In this encore episode, we detail the structure of the intestinal mucosal barrier alongside central roles that zinc plays in supporting various aspects of mucosal barrier integrity. We discuss key anatomical features, including the mucus layer, epithelial cells, and tight junctions, as well as detail zinc’s physiological roles, its relationship with copper, and factors that can affect zinc levels. The discussion further details zinc levels, zinc absorption, and specialized forms of zinc, such as zinc carnosine.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Overview of intestinal barrier anatomy

- Highlighting the role of zinc

 

2. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy

- Four major layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

- Mucosa subdivisions; focus on epithelium

 

3. The Mucus Layer 

- Location over the epithelial surface

- Composition: mucin-rich, secreted by goblet cells

- Goblet cell mucin storage and expansion upon hydration

- Functions: trapping pathogens, lubricating epithelium, housing molecules including secretory IgA

- Small intestine mucus

- Large intestine mucus

 

4. The Intestinal Epithelium 

- Monolayer of epithelial cells: enterocytes, goblet cells, and more

- Tight junctions, paracellular transport

- Continuous epithelial renewal

 

5. Introduction to Zinc 

- Zinc as a trace mineral required in minute quantities for numerous physiological processes

- Second most abundant trace mineral after iron; majority stored in muscle and bone

- Maintaining plasma and intracellular zinc concentrations within narrow range

- Both deficiency and excess can disrupt biochemical processes

 

6. Zinc and Copper  

- Zinc and copper as closely interconnected minerals

- Zinc, copper, and metallothionein binding in enterocytes

- Both high and low zinc can disrupt zinc-copper balance

- Metallothionein as a cysteine-rich metal-binding protein

 

7. Factors Affecting Zinc Levels 

- Multifactorial

- Possible signs of low zinc status

 

8. Zinc Absorption 

- Dietary sources

- Primary absorption in small intestine

- In the stomach: HCl and pepsin denature proteins and cleave peptide bonds, releasing zinc from protein complexes

- Dietary zinc often bound within tertiary protein structure

- Specialized transporters

 

9. Zinc’s Role in the Intestinal Barrier 

- Zinc and tight junction proteins

- Zinc and Intestinal Epithelial Cells

- Zinc and the mucus layer

 

10. Broader Context of Zinc in Physiology 

 

11. Zinc Carnosine 

- Molecular complex of zinc and carnosine

- L-carnosine composed of beta-alanine and L-histidine

- Gastrointestinal context

 

12. Conclusion

- Multifactorial and multi-system.







Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. Shop Luxxe Red Light™ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ [https://luxxeredlight.com/synthesis] and receive 10% off.



* Luxxe Red Light™ panels are for general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



*This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice.





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207. The Intestinal Mucosal Barrier | Intestinal Barrier Permeability, Highlighting the Role of Zinc in Intestinal Barrier Function

In this encore episode, we detail low stomach acid while reviewing gastric lining anatomy, highlighting hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion and its role in digestion, micronutrient absorption, and microbial defense. We discuss potential downstream effects of suboptimal stomach acid, including impaired digestive signaling, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, and more.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Highlighting the stomach and stomach acid, as well as microbial balance, dysbiosis, and overgrowth.

 

2. Gastric Anatomy and Mucosal Layers

- The stomach: cardia, fundus, body, pylorus.

- The gastric mucosa: epithelial lining, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae.

- The epithelial layer: mucous cells, parietal cells, chief cells, enteroendocrine cells.

- Beneath the mucosa: submucosa and muscular layers that contribute to gastric motility, mechanical digestion, and more.

 

3. Mucous Cells

- The surface epithelium and gastric pits.

- Secretion of thick, viscous mucus.

- Protecting the epithelium.

- The mucus traps bicarbonate ions: neutral microenvironment that protects against acid-induced damage.

 

4. Parietal Cells and Gastric Acid Secretion

- Secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl): denatures dietary proteins, sterilizes ingested food.

- Parietal cells produce intrinsic factor: binds vitamin B12 to facilitate absorption in the ileum.

 

5. Chief Cells and Pepsinogen

- Secretion of pepsinogen: activated by low pH into the proteolytic enzyme pepsin.

- Pepsin and protein digestion.

- Release of gastric lipase.

 

6. Hydrochloric Acid: Digestive and Protective Roles

- Immune defense.

- Pepsinogen activation.

- Adequate gastric acidity essential for properly acidified chyme.

- Priming release of bile and pancreatic enzymes.

 

7. The Small Intestine, Stomach, and Microbial Regulation

- The pyloric sphincter.

- The stomach supports minimal microbial diversity.

- Acidic barrier aids in limiting the entry of opportunistic microbes into the small intestine.

 

8. Hypochlorhydria, Low Stomach Acid

- Hypochlorhydria can compromise one of the body's defense mechanisms.

- Colonization of the small intestine.

- Insufficient pepsinogen activation and possible protein digestion impairment.

- Suboptimal chyme formation and downstream digestive capacity.

- Possible impaired absorption of micronutrients including vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium.



 

9. The Oral Microbiome, Intestinal Microbiome, and Dysbiosis

 

10. Conclusion

- Root-cause approach.







Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. Shop Luxxe Red Light™ ⁠here⁠ [https://luxxeredlight.com/synthesis] and receive 10% off.





* Luxxe Red Light™ panels are for general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



*This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as medical advice.

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206. The Stomach | Low Stomach Acid, Digestion, & A Brief Discussion on Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

In this episode, we are joined by Andre Martin, Founder of Luxxe Red Light™.



Topics:

1. Example Red Light Therapy Session Parameters

- Wavelength

- Irradiance at the skin

- Session duration



2. Clinical Research: Light Penetration and Absorption



3. Irradiance and Distance Relationship



4. Clinical Studies

- Exercise recovery

- Skin Health



5. Luxxe Red Light™ Therapy Panels:

- Mode-1 and Mode-2

- PRO Mode Customization

- Smart Distance Dosing™

- Luxxe Red Light™ Measurement Methods





Shop Luxxe Red Light™ here [https://luxxeredlight.com/synthesis] and receive 10% off.



* Luxxe Red Light™ panels are for general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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205. Red Light Therapy Clinical Studies with Andre Martin, Founder of Luxxe Red Light™

In this encore episode, we highlight vitamin D₃ in gastrointestinal health, with a focus on intestinal barrier function and the gut-immune axis. We discuss how vitamin D is metabolized into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D can support intestinal health, while highlighting intestinal mucosal anatomy.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Highlighting intestinal barrier function and the gut-immune axis with a focus on vitamin D₃

 

2. Vitamin D Synthesis and Metabolism

- Skin and 7-dehydrocholesterol; dietary intake.

- Transported through the bloodstream bound to vitamin D binding protein.

- First hydroxylation in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃).

- Testing.

- Second hydroxylation in the kidney to form the active 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃).

- Local activation also occurs.

 

3. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy

- The intestinal epithelium forms a selectively permeable monolayer that interfaces with the gut lumen.

- Covered by a mucus layer.

- Tight junction proteins and paracellular permeability.

- The lamina propria and Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT).

- Maintaining tolerance.

 

 4. Vitamin D

- 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, tight junction integrity, immune regulation, and more.



 5. Vitamin D₂ and D₃

 

 6. Conclusion - Neither too high nor too low: optimal levels.

- Multifactorial: Numerous factors regulate vitamin D levels.

- Gastrointestinal health root cause approach.





Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. "⁠Longevity⁠ [https://longevitywellness.co/pages/chloe-porter]" with Protein, Probiotics, Bovine Colostrum, Collagen, and More. Use code ⁠CHLOE⁠ [https://longevitywellness.co/pages/chloe-porter] for 25% off.



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





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204. Intestinal Barrier Function, The Gut-Immune Axis, & Vitamin D3 | 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃

In this encore episode, we detail connections between H. pylori and hypochlorhydria, while highlighting possible downstream effects on nutrient absorption. We examine how reduced gastric acidity can impair the liberation and assimilation of certain micronutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and more; and we further discuss the impact of low stomach acid upon downstream digestive enzyme activation and gut microbial balance.



Topics:

1. Hypochlorhydria

- Low stomach acid.



2. H. pylori



3. Gastric Anatomy & Layers

- The stomach: hollow, muscular organ for mechanical and chemical digestion.

- Regions: Cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus.

- Layers: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis externa, Serosa



4. Mucosal Layer

- Surface mucous cells secrete a thick bicarbonate-rich, protective mucus.

- Gastric pits lead to gastric glands, which contain specialized secretory cells.



5. Specialized Gastric Cells

- Parietal Cells: Secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor (IF).

- Chief Cells: Secrete pepsinogen (converted to pepsin by HCl) and gastric lipase.

- Role of HCl: Activates pepsin, denatures proteins, and contributes to nutrient absorption.

- Intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 absorption.



6. Vitamin B12 Absorption

- Essential for DNA synthesis, RBC formation, neurological function.

- Released from food proteins by gastric acid and pepsin.

- Impaired absorption.



7. Role of Gastric Acid in Broader Micronutrient Absorption

- Absorption of minerals.

- Soluble, ionized state.

- Iron: HCl aids in preventing insoluble precipitates and supports iron absorption.



8. Protective Role of Gastric Acid

- Acts as a line of defense against ingested pathogens.

- Maintains low microbial diversity in the stomach.

- Low HCl and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.



9. Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid

- Bloating, early satiety, excessive belching.

- Undigested food in stool, chronic constipation.

- May reflect impaired enzymatic activation and digestive insufficiency.



10. Conclusion

- Multifactorial causes and downstream effects.

- Optimal range, neither high nor low.





Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. "Longevity [https://longevitywellness.co/pages/chloe-porter]" with Protein, Probiotics, Bovine Colostrum, Collagen, and More. Use code CHLOE [https://longevitywellness.co/pages/chloe-porter] for 25% off.



*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





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203. The Stomach | Gastric Acid Secretion and the Role of Gastric Acid in Downstream Micronutrient Absorption

In this encore episode, we highlight key roles that zinc plays in supporting various aspects of mucosal barrier integrity, while detailing the structure of the intestinal mucosal barrier. We detail key anatomical features, including the mucus layer, epithelial cells, and tight junctions, before discussing zinc’s physiological roles, its relationship with copper, and factors that can affect zinc levels. The discussion further details mechanistic features of zinc absorption as well as specialized forms such as zinc carnosine.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Overview of intestinal hyperpermeability and intestinal barrier function

- Highlighting the role of zinc

 

2. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy

- Four major layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa, serosa

- Mucosa subdivisions; focus on epithelium

 

3. The Mucus Layer 

- Location over the epithelial surface

- Composition: mucin-rich, secreted by goblet cells

- Goblet cell mucin storage and expansion upon hydration

- Functions: trapping pathogens, lubricating epithelium, housing molecules including secretory IgA

- Small intestine mucus

- Large intestine mucus

 

4. The Intestinal Epithelium 

- Monolayer of epithelial cells: enterocytes, goblet cells, and more

- Tight junctions, paracellular transport

- Continuous epithelial renewal

 

5. Introduction to Zinc 

- Zinc as a trace mineral required in minute quantities for numerous physiological processes

- Second most abundant trace mineral after iron; majority stored in muscle and bone

- Maintaining plasma and intracellular zinc concentrations within narrow range

- Both deficiency and excess can disrupt biochemical processes

 

6. Zinc and Copper  

- Zinc and copper as closely interconnected minerals

- Zinc, copper, and metallothionein binding in enterocytes

- Both high and low zinc can disrupt zinc-copper balance

- Metallothionein as a cysteine-rich metal-binding protein

 

7. Factors Affecting Zinc Levels 

- Multifactorial

- Possible signs of low zinc status

 

8. Zinc Absorption 

- Dietary sources

- Primary absorption in small intestine

- In the stomach: HCl and pepsin denature proteins and cleave peptide bonds, releasing zinc from protein complexes

- Dietary zinc often bound within tertiary protein structure

- Specialized transporters

 

9. Zinc’s Role in the Intestinal Barrier 

- Zinc and tight junction proteins

- Zinc and Intestinal Epithelial Cells

- Zinc and the mucus layer

 

10. Broader Context of Zinc in Physiology 

 

11. Zinc Carnosine 

- Molecular complex of zinc and carnosine

- L-carnosine composed of beta-alanine and L-histidine

- Gastrointestinal context

 

12. Conclusion

- Multifactorial and multi-system.





Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. Shop ⁠O-Liv High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil⁠ [https://o-liv.com/products/o-liv-high-phenolic-olive-oil] and O-Liv's ⁠Olive Oil Supplement⁠ [https://o-liv.com/products/olive-oil-supplement].

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.



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202. Intestinal Hyperpermeability & the Mucosal Barrier | Highlighting the Role of Zinc in Supporting Intestinal Barrier Function

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Peter Matos who is trained in occupational and preventative medicine and the CEO of O-Liv.



Topics:

1. Overview of Phenolic Compounds



2. Polyphenols as Antioxidants

- Free radicals.

- Endogenous vs exogenous antioxidants.



3. Olive Phenolic Compounds

- Key EVOO phenolics: oleocanthal, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein.

- How phenolic levels differ in the olive fruit, leaf, and oil.

- Impact of cultivation, storage, and harvest timing on phenolic levels.

- Bioavailability factors.

- Methods of quantifying phenolics.

- Metrics: total phenolic content, low vs high phenolic thresholds.

- Factors that may degrade phenolics over time.

- EFSA criteria for health claims.

- Overview of blood lipids.

- General ways to support cardiovascular health.

- Implications for immune, metabolic, and cognitive health.

- Phenolics as prebiotics supporting beneficial microbes.



4. O-Liv’s Harvesting & Manufacturing Practices

- Early-harvest selection and single-origin sourcing.

- Cold extraction and processing to aid in preserving phenols.

- Supplement manufacturing approach.



5. Olive Oil Labeling

- “Cold-extracted” / “cold-pressed”

- “Single origin” and “estate bottled”

- PDO certification.

- Key lab metrics: acidity, peroxide value, phenolic content.



6. Future Projects for O-Liv.



7. O-Liv Website and Social Media.





Shop ⁠O-Liv High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil⁠ [https://o-liv.com/products/o-liv-high-phenolic-olive-oil] and O-Liv's ⁠Olive Oil Supplement⁠ [https://o-liv.com/products/olive-oil-supplement].

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





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201. Supporting Antioxidant Defenses | Phenolic Compounds and Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Dr. Peter Matos

In this encore episode, we detail Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO), with a focus on fungal biofilm formation and its role in promoting microbial persistence and evasion of host immune responses. We discuss the phenotypic plasticity of Candida species, as well as biofilm matrices adherent to the intestinal mucosa. We further highlight common symptoms of SIFO as well as the effects of hypochlorhydria, impaired motility, diminished commensal bacterial populations, and weakened mucosal immunity.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Focus on the gut mucosal barrier.

- Emphasis on Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) and biofilms.



2. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy

- The mucosa: epithelium, lamina propria, and a thin band of smooth muscle.

- The epithelial layer.

- Covered by protective mucus composed of mucin glycoproteins secreted by goblet cells.

- In the small intestine: less dense mucus.



3. Epithelial Integrity

- Tight junctions.

- Paracellular barrier preventing uncontrolled antigen passage.



4. Lamina Propria



5. Overview of Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)

- SIFO involves fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, commonly Candida species.

- Small intestines: Low microbial density due to motility, gastric acid, bile acids, immune surveillance, and more.

- Contributing factors: hypochlorhydria, impaired motility, reduced digestive enzymes, diminished competitive flora, lowered immunity, and more.



6. Candida Pathogenicity

- Candida exhibits phenotypic plasticity: yeast and hyphal forms.

- Biofilm formation.



7. Biofilm Formation

- Biofilms are structured communities of microbes within a self-produced extracellular matrix.

- Resistance to antimicrobials and immune defenses.

- Can develop on intestinal mucosa and in various other regions.



8. SIFO and SIBO Overlap

- Root causes and overlap between SIFO and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

- Common symptoms.



9. Gastric Acid in More Detail

- Stomach epithelium includes mucous, parietal, chief, and enteroendocrine cells

- Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid.

- HCl denatures proteins and aids in inhibiting pathogens.

- Hypochlorhydria: possible causes.



10. Downstream Effects of Low Acid



11. Gut Motility in More Detail

- Motility involves rhythmic smooth muscle contractions.

- Enteric nervous system (ENS): myenteric and submucosal plexuses.

- Dysautonomia and motility.



12. SIFO Contributing Factors



13. Candida Regulation

- Candida in unicellular yeast form under homeostatic regulation.

- Controlled by microbial competition, host defenses, antifungal peptides, and more.



14. Role of Mucus and sIgA

- Mucosal immunity and Candida populations.

- Low sIgA levels.



15. Conclusion

- Mucosal barrier structure.

- SIFO and Candida.

- Biofilm formation, microbial persistence, and mucosal disruption.

- SIFO and SIBO.

- Multifactorial nature of fungal dysbiosis, types of biofilms, and small intestinal overgrowth.



Thank you to our episode sponsor:

1. Shop O-Liv High Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil [https://o-liv.com/products/o-liv-high-phenolic-olive-oil] and O-Liv's Olive Oil Supplement [https://o-liv.com/products/olive-oil-supplement].

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.





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200. Intestinal Mycobiome | Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth, Biofilms, and Intestinal Barrier Integrity

In this episode, we are joined by Olga Goldberger, founder of IOKA Skin + Science. Olga holds a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, and she strived to create a skincare system that applied science to active botanical ingredients that would penetrate the skin and support skin health on the cellular level.





Topics:

1. Anatomy and Function of the Skin Barrier

- Structure of the epidermis, highlighting the Stratum Corneum.

- Role of corneocytes and intercellular lipids in barrier integrity.

 

2. Emulsifiers and Surfactants

- Mechanisms of action.

- Interaction with skin lipids and proteins.

- Classification.

- Transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

- Wash-Out Effect.

 

3. Phospholipids in Skincare Formulation

 

4. Parabens

- Endocrine implications.

 

5. Fragrance components



6. Synthetic colorants



7. Exfoliating agents

- Chemical exfoliants and fruit-derived enzymes.

 

8. Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

- External and internal contributors to oxidativestress.

 

9. Dermal Fibroblasts

- Collagen and elastin.

 

10. NAD+ and precursors.



11. Antioxidants including pterostilbene.



12. Bakuchiol



13. Topical acetyl hexapeptide-8 and copper tripeptide-1.



14. IOKA Skin + Science.



Explore all IOKA Skin + Science products here [https://iokaskinscience.com/].



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199. The Skin Barrier, Skin Health, and Skin Longevity with Olga Goldberger from IOKA Skin+Science

In this encore episode, we detail hypochlorhydria while reviewing gastric lining anatomy, highlighting hydrochloric acid (HCl) secretion and its role in digestion, micronutrient absorption, and microbial defense. We discuss potential downstream effects of hypochlorhydria, including impaired digestive signaling, bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO), and more. Lastly, we detail upstream microbial control, focusing on possible influences of the oral microbiome and oral dysbiosis.



Topics:

1. Introduction

- Highlighting the stomach and hypochlorhydria / low stomach acid, as well as microbial balance, dysbiosis, and overgrowth.

- Discussion of intestinal microbiome and oral microbiome.

 

2. Gastric Anatomy and Mucosal Layers

- The stomach: cardia, fundus, body, pylorus.

- The gastric mucosa: epithelial lining, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae.

- The epithelial layer: mucous cells, parietal cells, chief cells, enteroendocrine cells.

- Beneath the mucosa: submucosa and muscular layers that contribute to gastric motility, mechanical digestion, and more.

 

3. Mucous Cells

- The surface epithelium and gastric pits.

- Secretion of thick, viscous mucus.

- Protecting the epithelium.

- The mucus traps bicarbonate ions: neutral microenvironment that protects against acid-induced damage.

 

4. Parietal Cells and Gastric Acid Secretion

- Secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl): denatures dietary proteins, sterilizes ingested food.

- Parietal cells produce intrinsic factor: binds vitamin B12 to facilitate absorption in the ileum.

 

5. Chief Cells and Pepsinogen

- Secretion of pepsinogen: activated by low pH into the proteolytic enzyme pepsin.

- Pepsin and protein digestion.

- Release of gastric lipase.

 

6. Hydrochloric Acid: Digestive and Protective Roles

- Immune defense.

- Pepsinogen activation.

- Adequate gastric acidity essential for properly acidified chyme.

- Priming release of bile and pancreatic enzymes.

 

7. The Small Intestine, Stomach, and Microbial Regulation

- The pyloric sphincter.

- The stomach supports minimal microbial diversity.

- Acidic barrier aids in limiting the entry of opportunistic microbes into the small intestine.

 

8. Hypochlorhydria, Low Stomach Acid

- Hypochlorhydria can compromise one of the body's defense mechanisms.

- Colonization of the small intestine.

- Insufficient pepsinogen activation and possible protein digestion impairment.

- Suboptimal chyme formation and downstream digestive capacity.

- Possible symptoms of hypochlorhydria.

- Possible impaired absorption of micronutrients including vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium.

- H. pylori infection, autoimmunity, aging.

 

9. The Oral Microbiome, Intestinal Microbiome, and Dysbiosis

- Oral and environmental microbes.

- Altered gastric pH, bile, digestive enzymes, and more.

- The oral cavity as the gateway to the GI tract.

- Oral microbial species.

- Oral hygiene and oral microbiome health.

 

10. Conclusion

- Root-cause approach.





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198. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth & Hypochlorhydria | Low Stomach Acid, Intestinal Microbiome Dysbiosis, & a Brief Conversation on the Oral Microbiome

The Synthesis of Wellness