Trust Your Gut: Functional Lab Testing for Optimal GI Health with Dr. Oscar Coetzee

This episode of Conversations for Health features gut health expert Dr. Oscar Coetzee. Dr. Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Nutrition Department at Natural Healthcare Center. He is an Associate Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016 and is the Senior Director of Clinical Education.   In our conversation, Oscar brings to light a wide spectrum of gut health factors, including functional GI testing, how to implement an effective gut protocol, insights into akkermansia and butyrate, the gut/brain connection, and the role that lab testing can play in taking effective steps toward health.    I'm your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.   Key Takeaways:   [2:29] Oscar's passion for developing functional lab testing tools for practitioners grew as he recognized an overall industry lack of tools and testing options. [4:50] The importance of optimizing wellness rather than diagnosing disease and the functional testing that promotes optimal health. [7:20] Oscar's preferred tests address three categories — organic acids, gastrointestinal, and genomics. [8:36] An algorithm-based approach to GI spotlight testing has the potential to guide clinicians to improved outcomes. [10:54] The ideal practitioner candidate for the benefits of algorithm-based testing includes anyone who is committed to finding answers for their patients. [13:19] The test covers several categories including gut bacteria in the microbiome, inflammatory indicators, gut barrier integrity, inflammation, and fungal factors. [15:00] Markers that comprise the gut barrier integrity, LPS, and coordinating supplements. [20:38] Determining when to use nutrients and herbs versus serum bovine immunoglobulins or colostrum. [23:55] Balancing intuition and lab testing results when approaching functional testing. [30:01] Oscar's recommendations for the timing of each phase of testing and GI health change maintenance once the program is 'complete'. [36:53] Tactics for boosting and maintaining healthy levels of akkermansia in gut health, including intermittent fasting. [42:34] Insights into the link between LPS levels and anxiety and depression, the gut-brain connection, and the multifactorial inflammation model. [47:07] Testing possibilities for patterns in bacteria metabolomics and Vitamin B production. [51:18] Markers that indicate a need for more butyrate and tactics for a gut diversity dietary approach. [56:00] Resources for in-depth information about marker research and implementation. [57:31] Oscar's favorite personal supplement recommendations. [59:20] Probiotics, gene expression, and antimicrobial protocol recommendations. [1:08:30] Oscar's personal health practices and the pharmaceutical approach he has changed his mind about in recent years.   Episode Resources:   Dr. Oscar Coetzee   Spotlight Teachable Online Training   Design for Health Resources:   Designs for Health   Spotlight Test Information   Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests   Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function   Blog: Recent Review Explores Biochemical Relationship Between Gut Metabolites and Metabolic Health   Blog: Supportive Role Probiotics Play on Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Health, According to Recent Review   Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome   Blog: Anti-inflammatory Effects of Supplemental Butyrate Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.