Balancing the Candida species in our microbiomes is crucial, like maintaining a harmonious apartment building. Overgrowth can lead to various physical and mental symptoms. Testing helps identify the issue and any related deficiencies. Treatment involves diet adjustments, antifungal herbs, probiotics, and yeast management, tailored with professional guidance for long-term success.

Histamine excess can cause various symptoms, from hayfever to eczema, anxiety, and gut problems. While histamine is essential, an overload can lead to issues. To alleviate symptoms:

1. Reduce histamine intake through diet and supplements.

2. Repair any damage caused, like skin barriers and mindset.

3. Identify the underlying cause, often related to poor gut health, enzymes, and bacterial imbalances. Working with a professional is crucial for achieving histamine balance.

When digestive symptoms persist despite a food intolerance-based diet, other factors like parasite or bacterial overgrowth, SIBO, stress, or candida may be at play. A faecal PCR test with an activity assessment is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Treatment involves reducing overgrowth, restoring gut balance, and addressing other contributing conditions, taking time and careful consideration to support gut health.

Gut issues often stem from food and stress. Stress impacts gut function and healthy bacteria balance. In today's busy world, it's crucial to enhance stress resilience for better gut health:

1. Spend time outdoors and breathe deeply.

2. Learn to say no and prioritize tasks.

3. Adopt a positive mindset.

4. Exercise moderately.

5. Prioritize quality sleep.

6. Seek support when needed to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

I recently watched "The Gut Movie" and was thrilled to be surrounded by a room full of fellow gut health enthusiasts. The film follows Kale Brock's quest to explore the microbiome's impact on our health, urging viewers to value a diverse microbiome. Dr. Michael Mosley and Dr. Jason Hawrelak also contribute to this exciting field. Probiotics and prebiotics are gaining popularity, with strain-specific probiotics showing promise in conditions like depression and allergies. Stay tuned for a series on sequencing the microbiome and its significance. Remember, a balanced microbiome thrives on a high-fiber, whole food diet.I watched The Gut Movie last week - loved being in a room of around 150 people who are interested in gut health. 

The question of which probiotic to take isn't straightforward, as it depends on individual circumstances. Probiotics have great benefits, but those on immune-suppressing drugs, undergoing cancer treatment, or with certain autoimmune conditions should consult specialists first. For general health, a medium to high-dose multi-strain probiotic is recommended. If you've been on antibiotics, opt for a high-dose multi-strain probiotic for 30 days after. When starting antibiotics, take probiotics two hours apart, doubling the dose, but be cautious of diarrhea. Specific conditions may require strain-specific probiotics, where professional guidance is essential. Harnessing the microbiome's power is an exciting frontier in health research.