As some of you may know, for the last two years I have been supporting a trial with KBMO Diagnostics for an amazing group of dentists across the U.S. My part is to consult their patients when the FIT 176 Test results, including the Gut Barrier Panel, come back. It has been an honor to meet so many amazing dentists, who also work with the airways and breathing, and their many patients.
One of them, Dr. Jenny Hobson and her staff have become closer relationships, and we support each other. Dr. Hobson invited me as a guest speaker to her next podcast on June 3rd at 7 PM ET.
PART I
New episode of Breathing Lab just dropped!
‘On the next Breathing Lab episode, I will be discussing my health journey during my interview with Dr. Silke Heine, a renowned Ph.D. in Holistic Nutrition and the founder of Simplify Holistic Nutrition Consulting and my personal Functional Medicine Coach and Holistic Nutrition Consultant.
After struggling for years with unexplained bloating, pain, and nasal congestion—with no clear answers from traditional tests— I finally found the missing link through the
FIT 176 Food Inflammation Test and Dr. Heine’s brilliant expert guidance.’
In this episode, we dive into:
What inflammation really is
Food sensitivities vs. allergies
Dr. Jenny's surprising test results (bye lime & dairy!)
Leaky gut, Candida, and why they’re often missed (which are tested in the Gut Barrier Panel, a part of the FIT 176 Test)
How diet, digestion, and breathing are deeply connected
Whether you’re dealing with digestive discomfort, brain fog, chronic congestion—or simply want to feel your best—this episode is packed with insights that could change the way you eat and breathe.
Here is a link to the live interview on 6/3/2025 to register in case you would like to Zoom in:
P.S. If you’re curious about the FIT Test and how to get started, we cover that too—and why it might be one of the most personalized tools you can use for your health.
Dr. Jenny Hobson,
PT, DPT, MTC, CFC, CMTPT
President
Manual Therapy, CranioFacial, Dry Needling Certified
Myofunctional Therapist
Buteyko Breathing Certified
PART II: GLP-1 naturally?
At a time where weight loss drugs are used by many, I participated in a few webinars learning about GLP-1. As usual, I always prefer a natural approach and wanted to share some information on how to boost GLP-1 levels naturally. I have left many hyperlinks in this newsletter; in case you are looking for full articles on the information in this newsletter! Please klick on the More Info links!
It is very important to understand, that GLP-1 production, if it is natural or supported by medications, only works sufficiently when gut health is at an optimal level. Please talk to me about the Gut Barrier Panel available in my office or on my website as a ‘stand-alone’ test. It is also included in the
FIT 22 Plus, the
FIT 132 Test, and the
FIT 176 Test.
Services we offer at Simplify
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone made in your gut and released after you eat. It plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar by stimulating insulin release, slowing digestion, and making you feel full, which can help with weight management (
More info).
How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), are prescription drugs that mimic the effect of your body’s natural GLP-1 (
More info). These medications:
- Increase insulin production after meals
- Suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
- Slow down how fast your stomach empties
- Reduce appetite, leading to weight loss
They are highly regulated, have been tested in large clinical trials, and are approved for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity (
More info). These drugs are more potent and reliable than natural methods, but they can have side effects and require medical supervision (
More info).
Boosting GLP-1 Naturally
Your body naturally produces GLP-1 in response to eating, especially when you choose the right foods and habits. Here’s how to support your natural GLP-1 production:
1. Eat More Fiber
- Foods: Beans, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds
- How it works: Fiber is fermented by gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids that boost GLP-1. High fiber intake is linked to weight loss, even without cutting calories.
2. Choose Healthy Fats
- Foods: Olive oil, avocado oil, nuts, fatty fish
- How it works: Monounsaturated fats increase GLP-1 more than saturated fats. For example, eating bread with olive oil raises GLP-1 more than with butter.
3. Prioritize Protein
- Foods: Lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu.
- How it works: Protein-rich meals trigger more GLP-1 release than high-carb meals, helping you feel fuller longer.
4. Mind Your Meal Order
- Eat protein or vegetables before carbohydrates to get a higher GLP-1 response.
5. Other Habits
- Regular exercise and avoiding rapid spikes in blood sugar (by reducing processed carbs and sugar) also support GLP-1 production.
Why Good Food Choices Matter
Eating a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein not only boosts GLP-1 but also supports overall health, gut bacteria, and weight management. Unlike supplements or unproven products, whole foods provide a range of nutrients that work together for better results.
Fiber intake is one of the strongest indicators of weight loss and can facilitate weight reduction even without calorie limitation.
Top Foods That Boost GLP-1 Production
- Eggs: High in protein, eggs are shown to increase GLP-1 release and help keep you fuller longer.
- Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, and walnuts provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, all of which stimulate GLP-1 production.
- High-Fiber Grains: Oats, barley, and whole wheat are rich in soluble fiber, which gut bacteria ferment into short-chain fatty acids that trigger GLP-1 secretion.
- Avocado: Packed with fiber and monounsaturated fats, avocados have been linked to higher GLP-1 levels after meals (More info).
- Olive Oil: Unsaturated fats in olive oil stimulate more GLP-1 release than saturated fats like butter (More info).
- Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, asparagus, and onions are high in fiber, supporting GLP-1 release by feeding beneficial gut bacteria (More info).
- Legumes: Beans and lentils are excellent sources of soluble fiber, further supporting GLP-1 production (More info).
- Fruits: Especially less ripe bananas, which are high in resistant starch, and other fiber-rich fruits (More info).
Please look out for the July newsletter, which will add more information about producing GLP-1 naturally. Please keep in mind that the production of GLP-1 naturally or supported by medications, works only efficiently when the gut is healthy and absorbing nutrients well.
If you have questions about the Food Inflammation Tests and the added Gut Barrier Panel, please reach out. There is a lot we can work on daily to support our health gut with healthy food choices that are optimal for each of us personally.
With Love,
Silke
Silke Heine, Ph.D.
∙ Certified Functional Medicine Health and Wellness Coach
∙ Certified Gluten-Free Diet Practitioner
∙ Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor
∙ Certified International Sports Nutritionist
781-883-5951
Silke@SimplifyHolisticNutrition.com
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Call (781) 883-5951 to book your appointment with us.
In partnership with:
Simplify Holistic Nutrition Consulting
www.SimplifyHolisticNutrition.com
Washington Street,
Norwell, MA 02061
(781) 883-5951
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