Dr. Erika’s Gut Health Talks
What is gut microbiome? Taking care of yourself means caring for your gut microbiome. Caring for ourselves in more than calories!

Primordial Paradigm Part 1

Primordial Paradigm Part 1

Dr. Erika La Vella walks you through the foundations of the gut-brain axis. This lecture is an overview of the anatomy and physiology of digestion, the role of the autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve play and the connection between the gut and our emotional states. Part 1 of 4.

Primordial Paradigm Part 2

Hey there, gut lovers! Primordial Paradigm Part 2 is everything you need to know to feel confident about your gut and your food choices. Learn how the gut microbiome develops from early life to present and how it interacts with your immune, endocrine (hormones), and nervous systems. This webinar lays the foundation of the gut-brain-axis. Remember the gut has more to say with 90% of the vagus nerve transmitting information from the viscera to the brain. The gut is where your body manufactures neurotransmitters such a GABA, 5-HT (serotonin), and even dopamine. These neurotransmitters are vital players in mood and emotional regulation. But that’s not all of the story. In part 3, I discuss the functions of the autonomic nervous system and how trauma affects the gut. Understanding the design of the body will give you the resources you need to build a healthy gut at home. There are no short cuts here people! None of this is fast, or easy. But, you can start TODAY. I believe knowledge is power, and I want you to feel empowered with the skills and ability to make better lifestyle choices for yourself. So enough with the noise and fad diets, time for some real-talk and science. And spoiler alert! Learn how conventional over-the-counter medicines such as antacids and NSAIDS cause leaky gut and dysbiosis. Yours indeed, Dr. Erika La Vella, DO, FASMBS

Primordial Paradigm Part 3

Have you ever wondered to yourself why you still have gut issues even though you are eating a top-notch diet? The reality is we aren’t only what we eat, we are all of our cumulative experiences that shape our nervous system. So ask yourself? How is your nervous system responding throughout the day? How do you feel when you eat? How do you feel about the traffic when you drive? How do you feel when someone criticizes you? The list of experiences is endless. Part 3 of the Primordial Paradigm paints the picture of the powers of the autonomic nervous system. Our ability to respond to any given situation with alertness and the ability to protect ourselves is a gift and sometimes, the wires get crossed telling our bodies a narrative that no longer serves its purpose. Watch Part 3 to learn more!

Primordial Paradigm Part 4

Part 4 of the Primordial Paradigm series takes you on a journey that recaps all previous three webinars and goes directly to the role stress plays in our gut health. In this webinar, you will learn how stress physiology affects gut tissue, your immune system, your nervous system, and how all three of these systems affect all other functions in the body. I’m asking those who wish to heal their gut issues to go deep within themselves and get real with their nervous system. Is there trauma physiology at play? What am I reacting too? What needs to change? The proper diet for gut function is simple. To embellish Michael Pollan’s quote, “Eat [REAL] food, not too much, mostly plants.” This feeds the gut bacteria in a way they can understand and with energy they can use. After all, microbes evolved from soil systems and gave birth to plants too.