Welcome to the Bendy Club blog! Today, we’re diving into an essential topic: the role of gut health in EDS and Hypermobility. Gut health is connected to many bodily functions, and its impact on your overall health is profound, especially for those with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). Let’s explore the fascinating connection between your gut and your well-being.
Understanding Gut Health
Your gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” is home to trillions of bacteria that play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. An imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal (GI) problems, inflammation, joint pain, worsening dysautonomia, fatigue, anxiety, and poor nutrient absorption. For individuals with HSD and EDS, maintaining a healthy gut is vital due to their increased susceptibility to GI issues.
Key Connections: Gut Health and Wellness
1. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
A healthy gut ensures efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients. This is especially important for HSD/EDS patients who may have dietary restrictions or malabsorption issues.
2. Immune Function
A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut. A balanced gut microbiome can help strengthen your immune response and reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for managing symptoms of HSD/EDS.
3. Mental Health
The gut-brain axis highlights the connection between gut health and mental well-being. Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can influence mood and cognitive function. Managing gut health can therefore help alleviate anxiety and depression, common in HSD/EDS patients.
Practical Tips for Enhancing Gut Health in EDS and Hypermobility
1. Probiotics and Prebiotics
Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics into your diet to support a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Prebiotics, which feed beneficial bacteria, are found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas. Be aware that those with mast cell dysfunction may not respond well to fermented foods and a probiotic supplement may be a better option.
2. Different Dietary Protocols
In general it is best to consume a balanced diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugars, and artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt the gut microbiome.
Now going beyond these more basic recommendations, mast cell dysfunction is very common in those with HSD/EDS. Following a low histamine diet meaning avoiding aged and fermented foods and instead focusing on more fresh foods that were recently cooked. Sometimes medications like Gastrocrom can be used for those with more severe mast cell dysfunction and are suffering from IBS.
Another dietary protocol that can benefit those suffering from GI symptoms is an elimination diet. Elimination diets can be difficult to follow but can have a tremendous impact on your symptoms. Cutting out most foods for a period of multiple weeks then adding in single foods (including spices) one by one to see if you have a reaction is the only sure way to know if you are reacting to certain foods. Having food allergies and food sensitivities is very common in the HSD/EDS community.
3. Hydration
Staying well-hydrated supports digestion and helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines. Aim for at least around 2L or 67oz of water a day, or more if you are physically active or have issues with dysautonomia.
4. Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health. Engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation, and deep breathing exercises to maintain a healthy gut-brain connection.
5. Avoid Antibiotic Overuse
While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, overuse can disrupt the gut microbiome. Use antibiotics only when prescribed and consider taking probiotics afterward to restore gut balance.
Patient Story: Mary’s Journey to Better Gut Health
Mary, a 34-year-old with EDS, frequently experienced severe GI issues, including bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. After being referred to a functional medicine nutritionist, Mary started an elimination diet to determine what foods she was reacting to, incorporated probiotics and prebiotics into her diet, used supplements to heal her gut lining, and reduced her intake of processed foods. Over several months, Mary noticed significant improvements in her digestive health and overall well-being. Her story underscores the importance of gut health in managing symptoms of HSD and EDS.
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Thank you for being part of the Bendy Club. Together, we can make a difference!
Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Microbiome. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/microbiome
Gastrointestinal problems in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK. (2017, November 10). https://www.ehlers-danlos.org/information/gastrointestinal-problems-in-hypermobile-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-and-hypermobility-spectrum-disorders/
Digestive self-care – la crosse. Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/la-crosse/services-and-treatments/gastroenterology-and-hepatology/prevention-and-self-care
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.