 |
What's the Root Cause? by Dr Vikki PetersenAuthor: Root Cause Medical Clinic
"What's the Root Cause?" is brought to you by Root Cause Medical Clinic, featuring Dr. Vikki Petersenrenowned doctor, functional medicine expert, author of "Hiatal Hernia Syndrome" and host of a highly popular YouTube channel. Dr. Vikki Petersen and her team of clinicians provide cutting-edge solutions in gut health, hiatal hernia syndrome, nutrition, food, hormones, genetics, lifestyle, and more.You dont have to accept feeling unwell or struggling with chronic health issues. Your body has the power to heal, and with the right approach, reversing many health conditions is possible. We're here to help you do just that.Have questions about your health? Contact us today at 727-335-0400 or visit RootCauseMedicalClinics.com. Language: en-us Genres: Alternative Health, Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
The Hidden Cause of Constipation
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
Constipation isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about whether your gut is getting the right signals to move. In the episode, Dr Vikki Petersen explains why you may be suffering from constipation.3 secrets:1.Your Gut Runs on Nerve SignalsYour gut runs on nerve signals -which are highly energy dependent.Vitamin B1 is required to convert glucose → energyWith lower B1 → weaker nerve signaling - the gut isn’t getting strong, signals and the result is constipation.Research- thiamine deficiency rates from about 20% to 90% depending on the population studied. Obese people - deficiency of 15% to 29%. Diabetics - B1 75% lower in the blood.High carbohydrate diet puts you at risk because glucose in blood requires more B1 to break down the carbs thereby creating a higher demand 2.Your Gut Muscles Have to RespondThe nerves send the signal, but the muscles have to respond to the signal.muscles need to contract and relax in sequenceResearch -magnesium intake is commonly inadequate.~60% of American adults do not meet the recommended magnesium intake. ~45% of Americans may be magnesium deficient.When magnesium levels low, those signals weaken and slow the gut.Constipation, reflux, and bloating often occur together -they are all motility disorders. stomach emptying slows → refluxsmall intestine motility slows → fermentation of bacteria leading to infection, bloat, gas, SIBO, leaky gut, increased IAP. Leads to hiatal hernia.colon motility slows → constipationIt’s all one issue: with constipation you cannot have a healthy gut.Why?Refined grains remove minerals- whole grains contain magnesium, refined don't.Ultra-processed food dietsCertain medications - like PPIs, antibiotics, diuretics Magnesium dense foods: pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds (also B1), almonds, legumes (also have B1), dark leafy greens. Dark Chocolate and avocado.3. How Modern Diets Slow Your Gut - SAD (standard American diet) works against motilityUltra-processed foods, sugar can:disrupt the gut microbiome - more bad bacteriareduce beneficial bacterial byproducts that stimulate motilityincrease inflammation - fatigue, feeling “off” and mood changesCauses B1 and magnesium depletion.People are missing good compounds:Polyphenols -plants, berries, tea, and herbs. Support beneficial bacteria and motility.Fiber -start low and slow: Insoluble fiber feeds microbes that produce short-chain fatty acids.with bad bacteria the fiber can eat that too - so you feel worse.SCFA - produced when good gut bacteria ferment fiber. They cause production of serotonin and brain makes “happy” mood hormones. The Simple Foundations Still MatterBasics still support motility:Hydration Movement -activity stimulates intestinal contractionsPolyphenol-rich foods Reducing ultra-processed foods and - deplete B1B1 is high in pork, beef and fishTIPSIf hard stool → magnesium citrate or oxide - 200 - 400 mg/dayIf stress, or motility → magnesium glycinate ~300 -400 mg/day.References:1. Camilleri M. Gastrointestinal complications of diabetes.2007, New England Journal of Medicine2. Bharucha AE, et al. American Gastroenterological Association technical review on constipation. 2013, Gastroenterology3. Mori H et al. Magnesium oxide in constipation. 2021, Nutrients4. DiNicolantonio JJ et al. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis. 2018, Open Heart5. Lonsdale D. A review of the biochemistry, metabolism and clinical benefits of thiamin(e). 2006, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine6. Makki K et al. The impact of dietary fiber on gut microbiota i
