Why Gut Health Is a Key to Better Health With Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN

Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, is a clinical pharmacist, the cochair of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the chair of the International Peptide Society, and the Chief Science Officer for Life Time.

Gut health refers to the well-being of your digestive system, including your gut microbiome — a vast ecosystem of microorganisms that play an essential role in nutrient absorption, immune health, brain function, and more. By understanding how the gut works and what makes it vulnerable, you can use lifestyle approaches to support better health.

In this episode, Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, explains how the gut is involved in almost every aspect of health and what can happen when it’s not functioning properly. He also shares signs that your gut health may be compromised along with strategies for support.

This episode of Life Time Talks is part of our series on Performance and Longevity with MIORA.

In this episode, LaValle emphasizes the critical role of gut health in overall well-being and the importance of maintaining gut integrity. He also underscores the significance of our lifestyle habits in supporting gut health. Insights include the following:

• Gut health is a cornerstone of overall health and is involved in a variety of functions throughout the body, with strong connections to the brain, immune system, and more. The gut is also notably involved in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, metabolizing hormones, and aiding in detoxification.
• One of the most important roles of the gut is working as a filter and defense mechanism, allowing essential nutrients to pass into the bloodstream while blocking harmful substances and serving as a barrier to pathogens and toxins.
• It’s estimated that about 70 percent of the body’s immune response is located in the gut.
• When gut health is compromised, it can lead to gut permeability, or “leaky gut,” allowing bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream; this can trigger systemic inflammation.
• Gut permeability can lead to inflammation and other health issues including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, mood disorders, blood-sugar imbalances, food allergies and sensitivities, and more.
• There are several parts to our digestive tract anatomy:
  • Mouth: Proper chewing is essential for mixing food with salivary enzymes, initiating the digestive process. Inadequate chewing can lead to poor digestion and nutrient absorption.
  • Stomach: Adequate stomach acid is necessary for breaking down proteins and absorbing vitamins and minerals.
  • Small intestine: This organ is crucial for nutrient absorption; it releases pancreatic enzymes to help break down fats and other compounds. Compromised pH levels can alter the environment of the small intestine, allowing for the growth of unwanted bacteria and affecting nutrient absorption.
  • Large intestine: The large intestine is responsible for eliminating waste and absorbing water and electrolytes. A significant part of your gut microbiome is located here.
• Acid-reducing medications can cause nutrient deficiencies and alter gut pH, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Diet and nutrition habits play large roles in the health of the gut. Sufficient fiber intake, in particular, is crucial. It’s recommended that the average person consume 30 to 40 grams of fiber daily, but typical diets often fall short. Certain strategic supplementation can be used to both support and heal your gut health.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors also play a large role in our gut health. Among the factors, stress, exposure to pesticides, and diets high in refined sugars can increase gut permeability and disrupt the microbiome.
• If your gut has become compromised, it’s important to work with a professional to take the necessary steps to heal it. A comprehensive approach, including diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes, can be supportive of long-term gut health.