WHAT HACK YOUR HEALTH, NETFLIX’S NEWEST DOCUMENTARY, GOT WRONG… AND RIGHT: A GUT HEALTH DIETITIAN’S REVIEW
Most of my career as a dietitian has been spent helping people poop better. Very glamorous, I know.
In all seriousness, as research within the field of dietetics grows, it’s hard to not focus primarily on poop. A few days before this documentary premiered, I was telling a potential patient that I wish every person I worked with could complete a comprehensive stool test since it gives us SUCH insight to systemic health.
Myself, and the girls on our team, were obviously thrilled to see mention of fancy feces in the mainstream. We love to see it.
So… can you actually “HACK YOUR HEALTH”?
In the era of Netflix documentaries, where every click promises a new revelation, this addition obv stands out: "Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut." This captivating documentary dives deep into the intricate world of our digestive system and its profound impact on our overall health and wellbeing. From the mouth to the colon, the documentary sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of gut health in our daily lives.
The digestive system, a complex network encompassing the mouth, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon, is the cornerstone of our overall well-being. Drawing parallels to a flourishing forest ecosystem, as depicted in the documentary, our gut thrives on a delicate harmony of light, nutrients, soil, and water. Just like a thriving forest, maintaining this balance is essential for optimal digestive health.
Central to the documentary's narrative is the microbiome, the vast ecosystem of microscopic organisms inhabiting our bodies. These bacteria play a pivotal role in digesting food, modulating inflammation, and shaping our immune responses. The amount and types of bacteria that are in the gut can have a large impact on our health. We can think about it from the inside out.
Our journey into gut health begins at birth, where infants are first exposed to a myriad of microbes. Factors such as birth method, pet ownership, and environmental influences shape the diversity of our microbiomes, with profound implications for our health long term.
The documentary takes a close look at the lives of four individuals, each grappling with their unique challenges related to gut health. From a professional eater who mysteriously lacks hunger cues to a single mom struggling to shed excess weight, these personal narratives offer insight to the complexities of gut health. Each of these individuals have their stool investigated by experts to understand some of the issues going on in their body.
Throughout the documentary, a striking revelation emerged: it seems as though we really CAN hack our health. The root of numerous health issues often lies within the intricate balance of bacteria residing in the gut. A poignant illustration of this was seen in the story of a single mother grappling with weight loss challenges. Her gut microbiome exhibited significantly low levels of Prevotella, a phenomenon commonly observed in individuals struggling with weight management. This profound insight underscores the connection between gut health and external health outcomes, illuminating the potential for targeted interventions to optimize overall well-being.
What they got right:
Well, first off - they talked about poop on Netflix. Total score for us RDs!
But perhaps most intriguing is the gut's communication with the brain, influencing mood, cognition, and mental health. Studies reveal stark differences in gut microbiomes between individuals with and without depression, underscoring the profound impact of gut health on mental wellbeing.
With mounting evidence linking gut health to chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, and anxiety, the documentary emphasizes the pivotal role of diet. Recommendations for fiber intake underscore the importance of a diverse, plant-rich diet in nurturing a healthy microbiome. The current fiber recommendation is 28-35g/day, whereas the average American is only intaking around 15g of fiber per day. If we do not intake adequate amounts of fiber, the microbes start consuming the mucosal membrane of the GI tract which can increase inflammation throughout the body.
Restricting foods was also a point in the documentary that was looked at. When we cut foods out of our diet it decreases the diversity of our microbiome which can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Eating various foods, especially fiber-rich ones such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains, will increase diversity in our microbial. Instead of counting calories, remember this easy acronym: ABC (Always Be Counting) the number of fruits and vegetables in a day. This documentary stated that we should aim to eat 20-30 different vegetables in a week and we obviously agree!
Looking ahead, the documentary challenges conventional notions of health and nutrition. There's no magic bullet or one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, rooted in listening to our bodies and fostering healthy lifestyle changes. If you work with us, you know that’s how we do things!
What they got wrong
In the documentary, stool testing was briefly mentioned, yet we believe there was a missed opportunity to delve deeper into its significance. At our practice, we have witnessed the immense value of stool testing, particularly for patients experiencing gastrointestinal distress or unexplained systemic inflammation. These tests serve as invaluable diagnostic tools, capable of identifying pathogens and severe microbiome imbalances, known as dysbiosis. By shedding light on these crucial aspects of gut health, stool testing empowers both patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions and tailor effective treatment plans for optimal wellness.
While fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) holds promise as a potential solution for gut imbalances, the concept of a "poop smoothie" didn’t hit for us… as it likely did for not for many others. We can confidently say that as professionals who talk to people about what they eat on a regular basis, poop smoothies NEVER make the menu. While FMT has shown remarkable research potential, it's important to emphasize that it's a highly regulated and tightly controlled procedure when used clinically. Stool banks adhere to rigorous donor testing protocols to mitigate risks of contamination and ensure safety for recipients. That being said, we envision a future where FMT is more widely accessible in a safe and regulated manner for those who could benefit from it. If you're curious about your poo, don’t make a smoothie. Instead, we welcome you to reach out. Our practice offers comprehensive stool testing as part of our commitment to optimizing your well-being.
All in all,
As the credits roll, one phrase resonates: "loyalty to the butthole." It's a humorous yet profound reminder of the importance of honoring our bodies' intricate ecosystems. Through education, mindfulness, and a dash of humor, we can embark on a journey toward optimal gut health and overall wellbeing. After all, what we eat today shapes the microbiome of tomorrow.
XO - Keeks
Written by Kyrstin Draney RD, LDN & Dietetic Intern Brianna Ringley DTR