outcomes.
[10:54] The ideal practitioner candidate for the benefits of algorithm-based testing includes anyone who is committed to finding answers for their patients.
[13:19] The test covers several categories including gut bacteria in the microbiome, inflammatory indicators, gut barrier integrity, inflammation, and fungal factors.
[15:00] Markers that comprise the gut barrier integrity, LPS, and coordinating supplements.
[20:38] Determining when to use nutrients and herbs versus serum bovine immunoglobulins or colostrum.
[23:55] Balancing intuition and lab testing results when approaching functional testing.
[30:01] Oscar’s recommendations for the timing of each phase of testing and GI health change maintenance once the program is ‘complete’.
[36:53] Tactics for boosting and maintaining healthy levels of akkermansia in gut health, including intermittent fasting.
[42:34] Insights into the link between LPS levels and anxiety and depression, the gut-brain connection, and the multifactorial inflammation model.
[47:07] Testing possibilities for patterns in bacteria metabolomics and Vitamin B production.
[51:18] Markers that indicate a need for more butyrate and tactics for a gut diversity dietary approach.
[56:00] Resources for in-depth information about marker research and implementation.
[57:31] Oscar’s favorite personal supplement recommendations.
[59:20] Probiotics, gene expression, and antimicrobial protocol recommendations.
[1:08:30] Oscar’s personal health practices and the pharmaceutical approach he has changed his mind about in recent years.
Episode Resources:
Spotlight Teachable Online Training
Design for Health Resources:
Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests
Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function
Blog: Recent Review Explores Biochemical Relationship Between Gut Metabolites and Metabolic Health
Blog: Supportive Role Probiotics Play on Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Health, According to Recent Review
Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome
This episode of Conversations for Health features gut health expert Dr. Oscar Coetzee. Dr. Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Nutrition Department at Natural Healthcare Center. He is an Associate Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016 and is the Senior Director of Clinical Education.
In our conversation, Oscar brings to light a wide spectrum of gut health factors, including functional GI testing, how to implement an effective gut protocol, insights into akkermansia and butyrate, the gut/brain connection, and the role that lab testing can play in taking effective steps toward health.
I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.
Key Takeaways:
[2:29] Oscar’s passion for developing functional lab testing tools for practitioners grew as he recognized an overall industry lack of tools and testing options.
[4:50] The importance of optimizing wellness rather than diagnosing disease and the functional testing that promotes optimal health.
[7:20] Oscar’s preferred tests address three categories — organic acids, gastrointestinal, and genomics.
[8:36] An algorithm-based approach to GI spotlight testing has the potential to guide clinicians to improved outcomes.
[10:54] The ideal practitioner candidate for the benefits of algorithm-based testing includes anyone who is committed to finding answers for their patients.
[13:19] The test covers several categories including gut bacteria in the microbiome, inflammatory indicators, gut barrier integrity, inflammation, and fungal factors.
[15:00] Markers that comprise the gut barrier integrity, LPS, and coordinating supplements.
[20:38] Determining when to use nutrients and herbs versus serum bovine immunoglobulins or colostrum.
[23:55] Balancing intuition and lab testing results when approaching functional testing.
[30:01] Oscar’s recommendations for the timing of each phase of testing and GI health change maintenance once the program is ‘complete’.
[36:53] Tactics for boosting and maintaining healthy levels of akkermansia in gut health, including intermittent fasting.
[42:34] Insights into the link between LPS levels and anxiety and depression, the gut-brain connection, and the multifactorial inflammation model.
[47:07] Testing possibilities for patterns in bacteria metabolomics and Vitamin B production.
[51:18] Markers that indicate a need for more butyrate and tactics for a gut diversity dietary approach.
[56:00] Resources for in-depth information about marker research and implementation.
[57:31] Oscar’s favorite personal supplement recommendations.
[59:20] Probiotics, gene expression, and antimicrobial protocol recommendations.
[1:08:30] Oscar’s personal health practices and the pharmaceutical approach he has changed his mind about in recent years.
Episode Resources:
Spotlight Teachable Online Training
Design for Health Resources:
Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests
Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function
Blog: Recent Review Explores Biochemical Relationship Between Gut Metabolites and Metabolic Health
Blog: Supportive Role Probiotics Play on Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Health, According to Recent Review
Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome
Previous Episode
Rethinking Drinking: Exploring The Health Benefits of an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle with Jolene Park
This episode of Conversations for Health features Gray Area Drinking expert Jolene Park. Jolene stopped drinking in 2014 and has studied the functional impact of food, emotions, environments, and movement in relationship to our physical bodies, which she speaks about in her TED talk about gray area drinking. She founded Healthy Discoveries in 2001 and created Craving Brain private coaching for individuals, the Sober Choice online course for the public, and the NOURISH Method training program for coaches and healthcare practitioners who would like to specialize in Gray Area Drinking Coaching.
In our conversation, Jolene addresses the key characteristics of gray area drinking. She offers tactics for practitioners who are supporting patients and clients as they evaluate their alcohol intake, including the questions to ask patients that will quickly and accurately assess their alcohol consumption. She highlights her personal experience with quitting alcohol, the supplements that helped her through the process, and the positive impact that sobriety has had on her health. Jolene offers resources, information, and encouragement for practitioners as they guide patients through gray area drinking toward a healthier lifestyle.
I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.
Key Takeaways:
[2:15] Jolene defines gray area drinking as the space between two extremes of drinking.
[4:17] Alcohol use disorder varies from alcoholism in one very specific way.
[6:24] Tactics for quickly identifying patients as gray area drinkers.
[8:54] Key risk factors that contribute to drinking alcohol include stress in relationships, work, or sleep.
[12:05] Inappropriate advice about stress management and alcohol recommendations from therapists.
[15:38] Jolene’s personal experience with quitting alcohol consumption.
[19:00] 80% of Jolene’s clients are healthcare experts including therapists, naturopaths and nutritionists, and doctors.
[20:40] The physiological response to alcohol intake and comparable substitution options.
[25:00] The biggest change that Jolene has seen in her own health since abstaining from alcohol.
[27:04] A comprehensive approach to supporting gray area drinkers in their non-drinking journey.
[30:09] Supporting healthy neurotransmitters with nutrients and supplements.
[33:10] The negative impact of alcohol on perimenopause and menopausal women.
[35:00] Nutrient recommendations including inositol and Jolene’s favorite herbs for anxiety support.
[37:15] Additional tools including Dr. Braverman’s personality questionnaire and tactics for living sober in an alcohol prominent environment.
[44:33] Making connections between anxiety, overall health, and drinking alcohol.
[47:28] Reframing the decision not to drink in a way that makes you feel empowered.
[49:20] Jolene’s personal favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and her new opinion on beans.
[55:00] Jolene’s practitioner training program and resources for practitioners who want to guide patients through gray area drinking.
Episode Resources:
Dr. Braverman’s Personality Questionnaire
Design for Health Resources:
Blog: Alcohol and Nutrient Depletion
Blog: Impacts of Stress, Sleep, and Loneliness on Immune and Mental Health
Blog: GABA, Tyrosine, and Taurine: Amino Acids to Support a Healthy Mood
Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Link Between Inositol and Mood Health
Blog: Lemon Balm and Its Many Uses
Blog: April Showers Bring May Flowers
Blog: The Calming Properties of L-Theanine
Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.
Next Episode
Mastering Menopause Through Nutrition, Hormones and Self Advocacy with Esther Blum
This episode of Conversations for Health features integrative dietitian and menopause expert Esther Blum. Over the last 27 years, Esther has helped thousands of women master menopause through the perfect cocktail of nutrition, hormones and self advocacy.
Esther is known as Gwyneth Paltrow’s menopause mentor and by Forbes for helping women thrive through menopause. Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS).
In our conversation, Esther addresses the timing and symptoms of perimenopause, details of hormone replacement therapy, the importance of prioritizing mental health and optimizing nutrition to reduce cravings, increase fat loss, and improve sleep, and the importance of advocating for yourself and building an integrated team that can support you through the menopause years.
I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.
Episode Resources:
Gabby Bernstein - Motivational Speaker
Design for Health Resources:
Webinar: Navigating Menopause: Empowering Women Through the 'Change'
Blog: The Biochemistry of Ashwagandha
Blog: Rhodiola’s Impact on Cellular Energy Production and Mitochondrial Function
Blog: Topical Uses for Magnesium
Blog: Connection Between Magnesium and Vitamin B6 to Support a Normal Stress Response
Blog: Genistein to Promote Menopausal Comfort and Bone Health
Blog: Research Review: Broccoli for Supporting Gut Microbial Health
Blog: Impact of Women’s Menstrual Cycle on Circadian Rhythms and Sleep
Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.
Chapters:
[2:26] Esther’s passion for helping women through menopause has only increased as she has expanded her knowledge of hormones and testing.
[5:18] The truth about hormone replacement therapy and an overview of key hormones including progesterone, estrogen and cortisol in perimenopause.
[12:15] Esther’s three standard lab tests and the importance of key findings.
[17:29] Following testing, Esther prioritizes gut and adrenal support for the next step toward finding solutions.
[19:20] Key lifestyle strategies that Esther prioritizes for her clients.
[23:04] High quality research-backed supplements including holy basil, ashwagandha and trace minerals.
[25:00] Nutrient guidelines for women regarding carb tolerance, continuous glucose monitors, and protein intake.
[30:37] Estrobolome and the role of calcium D-glucarate in overcoming digestion interference.
[34:23] Practical tips and serving recommendations for incorporating more fiber into an ideal diet.
[36:58] Hormone replacement therapy symptoms, timing, and testing recommendations.
[39:51] Findings from vaginal estrogen studies that can help to improve overall quality of life.
[41:17] Esther’s approach to patient recommendations and collaborative approach to prescriptions as she refers clients to other functional medicine providers.
[46:12] Research surrounding early intervention, including bone density preservation, cardiovascular risk prevention, and brain gray matter preservation.
[48:01] Strategies for advocating for yourself through the menopause years.
[50:32] The dangers o...
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