Modern medicine has historically placed a large emphasis on family history (i.e.: someone’s genes) as a strong predictor of whether or not a person will develop a disease. 

Think about any time you’ve ever gone to a doctor and had to fill out health history paperwork—they always ask if your grandparents, parents or siblings have had cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc.  

Well, now evidence is showing that family history is not the be all and end all of disease likelihood anymore. 

Because while genetics can at least somewhat influence your odds of facing a disease, the bigger predictive force here is your GUT. 

Here’s why. 

Your gut calls the shots 

Genes were once viewed as a primary disease trigger, and if you were unlucky enough to be born into a family with chronic disease in its history, you were believed to be a prime candidate for developing that illness.   

But more current research has contradicted this belief.  Gastroenterologist Alessio Fasano, researcher and director of the Center for Celiac Research and Treatment, has contended that we as humans simply don’t have enough genes in our bodies to account for the innumerable array of chronic diseases that affect us!   

In addition, Dr. Fasano also has asserted that genes cannot explain the various timings of disease onset. 

So what is the real driving force? 

Your GUT—that’s what.   

Your gut microbiome is truly your ticket to health or sickness.  The trillions of bacteria in your microbiome are the intermediary between you as an individual person and the environment in which you live (and all its dangers) that dictates your health.   

Plus these microscopic little superstars have been shown to influence gene expression, turning some of your genes on and others off! 

In addition, certain harmful bacteria promote inflammation, which is an underlying factor in virtually all diseases, whereas other (helpful) bacteria fight it. 

Gut bacteria also protect you from the 320,000 viruses in existence that can infect mammals by stimulating immune cells to attack the virus and causing virus-infected cells to self-destruct. 

So clearly, a strong, healthy, sharp, well-functioning gut microbiome is FAR more important than your luck in the gene lottery in keeping you healthy and free of disease! 

4 Steps to a healthy gut 

Now that you see that your gut health can truly be a matter of life or disease and death, it’s crucial to make sure your microbiome is in tip-top shape! 

Here are 4 very effective steps to achieve YOUR healthy gut: 

1- Remove the harmful stuff 

Remove, reduce and avoid things that can harm your gut environment, such as: 

• Foods that you are sensitive or allergic to 
• Cigarette smoke 
• Soda (both diet and regular) 
• Excessive alcohol (especially beer)  
• Refined carbs and sugars 
• Processed and fast food 
• Antibiotics (unless absolutely necessary) 
• Acid reducing medications and antacids 
• Regularly lacking sleep 
• Stress 
• Tap water 

2- Support a healthy microbiome 

This involves replacing and supporting your supply of beneficial intestinal bacteria, and this is done with a full-spectrum, potent probiotic supplement like Super Shield Plus multi-strain probiotic formula.  

Contrary to what you may think, your friendly intestinal inhabitants are not “permanent residents”—they only “vacation” inside of you for about 12 days.  So it’s crucial to make sure you consistently replenish your supply of troops in your protective intestinal army. 

Having a strong population of beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome helps prevent gas, bloating and constipation, as well as supporting proper nutrient absorption and strong immune function.

3- Get enough Vitamin D 

Vitamin D supports intestinal and immune cell defenses in your gut, and it’s one of the crucial components required for maintaining the integrity of your intestinal wall and protecting against leaky gut.  

Plus it helps tame your immune system’s inflammatory reactions, and therefore it is especially helpful for autoimmune conditions, asthma and allergies.   

One way to get Vitamin D is through unprotected sun exposure…but be sure to limit your exposure to about 20-30 minutes and NEVER get a sunburn. 

In addition, a top-notch supplement like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B can help ensure your body has the Vitamin D your gut and immune system so desperately need, 365 days a year.  

In addition to a therapeutic 5,000 IU dose of vitamin D3, Optimum DK Formula also gives you a health supporting dose of vitamins K1 and K2, plus the mineral boron.  All these nutrients work in harmony to support sound immune function, and also strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system too!  

4- Feed your microbiome what it needs 

It's crucial for the health of your microbiome (and your overall health) to eat a nutritious diet of real foods.    

When you focus on consuming good carbohydrates (like fresh vegetables, fruits and legumes), get enough fiber, and have healthy sources of fats and proteins, you help nourish all your precious microbes, as well as encourage better digestion and pave the way to lose that stubborn extra weight too!   

Start on YOUR road to strong gut health! 

Remember, no matter what hand you may have been dealt in terms of genetics, having a healthy gut environment can go a LONG way in keeping those unhealthy genes suppressed and supporting sound immune function.    

Take care of your precious gut and it will thank you handsomely in ways you can’t even imagine. 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia