“I wish that people knew that there are natural and low cost methods that we can start doing today that can have dramatic effects on our gut microbiome.” -Dr. Vanessa Mendez

Dr. Vanessa Mendez’ birth story did not go as she expected. After a pretty easy pregnancy she ended up having prolonged labor, antibiotics and a cesarean section. Then she had difficulty with breast feeding. These experiences prompted her to delve into the literature to learn more about how the gut microbiome forms and develop in children and that led her to become passionate about this topic.

In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, we learn from Dr. Vanessa Mendez about the gut microbiome in children.

We discuss:

Why she is so passionate about the gut microbiome in children
What the microbiome is
How we know it is balanced and functioning properly
Signs and symptoms that a child may have dysbiosis
Microbiome early influencers
What habits, behaviors and foods that can benefit the microbiome
What can be done if the microbiome become unfavorable
The current recommendations for probiotics
What she wishes more people knew about the gut microbiome

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More about my honored guest:

Doctor Méndez is a double board certified gastroenterologist and internist. She specializes in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation. Her approach to patients and their diseases is holistic and comprehensive; her goal is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the root cause of an ailment and provide lasting relief. She provides an evidence-based approach to her practice and focuses on lifestyle changes first to promote wellness.

Dr. Méndez attended Harvard University, where she obtained a B.A. in Latin American Studies, with a minor in pre-medicine. From there, she began her medical training at the ACGME accredited Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital, and her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. She has also trained in Epidemiology through Florida International University, and in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University.

She was awarded a visiting fellowship at the Mayo Clinic through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation where she received special training in inflammatory bowel diseases. She has also helped lead multiple fund-raising walks to raise awareness for Crohn's and Colitis in the Miami area. She was awarded Physician Champion at the Takes Steps Walk 2019 for the GastroHealth Team.

Dr. Mendez is the Director of Telehealth for the Institute of Plant-Based Medicine. IOPBM is a multispecialty practice based in Newport Beach, California. She also serves as the Director of International Relations for the nonprofit Planted in Health. She is passionate about grassroots community outreach and community-based programs that transform health through a culturally sensitive approach. Drvanessamendez.com

The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.

Call to Action —> Be empowered in the knowledge that we can influence our gut microbiome, immune and overall health really quickly with simple steps such as mindfulness, time in nature and eating whole plant foods!

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#146: Establishing a Healthy Gut Microbiome in Children with Dr. Vanessa Mendez

Call to Action —> Be empowered in the knowledge that we can influence our gut microbiome, immune and overall health really quickly with simple steps such as mindfulness, time in nature and eating whole plant foods!