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Gut Supplements: Worth It, Overhyped, or Use With Caution?Let’s talk gut supplements — because there are a LOT of them, ...
09/30/2026

Gut Supplements: Worth It, Overhyped, or Use With Caution?

Let’s talk gut supplements — because there are a LOT of them, and not knowing what you need can make things worse for some peeps.

What helps one person may be completely wrong for another.

Saccharomyces boulardii • Beneficial yeast with solid research behind it
• Specific strains matter — CNCM I-745 is one of the best studied
• May be useful for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other GI concerns

Colostrum • Contains immunoglobulins and bioactive compounds
• May support the intestinal barrier
• Zinc carnosine can also be useful for gut-lining support
Prebiotics • Feed beneficial organisms already living in your gut
• One of the most overlooked microbiome tools
• Type and dose matter — too much of the wrong one can increase bloating and fermentation.

Lactoferrin • Supports immune defense and iron regulation
• Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Can be useful depending on the individual

Betaine HCl • Supports protein digestion and nutrient absorption when stomach acid is inadequate
• NOT appropriate for everyone, especially with certain GI conditions or medications

Digestive Enzymes • Can reduce digestive workload and symptoms while we address the WHY
• Helpful support — but not necessarily the fix

Bovine Immunoglobulins • Promising research for certain GI conditions
• Can be expensive
• Not something everyone with gut issues automatically needs

USE WITH CAUTION

TUDCA, Ox Bile & Bitters • Can be helpful for the right person
• Bile acids interact with the microbiome
• More bile support isn't automatically better

Broccoli Sprout/Sulforaphane Extracts • Concentrated extracts can influence the microbiome
• Not automatically “bad,” but not automatically appropriate either — especially with significant GI symptoms

Probiotics • I use them, but strategically
• Strain and dose matter
• Many are transient — they don't simply move in and become permanent residents
• Prebiotics and diet are equally important for the long game

NOT MY FIRST CHOICE
Greens Powders • Convenient, but don't replace a varied whole-food diet, and sourced ingredients really matter here.
• I'd rather see fruits, vegetables, herbs and fiber coming from actual food

Berberine
• Has powerful antimicrobial and metabolic effects
• Can interact with medications
• I prefer targeted, appropriate use rather than taking it indefinitely because it's being marketed as “nature's Ozempic”

Oil of Oregano
• Potent antimicrobial
• May have a place when used appropriately
• Constantly trying to “kill” gut organisms isn't my idea of rebuilding a healthy microbiome

Guys, randomly stacking supplements isn't a gut protocol.

Before throwing probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobials, enzymes, acids and bile support at someone, I want to know what we're actually trying to correct. You should too!

Your gut isn't generic.
Your nutrition shouldn't be either.
Want help figuring out your next step? I offer a 30-minute initial intake consultation. Call to get on my schedule.

219-713-4789
Dr. Jodi 🫶
Naturopathic Wellness & Nutritional Health

09/29/2026

Patient Testimony:.

Dr.Jodi, you have been working with me for several years now. When I first came to you, you were the answers to my prayers. I had been looking for an actual nutritionist. Not they type of doctor that only recommends pills,, I was looking for the type that knows about foods and the effects of things/products not shown by tests as having an allergy. But being able to tell by talking to someone and learning them to know what I should and shouldn't be consuming in daily life.

That was you.
The first time I came to you you broke everything down for me and gave me guidance in what foods and products I should be staying away from.

I was worn down, bad skin, overweight. You name it.
I followed your guidance and started a path to feeling great. I lost 50 pounds!!

Then when my dad was diagnosed with cancer, you were kind but honest. You helped him as best as you could. He lost his battle and I fell into a bad place. Depression, gaining weight back, not caring about what I ate, not caring about anything.

When I finally realized enough was enough. You were still there in the shadows and helped pull me out of the dark. I came back to you January 2015 about the depression and life and you guided me, I have been off of antidepressants for over a year. I came back to you again about my diet. Ready to start over and assisted me in a diet detox to start me on my way to a new lifestyle. I am down 22 pounds and feel amazing!!

My attitude about life and about myself has turned around dramatically because of you.
I swear by diet and nutrition and believe wholeheartedly how if affects every day life. Energy, weight, attitude you name it.
You have a vast amount of knowledge about the body and nutrition.

I couldn't be more grateful for you. You've never passed judgement over me and have only guided me in the direction I should follow. You've given me the brutal honesty that I needed but avoided to hear.

I want to thank you for everything you have done.
Always answer my calls, simple questions when I'm grocery shopping, no matter what I needed, you where there.
Thank you tremendously
K.H.

I don't know how anyone lives a healthy life these days without making an ongoing effort to reduce the amount of unneces...
09/29/2026

I don't know how anyone lives a healthy life these days without making an ongoing effort to reduce the amount of unnecessary “stuff” we're exposed to.

Think about it.

Fragrances are everywhere — perfume, air fresheners, candles, laundry products, cleaning products, lotions, hair products...sometimes you can smell the laundry aisle before you even get to it.

Many synthetic fragrances can contain mixtures of chemicals, and for people who are sensitive, they may trigger headaches, respiratory irritation or skin reactions.

Then we have antiperspirants.

There's an important difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant helps control odor. Antiperspirant uses aluminum-based compounds to temporarily reduce how much you sweat.

Your liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and lungs do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to processing and eliminating substances your body doesn't need.

But sweating IS normal physiology.

Sweat helps regulate body temperature, and trying to eliminate every drop of perspiration isn't necessarily the goal.

Then there's your lymphatic system — your body's drainage and transport network.

Lymphatic vessels collect excess fluid, proteins, cellular debris and other material from tissues and eventually return that fluid to the bloodstream. Unlike your cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn't have a heart pumping it around.

Movement matters.

Walking, muscle contraction, breathing and normal body movement all help lymph move.

And LADIES...
If you've ever peeled yourself out of a sports bra that felt like it required the jaws of life, perhaps that's our clue that tighter isn't always better. Or careful, contents under pressure?

A properly fitting bra shouldn't leave you feeling compressed, uncomfortable or restricted for hours. Stop choking the sisters!

And what about body odor?

Sweat itself isn't usually the main culprit. Underarm odor develops largely when skin bacteria interact with components of sweat.

So rather than becoming obsessed with NEVER sweating, I like to look at the bigger picture:

What are you eating? How's your digestion? Are your bowels moving regularly? Are you moving your body? Are you adequately hydrated? What products are you putting on your skin? How many unnecessary fragrances and chemicals are you exposed to every day?

You don't need to live in a bubble.

And you certainly don't need to “detox” yourself within an inch of your life either.

The body already has beautifully designed systems for processing and eliminating waste.

My approach is to SUPPORT those systems while reducing unnecessary exposures where we reasonably can.

Sometimes healthier living isn't about adding another supplement to the pile.

Sometimes it's simply about taking a few bricks OFF the pile.

Want help figuring out where YOUR body may need nutritional support?

I have a limited number of openings for my Nutrition Reset — 12-Week Personalized Wellness Program.

Ready for a CHANGE? One that isnt guessing, instead its tailored specifically for exactly where your body is at! 👇👇👇
Dr. Jodi Barnett, N.D.
Naturopathic Wellness & Nutritional Health

09/28/2026

YOUR GUT & YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM — THEY’RE MORE CONNECTED THAN YOU MAY THINK

Did you know that a major portion of your immune system is associated with your gastrointestinal tract?

Your intestinal lining isn’t simply where food gets digested. It is also an important immune interface between your body and the outside world. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), immune cells, the intestinal barrier, and your gut microbiome all communicate with one another and help regulate immune responses.

And your gut has its own extensive nervous system—the enteric nervous system—containing hundreds of millions of neurons. There is a reason researchers spend so much time studying the gut-brain-immune connection.

Your intestinal microbiome is home to a remarkably diverse community of bacteria and other microorganisms. Rather than thinking in terms of a specific “85% good/15% bad” ratio—which science really doesn’t support—we want to encourage microbial diversity, balance, and resilience.

These organisms and their metabolites can influence digestion, intestinal-barrier function, vitamin metabolism, immune signaling, and inflammatory pathways.

Research on probiotics is also interesting. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have found that certain probiotic interventions can influence inflammatory markers, including CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. But probiotic effects are strain-specific and person-specific, so we can’t assume that every probiotic produces the same result.

And probiotics don't only come in capsules.
Traditional fermented foods can be a wonderful way to introduce beneficial microorganisms and fermentation products into the diet. Some options include:
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Kefir
• Yogurt with live cultures
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Other traditionally fermented vegetables
And remember—fiber matters too. Your beneficial microbes need something to eat. A varied diet containing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and other fiber-rich plant foods provides substrates that gut microbes can ferment into compounds such as short-chain fatty acids.

Taking care of your gut is one important piece of taking care of your immune system.

Feed the microbes you want to support. Eat a diverse diet. Include fermented foods when tolerated. Get adequate fiber. And don't underestimate the relationship between your gut, immune system, and overall health.

Dr. Jodi🫶
Rooted in nature, backed by knowledge.

HOW MANY OF YOU WALK AROUND SAYING...“Man, I just wish I felt better.”Maybe your energy isn’t what it used to be. Your e...
09/24/2026

HOW MANY OF YOU WALK AROUND SAYING...

“Man, I just wish I felt better.”
Maybe your energy isn’t what it used to be. Your eating feels off, your sleep could be better, your weight has changed, or you simply want to take better care of yourself but aren’t sure where to start.

Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through all the information and create a plan that actually fits YOU.

My approach is personalized and non-invasive. We look at your health history, nutrition, lifestyle, current concerns, and personal wellness goals to identify areas where nutritional and lifestyle support may be helpful.
I believe the body, by God’s design, deserves to be well nourished and supported.

Your personalized wellness plan may include food and nutrition recommendations, lifestyle strategies, nutritional supplements when appropriate, wellness testing, education, and ongoing support.

I now offer 3 membership options:

ESSENTIAL
PLUS
PREMIER

Monthly membership options are available to make personalized wellness support more affordable and easier to fit into your budget.
HSA and Flex Pay cards may also be used for eligible services.

All memberships are available through the convenience of telehealth.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and take a more personalized approach to your nutrition and wellness, CALL MY OFFICE TODAY.

Let’s talk about your goals and which membership option may fit your needs.

219-713-4789
Dr. Jodi Barnett, N.D.
Naturopathic Wellness & Nutritional Health

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious gluten-free option, no flour..... try this High-Protein Lentil Flatbrea...
09/22/2026

If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious gluten-free option, no flour..... try this High-Protein Lentil Flatbread infused with lovely herbs! These are not as thin as tortillas and not as thick as a pancake. But they are tasty.

Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed (200g)
- 1 1⁄2 cups water (360ml)
- 1⁄2 tsp salt (2.5g)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (5g)
- 1⁄2 tsp cumin (2.5g)
- 1⁄2 tsp oregano (2.5g)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)

Directions:
1. Start by soaking the red lentils in 1 1/2 cups of water for about 3 hours. This step helps to soften the lentils, making them easier to blend. Once soaked, drain them and blend until you have a smooth consistency.
2. In a bowl, mix in the salt, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. This combination will give your flatbreads a wonderful flavor!
3. Heat a non-stick pan or cast iron pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Pour the lentil batter in batches to form your flatbreads.
4. Cook each flatbread for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Enjoy your tasty and healthy High-Protein Gluten-Free Lentil Flatbread! 🎉🙌

Dr Jodi 🫶
👇👇👇
Nutrition Facts (Per Flatbread)
Serving Size: 1 flatbread (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 150 kcal
Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 4.3 g
Saturated Fat 0.6 g
Carbohydrates 20 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Net Carbohydrates 15 g
Protein 6.8 g
Iron ~2 mg
Magnesium ~27 mg
Potassium ~215 mg
Folate ~115 mcg

Values are approximate based on USDA averages for the listed ingredients.

HOMOCYSTEINE: THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY THAN FOLATE AND B12When homocysteine comes back elevated on bloodwork, everyone ...
09/16/2026

HOMOCYSTEINE: THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY THAN FOLATE AND B12

When homocysteine comes back elevated on bloodwork, everyone seems to immediately invite folate and B12 to the party.

But B6 is standing over in the corner saying, “Hello? I work here too.”

Here’s the simplified version.

Homocysteine is produced as part of normal methionine metabolism. Your body then needs to decide what to do with it.

It has two major options.

Option #1: Recycle it.
Through remethylation, folate and B12 help convert homocysteine back into methionine.

Option #2: Move it down the sulfur pathway.
Through transsulfuration, homocysteine is converted to cystathionine and then cysteine. Cysteine can subsequently contribute to production of glutathione, one of the body's major antioxidant systems.

And this second pathway needs vitamin B6, specifically its active coenzyme form, pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP).

The enzymes CBS and CSE involved in transsulfuration are B6-dependent. Research also suggests that CSE is particularly sensitive to inadequate B6.
So I describe B6 as one of homocysteine's exit valves. That's not the complete biochemistry lesson, but it's a pretty good way to visualize what is happening.

So what happens when homocysteine is elevated?

You may feel absolutely nothing.

Mild to moderate elevations often don't announce themselves with a convenient list of symptoms.

Homocysteine is better viewed as a metabolic clue and risk marker.

Higher homocysteine has been associated with vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular and thrombotic risk, including associations with heart attack, stroke and venous blood clots. But association and causation are not the same thing.

Clinical trials show that simply lowering homocysteine with B vitamins doesn't always translate into fewer cardiovascular events.

This isn't playing nutritional Whac-A-Mole:
High homocysteine -throw B vitamins at it - problem solved. No!

I want to know WHY it's elevated.

I would look at:
Folate.
B12.
B6.
Kidney function.
Thyroid function.
Diet and methionine metabolism.
Medications.
Age and lifestyle factors.
And genetics when appropriate.

Someone may also have fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling or cognitive complaints when a nutritional deficiency such as B12, folate or B6 is involved—but those symptoms shouldn't automatically be blamed on homocysteine itself.

It's not about just chasing one lab number.

Follow the pathway.

Folate and B12 help recycle homocysteine.
B6 helps support its movement through transsulfuration.

And all of it is interconnected with methylation, sulfur metabolism, cysteine and glutathione production.

Peeps, the body isn't a collection of separate little departments that never speak to one another.

It's more like a family group text—everybody is involved whether you asked them to be or not.
Want someone to look at the whole picture?

I've opened 5 spots for my new:
ROOT CAUSE RESET
12-Week Health Program

This is for people who are tired of looking at individual symptoms and isolated lab numbers and want to start asking the bigger question:
What is driving the imbalance?

I look at nutrition, health history, symptoms, appropriate laboratory findings and patterns together to develop an individualized nutritional wellness strategy.

If you'd like information about one of the five openings, message me ROOT CAUSE RESET.
— Dr. Jodi Barnett, N.D.🫶
(Article written by Dr Jodi, photo credit a.i.)

Naturopathic Wellness & Nutritional Health
219-713-4789
www.jodibarnett758.com

References
Gregory JF, DeRatt BN, Rios-Avila L, Ralat M, Stacpoole PW. Biochimie. 2016;126:21–26. PMID: 26765812.
Clarke R, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170(18):1622–1631. PMID: 20937919.
Martí-Carvajal AJ, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;8:CD006612. PMID: 28816346.
Bennett CJ, et al. Effects of B Vitamins on Homocysteine Lowering and Thrombotic Risk Reduction—A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Published Since January 1996. 2025. PMID: 40218880.

NEW "MILKS" ON THE BLOCKMilk alternatives aren't  essential new news. However, I find many peeps who are struggling to m...
09/15/2026

NEW "MILKS" ON THE BLOCK

Milk alternatives aren't essential new news. However, I find many peeps who are struggling to make changes in their choices based on cholesterol issues or milk allergies or sensitivities to understand which maybe better. I always encourage rotation between them for nutritional variety and to keep from getting bored.

A practical nutrition comparison of dairy milk and popular plant-based alternatives and
Milk alternatives can look similar on the shelf but differ substantially in protein, carbohydrate, fat, calcium, vitamin D, potassium, added sugar and overall nutrient density. Plant-based beverages also vary considerably by brand, processing method, sweetening and fortification, so the Nutrition Facts label remains the final authority for a specific product.

Nutrition Comparison - Per 1 Cup
Beverage Calories: Protein Carbs Fat Calcium Vit. D Potassium

Key point:
Coconut milk typically supplies Lower protein more saturated fat than other plant beverages.

But it also Naturally supplies complete protein plus phosphorus, B12, riboflavin and potassium.

Worth noting too is Calcium and vitamin D in many plant-based beverages are added through fortification.

Vitamin D is commonly added to U.S. cow's milk thats been thru pasteurized processing.

What Else Should You Look At?

Added sugar: Sweetened versions can change the carbohydrate and calorie picture dramatically. Compare total sugars and added sugars.
Protein quality and amount: Almond, coconut and cashew beverages may provide only about 1 gram of protein per cup, while dairy, fortified soy and pea-protein beverages can provide substantially more.

Calcium: A high calcium number on a plant beverage may reflect fortification. That can still contribute calcium, but it should not be confused with the naturally occurring nutrient profile of the original nut, grain or legume.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is commonly fortified in both dairy and plant-based beverages; amounts vary by product.

Potassium: Potassium is another useful comparison point because amounts vary substantially among products.

Saturated fat: Coconut-based beverages deserve special attention because their saturated-fat content may be higher than many other plant alternatives.

Other micronutrients: Milk and fortified soy can contribute vitamin A, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, zinc, choline and selenium. Other plant beverages may or may not be fortified with comparable amounts.

The word "milk" on the front of the carton does not mean the beverages are nutritionally interchangeable.

The FDA notes that plant-based milk alternatives vary according to the plant source, processing and added ingredients.

Fortified soy beverage is currently the plant-based alternative considered sufficiently similar in key nutrients to be grouped with dairy in federal dietary guidance.

When choosing a milk or milk alternative, compare the entire Nutrition Facts panel rather than choosing solely on whether the product is dairy-free or plant-based.

For most adults, useful comparison points include protein, calcium, vitamin D, potassium, saturated fat and added sugar.

Read the label. Also look for thickening agents like carrageenan which can cause bloating and some digestion upsets and guar gum is a plant based fiber yes, but in larger intake it can cause digestion bloating or cramps in some people because it is a dense fiber. (Information written by Dr Jodi, photo credit A.I.)

Dr. Jodi Barnett, N.D.
Rooted in nature, backed by knowledge.

References
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Milk and Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Know the Nutrient Difference. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/milk-and-plant-based-milk-alternatives-know-nutrient-difference
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based Beverages. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/using-nutrition-facts-label-choose-milk-and-plant-based-beverages
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Plant-Based Milk and Animal Food Alternatives. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/plant-based-milk-alternatives-pbma
• U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Vitamin D for Milk and Milk Alternatives. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/vitamin-d-milk-and-milk-alternatives

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