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The Synthesis of Wellness®

The Synthesis of Wellness®

By: Chloe Porter
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 Chloe Porter is dedicated to health research and optimization. She is the host of The Synthesis of Wellness ® Podcast; an engineer; and an acclaimed health science speaker, expert, and best-selling author known for her deep dives into gastrointestinal function, functional health, and health optimization.Chloe Porter Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 188. The Stomach | Symptoms of H. pylori & Hypochlorhydria, and a Conversation on the Effects of Low Stomach Acid on Micronutrient Absorption

    188. The Stomach | Symptoms of H. pylori & Hypochlorhydria, and a Conversation on the Effects of Low Stomach Acid on Micronutrient Absorption
    Jul 18 2025
    In this episode, we detail connections between H. pylori and hypochlorhydria, while highlighting possible downstream effects on nutrient absorption. We examine how reduced gastric acidity can impair the liberation and assimilation of certain micronutrients, including iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and more; and we further discuss the impact of low stomach acid upon downstream digestive enzyme activation and gut microbial balance. The discussion also highlights the role of compromised gastric acidity in conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).Topics:1. Hypochlorhydria - Low stomach acid.- Aging, autoimmune gastritis, chronic PPI use, H. pylori infection.2. H. pylori - Common gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach lining.- Symptoms.- Produces urease.- Ammonia neutralizes acid, creating a protective microenvironment.- Additional virulence factors and ability to form biofilms contribute to persistence.3. Gastric Anatomy & Layers- The stomach: hollow, muscular organ for mechanical and chemical digestion.- Regions: Cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus.- Layers: Mucosa, Submucosa, Muscularis externa, Serosa4. Mucosal Layer - Surface mucous cells secrete a thick bicarbonate-rich, protective mucus.- Gastric pits lead to gastric glands, which contain specialized secretory cells.5. Specialized Gastric Cells- Parietal Cells: Secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor (IF).- Chief Cells: Secrete pepsinogen (converted to pepsin by HCl) and gastric lipase.- Role of HCl: Activates pepsin, denatures proteins, and contributes to nutrient absorption.- Intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 absorption.6. Vitamin B12 Absorption- Essential for DNA synthesis, RBC formation, neurological function.- Released from food proteins by gastric acid and pepsin.- Impaired absorption.7. Role of Gastric Acid in Broader Micronutrient Absorption- Absorption of minerals.- Soluble, ionized state.- Iron: HCl aids in preventing insoluble precipitates and supports iron absorption.8. Protective Role of Gastric Acid- Acts as a line of defense against ingested pathogens.- Maintains low microbial diversity in the stomach.- Low HCl and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).9. Symptoms of Low Stomach Acid- Bloating, early satiety, excessive belching.- Undigested food in stool, chronic constipation.- May reflect impaired enzymatic activation and digestive insufficiency.10. Conclusion- Multifactorial causes and downstream effects.- Optimal range of stomach acid: neither high nor low.Thank you to our episode sponsor: 1. ⁠OmneDiem®'s⁠ ⁠Histamine Digest®⁠ and ⁠Histamine Digest® PureMAX⁠ 2. ⁠Histamine Digest® Histamine Complete⁠ with DAO, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Stinging Nettle Root Extract.Thanks for tuning in!Get Chloe's Book Today! "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠75 Gut-Healing Strategies & Biohacks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" Follow Chloe on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@synthesisofwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Chloe on TikTok @chloe_c_porterVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠synthesisofwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase products, subscribe to our mailing list, and more!
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    15 mins
  • 187. Intestinal Mycobiome | Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth, Biofilm Formation & Microbial Persistence, and Intestinal Barrier Integrity

    187. Intestinal Mycobiome | Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth, Biofilm Formation & Microbial Persistence, and Intestinal Barrier Integrity
    Jul 11 2025
    In this episode, we detail Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO), with a focus on fungal biofilm formation and its role in promoting microbial persistence and evasion of host immune responses. We discuss the phenotypic plasticity of Candida species, as well as biofilm matrices adherent to the intestinal mucosa. We further highlight common symptoms of SIFO as well as the effects of hypochlorhydria, reduced pancreatic enzyme and bile output, impaired motility, diminished commensal bacterial populations, and weakened mucosal immunity.Topics: 1. Introduction- Focus on the gut mucosal barrier.- Emphasis on Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO) and biofilms.2. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy- The mucosa: epithelium, lamina propria, and a thin band of smooth muscle.- The epithelial layer.- Covered by protective mucus composed of mucin glycoproteins secreted by goblet cells.- In the small intestine: less dense mucus.3. Epithelial Integrity- Tight junctions.- Paracellular barrier preventing uncontrolled antigen passage.4. Lamina Propria5. Overview of Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)- SIFO involves fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, commonly Candida species.- Small intestines: Low microbial density due to motility, gastric acid, bile acids, immune surveillance, and more.- Contributing factors: hypochlorhydria, impaired motility, reduced digestive enzymes, diminished competitive flora, lowered immunity, and more.6. Candida Pathogenicity- Candida exhibits phenotypic plasticity: yeast and hyphal forms.- Biofilm formation.7. Biofilm Formation- Biofilms are structured communities of microbes within a self-produced extracellular matrix.- Resistance to antimicrobials and immune defenses.- Can develop on intestinal mucosa and in various other regions.8. SIFO and SIBO Overlap- Root causes and overlap between SIFO and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).- Common symptoms.9. Gastric Acid in More Detail- Stomach epithelium includes mucous, parietal, chief, and enteroendocrine cells- Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid.- HCl denatures proteins and aids in inhibiting pathogens.- Hypochlorhydria: possible causes. 10. Downstream Effects of Low Acid11. Gut Motility in More Detail- Motility involves rhythmic smooth muscle contractions.- Enteric nervous system (ENS): myenteric and submucosal plexuses.- Dysautonomia and motility.12. SIFO Contributing Factors13. Candida Regulation- Candida generally remains in unicellular yeast form under homeostatic regulation.- Controlled by microbial competition, host defenses, antifungal peptides, and more.14. Role of Mucus and sIgA- Mucosal immunity (including sIgA) aids in regulating Candida populations.- Low sIgA levels (due to stress, immune suppression, dysbiosis,…) weaken defense 15. Conclusion- Mucosal barrier structure.- SIFO and Candida.- Biofilm formation, microbial persistence, and mucosal disruption.- SIFO and SIBO.- Multifactorial nature of fungal dysbiosis, types of biofilms, and small intestinal overgrowth.Thank you to our episode sponsor: 1. OmneDiem®'s Histamine Digest® and Histamine Digest® PureMAX 2. Histamine Digest® Histamine Complete with DAO, Vitamin C, Quercetin, Bromelain, and Stinging Nettle Root Extract.Thanks for tuning in!Get Chloe's Book Today! "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠75 Gut-Healing Strategies & Biohacks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠" Follow Chloe on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@synthesisofwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Chloe on TikTok @chloe_c_porterVisit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠synthesisofwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase products, subscribe to our mailing list, and more!
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    15 mins
  • 186. The Gut-Immune Axis, Intestinal Barrier Function, & Vitamin D₃ | Activated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and Immune Function, Vitamin D Testing, & More

    186. The Gut-Immune Axis, Intestinal Barrier Function, & Vitamin D₃ | Activated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ and Immune Function, Vitamin D Testing, & More
    Jul 4 2025

    In this encore episode, we highlight vitamin D₃ in gastrointestinal health, with a focus on intestinal barrier function and the gut-immune axis. We discuss how vitamin D is metabolized into its active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D can support the intestinal mucosa, while highlighting the intestinal epithelium and immune cells in the lamina propria. Through this, we further detail the role of regulatory T cells in supporting immune balance and modulating immune function.


    Topics:

    1. Introduction

    - Highlighting intestinal barrier function and the gut-immune axis with a focus on vitamin D₃

    2. Vitamin D Synthesis and Metabolism

    - Skin and 7-dehydrocholesterol; dietary intake.

    - Transported through the bloodstream bound to vitamin D binding protein.

    - First hydroxylation in the liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25(OH)D₃).

    - Testing.

    - Second hydroxylation in the kidney to form the active 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (1,25(OH)₂D₃).

    - Local activation also occurs.

    3. Intestinal Barrier Anatomy

    - The intestinal epithelium forms a selectively permeable monolayer that interfaces with the gut lumen.

    - Covered by a mucus layer: mucins, antimicrobial peptides, secretory IgA.

    - Mucus layer provides physical and biochemical protection.

    - Tight junction proteins and paracellular permeability.

    - Molecules crossing the epithelium.

    - Disruption of tight junctions, immune cell exposure to luminal contents.

    - The lamina propria and Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT).

    - Maintaining tolerance while defending against pathogens.

    4. Vitamin D’s Role in Barrier Support and Immune Modulation

    - 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, tight junction integrity, immune regulation, and more.

    - Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) and immune balance.

    5. Vitamin D₂ and D₃

    - D₃ (cholecalciferol) is more biologically effective and binds DBP more strongly.

    6. Vitamin D Levels

    - Levels observed in autoimmune conditions, IBS, and more.

    - Symptoms.

    - Insufficient and excessive levels of vitamin D can be detrimental.

    - Multi-system.

    7. Conclusion

    - Multifactorial: Numerous factors regulate vitamin D levels.

    - Gastrointestinal health root cause approach.



    Thanks for tuning in!

    Get Chloe's Book Today! "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠75 Gut-Healing Strategies & Biohacks⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"

    Follow Chloe on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@synthesisofwellness⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠synthesisofwellness.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to purchase products, subscribe to our mailing list, and more!
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    14 mins

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