29: Gut Health Starts in the Mouth: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis and Functional Solutions

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In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Becky Hartman explore the deep interconnectedness between gut health, oral health, and overall well-being. Dr. Hartman explains how the health of your mouth can influence your entire digestive system, leading to conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and impacting everything from nutrient absorption to mental health.

Becky brings a personal and practical lens to the conversation, facilitating insightful questions from the audience and sharing real-world examples. Together, they dive into the gut-brain axis, the hidden risks of common medications like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and the power of fermented foods to restore balance. This episode also delivers actionable advice for managing acid reflux, testing stomach acid levels, and applying a functional medicine approach to common digestive challenges.

Show Highlights:

✅ How oral bacteria can trigger gut health problems like SIBO

✅ The critical role of diet in supporting gut and mental health

✅ Understanding the gut-brain axis and why it matters for emotional well-being

✅ Risks of PPIs and how they affect digestion and gut flora

✅ Practical strategies for managing acid reflux naturally

✅ How to test and optimize stomach acid levels

✅ The benefits of fermented foods and probiotics for digestive repair

✅ Real-world insights from clinical practice and personal experience

Some Questions We Explore:

✅ Can oral health really impact your gut and brain?

✅ How do common medications disrupt the gut microbiome?

✅ What are safe, functional medicine alternatives for managing reflux?

✅ How can you start improving gut health through simple daily habits?

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

✅ How the mouth is the starting point for digestive and immune health

✅ Actionable ways to prevent and manage acid reflux without over-relying on medications

✅ How dietary changes can significantly impact mental health and mood

✅ The importance of testing—not guessing—when it comes to digestive issues

✅ Easy ways to introduce more fermented foods into your diet

Resources & Links:

🌐 Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com

🌐 Becky Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine Team: Meet Becky

🌐 LinkedIn – Aaron Hartman, MD: Connect Here

📘 Learn More About the Gut-Brain Axis: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/category/gut-health

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 Take the first step toward better gut and mental health! Subscribe, leave a review, and submit your questions for a future Q&A episode.