[g_podcast id="7083302"]
In this episode, I interview osteopath and alternative practitioner Markus Opalka. Among other things, we talk about:
I got to know Markus through Arktis BioPharma, where Markus works as a consultant and where Roman and I are the Swiss representatives.
Markus gives really great, inspiring talks, so it was clear to me that I would like to interview him in the podcast.
Markus Opalka is a physiotherapist, osteopath (5 years), alternative practitioner and has completed a 2-year additional qualification as a pediatric osteopath. He also has a Master of Science degree in integrative and psychosocial health sciences, is a book author and author of specialist articles, e.g. in the German Heilpraktikerzeitung
Markus treats and supports people in health issues and also works as a scientific consultant.
I got to know Markus as a very versatile, warm and cheerful person. In this interview, he gives us a little insight into the world of gut health for babies and pregnant women.
Markus starts by telling us how he came to be interested in children and in training as a pediatric osteopath.
Then I wanted to know if he had children himself, speaking of babies. Yes, he does. Even 5 children! So we were able to delve into the topic of babies and bowels.
The following baby symptoms could indicate this: Crying baby, restless, doesn't feel comfortable in his skin, has sleep disorders, postural asymmetries, strong flatulence, bad smell or constipation.
Ideally, the baby should be born in the normal way via natural labor through the birth canal, if the mother had as few infectious diseases as possible during pregnancy and that the baby can then also be breastfed.
It is not so ideal if the baby has to be delivered by caesarean section, if the mother is treated with antibiotics during the birth or if the baby has to be treated with antibiotics after the birth, if there is a fungal infection in the mother's vaginal region (possibly without major symptoms and therefore untreated), or if breastfeeding is not successful. All of this can lead to the natural colonization of the baby's intestines not being successful.
In a good case, the baby has sufficient contact with the mother's vaginal mucosa during the birth process. The better the mother's vaginal flora is equipped, i.e. with a normal acid flora component, then the baby has optimal conditions to get some of it (oral vaccination).
Contrary to popular belief that the baby is born with a sterile intestine, a large part of the microbial colonization already takes place in the mother's uterus. This Amniotic fluid is not germ-free. It has been found that intestinal bacteria can enter the baby's organism via the mother's blood, via the placenta through the umbilical cord and thus also play a role in the initial colonization of the intestine.
That's why the mother's intestinal health should look good during pregnancy so that the baby gets the best out of it!
Bacteria from the mother and even the father can be found in the baby's first bowel movement.
This means that physical complaints can also be passed on to the next generation via the microbiome. Although there is a genetic predisposition and we probably have weak points in the body that can be genetic or familial, Markus estimates the influence of genetics on our illnesses at around 20%. And 80% are external influences, diet, lifestyle and so on. We also learn behavior from our parents and so habits are also "inherited".
What can you do if you have a caesarean section despite wanting a natural birth? You have to take into account the situation at home, what the "bacterial environment" at home is like, whether there are other siblings, perhaps a dog, etc.
However, it may well be worth giving the baby probiotics. This is because it is important to build up and strengthen the baby's immune system as quickly as possible. However, it is important to choose a preparation that is suitable for babies.
However, if the baby is already several weeks old and symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis are already present (as described at the very beginning), then a stool analysis may also be worthwhile. You can see: what is missing, are there inflammations, are there enough of the starter bacteria, and then you can build up the gut in a targeted way.
Unfortunately, it is still common to be told that flatulence or 3-month colic are normal and that they will get better. But if you wait, there's a good chance that new problems will arise afterwards, such as skin problems, infections, problems in the lungs/nose/throat etc.
The skin is a contact organ, and so is the gut. They are organs that decide via a barrier what is useful and may enter and what must be separated.
The ability of the intestinal mucosa to separate itself also enables other mucosal contact surfaces in the body to do the same, i.e. in the eye, nose, mouth, vaginal area, ear, lungs, i.e. all mucosal contact surfaces that also have a separating function towards the outside. The intestine provides a great deal of information from the immune system, which it circulates via the blood so that all other mucous membranes can benefit from it and the intestine is the little king in the background, so to speak, which houses the knowledge and also informs the others and if this does not work well, then the other mucous membranes also suffer. And the skin is also a major organ of contact with the outside world and has a great deal of correspondence with it, so the intestines must always be taken into account in the event of skin problems.
It can definitely be taken into account as an indication. Of course, you can't reverse a caesarean section. But if someone has problems in adulthood that point to the gut, for example neurodermatitis or other complaints, then it can definitely be worth doing a stool analysis.
But you have to do it multicausal, someone can also have neurodermatitis and still have relatively unproblematic intestinal flora.
Yes, definitely. Markus often sees this with constipation problems. Why can't I let go, free myself, etc.? It's worth taking a look at the family system.
In principle, however, it's always worth parents relying on their gut feeling, radiating security and clarity towards the child, then the baby will also be calm and safe.
Many mothers and fathers are insecure because they want to do everything right.
The bacteria in the mother's flora need fiber and a diet that is as varied as possible so that there is good bacterial diversity.
Buy fresh, cook for yourself, avoid fast food and convenience products. This is also best done before conception. And if the parents can't cook, it's best to take a cooking course.
A healthy diet is also beneficial for fertility, as the metabolism should function optimally in order to conceive a baby.
The trick is to simply give it a try and most people notice after a very short time that a healthy diet makes them feel much better!
A problem with the sugar metabolism often occurs during pregnancy, possibly also due to the diet beforehand. But even here, help can be provided with appropriate remedies.
The hormonal change paralyzes the muscular activity somewhat, and so the intestine loses mobility, as does the oesophagus. In addition, of course, the baby pushes from below. So it's not just diet-related.
Fermented foods can definitely be tried, but it's also possible that you can't get to grips with it.
Markus observes that the more parents inform themselves, read, worry and get stressed about "having to do everything right", the more problematic the pregnancy often becomes.
The more relaxed you can be and the more you listen to your gut feeling and your maternal instinct, the better!
It can definitely be a good idea to get help before the birth, for example from an attending midwife, who can then also go to the hospital and accompany the birth alongside the gynecologist.
The advantage of hiring an attending midwife is that you are always looked after by the same person, that they know the mother-to-be and know what she wants for the birth and can accompany her well. Because in hospital, it's quite possible that different people are always there to look after you due to the shift work.
And that can also lead to stressful situations and a less pleasant birth.
At the end of the interview, Markus would like to encourage parents to have more children and to start having children earlier. After all, you have the best natural conditions in your mid to late 20s. And the last tip: build up a good network in good time so that you are well looked after before, during and after the birth.
Would you like to find out more about Markus' work or ask him a question? Markus is currently working on a new innovative health project that will be realized in early 2019. For questions, requests or collaborations, please contact him personally:
m.opalka@icloud.com
+49 (0)151 19456184
I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did!
I personally particularly enjoyed the discussion about the fact that we can influence our health much more than we perhaps knew or wanted to admit. And also why the gut is connected to so many other organs and complaints than just digestion.
I think Markus' many years of practical experience with children and babies came across very well in the interview and I hope you were able to take something away from it for yourself.
If you like, feel free to comment below these show notes on how you liked the episode or ask a question if something is still open. Markus and I will be happy to answer!
Next week, as always on Tuesdays, there will be the next Darmglück episode, I look forward to seeing you again. Until then!
Now I recommend that you subscribe to the podcast so that you don't miss an episode, and if you like what you hear, I'd really appreciate a review on iTunes or Apple Podcast. Because these reviews also help other people find the podcast so we can spread the knowledge about gut and health more.
In this episode, I interview osteopath and alternative practitioner Markus Opalka. Among other things, we talk about:
- How do I recognize if my baby has intestinal problems?
- Will the baby be born germ-free?
- Why is it important for the mother-to-be to have a good gut microbiome herself?
- How influential is genetic predisposition as opposed to lifestyle and environmental factors?
- Why the statement "it will grow together" should be treated with great caution
- How important is a healthy diet before or during pregnancy?
- Does the psyche already play a role in babies and the gut?
I got to know Markus through Arktis BioPharma, where Markus works as a consultant and where Roman and I are the Swiss representatives.Markus gives really great, inspiring talks, so it was clear to me that I would like to interview him in the podcast.
Markus Opalka is a physiotherapist, osteopath (5 years), alternative practitioner and has completed a 2-year additional qualification as a pediatric osteopath. He also has a Master of Science degree in integrative and psychosocial health sciences, is a book author and author of specialist articles, e.g. in the German Heilpraktikerzeitung
Markus treats and supports people in health issues and also works as a scientific consultant.
I got to know Markus as a very versatile, warm and cheerful person. In this interview, he gives us a little insight into the world of gut health for babies and pregnant women.
Markus starts by telling us how he came to be interested in children and in training as a pediatric osteopath.
Then I wanted to know if he had children himself, speaking of babies. Yes, he does. Even 5 children! So we were able to delve into the topic of babies and bowels.
How do you notice that a child has bowel problems?
The following baby symptoms could indicate this: Crying baby, restless, doesn't feel comfortable in his skin, has sleep disorders, postural asymmetries, strong flatulence, bad smell or constipation.
What does the birth process have to do with the intestines?
Ideally, the baby should be born in the normal way via natural labor through the birth canal, if the mother had as few infectious diseases as possible during pregnancy and that the baby can then also be breastfed.
It is not so ideal if the baby has to be delivered by caesarean section, if the mother is treated with antibiotics during the birth or if the baby has to be treated with antibiotics after the birth, if there is a fungal infection in the mother's vaginal region (possibly without major symptoms and therefore untreated), or if breastfeeding is not successful. All of this can lead to the natural colonization of the baby's intestines not being successful.
In a good case, the baby has sufficient contact with the mother's vaginal mucosa during the birth process. The better the mother's vaginal flora is equipped, i.e. with a normal acid flora component, then the baby has optimal conditions to get some of it (oral vaccination).
Does the baby have a sterile intestine?
Contrary to popular belief that the baby is born with a sterile intestine, a large part of the microbial colonization already takes place in the mother's uterus. This Amniotic fluid is not germ-free. It has been found that intestinal bacteria can enter the baby's organism via the mother's blood, via the placenta through the umbilical cord and thus also play a role in the initial colonization of the intestine.
That's why the mother's intestinal health should look good during pregnancy so that the baby gets the best out of it!
Bacteria from the mother and even the father can be found in the baby's first bowel movement.
This means that physical complaints can also be passed on to the next generation via the microbiome. Although there is a genetic predisposition and we probably have weak points in the body that can be genetic or familial, Markus estimates the influence of genetics on our illnesses at around 20%. And 80% are external influences, diet, lifestyle and so on. We also learn behavior from our parents and so habits are also "inherited".
What to do if you have a caesarean section?
What can you do if you have a caesarean section despite wanting a natural birth? You have to take into account the situation at home, what the "bacterial environment" at home is like, whether there are other siblings, perhaps a dog, etc.
However, it may well be worth giving the baby probiotics. This is because it is important to build up and strengthen the baby's immune system as quickly as possible. However, it is important to choose a preparation that is suitable for babies.
However, if the baby is already several weeks old and symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis are already present (as described at the very beginning), then a stool analysis may also be worthwhile. You can see: what is missing, are there inflammations, are there enough of the starter bacteria, and then you can build up the gut in a targeted way.
Unfortunately, it is still common to be told that flatulence or 3-month colic are normal and that they will get better. But if you wait, there's a good chance that new problems will arise afterwards, such as skin problems, infections, problems in the lungs/nose/throat etc.
What does atopic dermatitis have to do with the gut?
The skin is a contact organ, and so is the gut. They are organs that decide via a barrier what is useful and may enter and what must be separated.
The ability of the intestinal mucosa to separate itself also enables other mucosal contact surfaces in the body to do the same, i.e. in the eye, nose, mouth, vaginal area, ear, lungs, i.e. all mucosal contact surfaces that also have a separating function towards the outside. The intestine provides a great deal of information from the immune system, which it circulates via the blood so that all other mucous membranes can benefit from it and the intestine is the little king in the background, so to speak, which houses the knowledge and also informs the others and if this does not work well, then the other mucous membranes also suffer. And the skin is also a major organ of contact with the outside world and has a great deal of correspondence with it, so the intestines must always be taken into account in the event of skin problems.
Can a caesarean section cause problems right up to adulthood?
It can definitely be taken into account as an indication. Of course, you can't reverse a caesarean section. But if someone has problems in adulthood that point to the gut, for example neurodermatitis or other complaints, then it can definitely be worth doing a stool analysis.
But you have to do it multicausal, someone can also have neurodermatitis and still have relatively unproblematic intestinal flora.
Can you also speak of psychological factors in the case of intestinal problems in small children?
Yes, definitely. Markus often sees this with constipation problems. Why can't I let go, free myself, etc.? It's worth taking a look at the family system.
In principle, however, it's always worth parents relying on their gut feeling, radiating security and clarity towards the child, then the baby will also be calm and safe.
Many mothers and fathers are insecure because they want to do everything right.
What can you pay attention to in your diet so that the baby's health is as good as possible?
The bacteria in the mother's flora need fiber and a diet that is as varied as possible so that there is good bacterial diversity.
Buy fresh, cook for yourself, avoid fast food and convenience products. This is also best done before conception. And if the parents can't cook, it's best to take a cooking course.
A healthy diet is also beneficial for fertility, as the metabolism should function optimally in order to conceive a baby.
The trick is to simply give it a try and most people notice after a very short time that a healthy diet makes them feel much better!
A problem with the sugar metabolism often occurs during pregnancy, possibly also due to the diet beforehand. But even here, help can be provided with appropriate remedies.
Heartburn during pregnancy
The hormonal change paralyzes the muscular activity somewhat, and so the intestine loses mobility, as does the oesophagus. In addition, of course, the baby pushes from below. So it's not just diet-related.
Fermented foods can definitely be tried, but it's also possible that you can't get to grips with it.
How too much information can also lead to problematic pregnancies
Markus observes that the more parents inform themselves, read, worry and get stressed about "having to do everything right", the more problematic the pregnancy often becomes.
The more relaxed you can be and the more you listen to your gut feeling and your maternal instinct, the better!
It can definitely be a good idea to get help before the birth, for example from an attending midwife, who can then also go to the hospital and accompany the birth alongside the gynecologist.
The advantage of hiring an attending midwife is that you are always looked after by the same person, that they know the mother-to-be and know what she wants for the birth and can accompany her well. Because in hospital, it's quite possible that different people are always there to look after you due to the shift work.
And that can also lead to stressful situations and a less pleasant birth.
At the end of the interview, Markus would like to encourage parents to have more children and to start having children earlier. After all, you have the best natural conditions in your mid to late 20s. And the last tip: build up a good network in good time so that you are well looked after before, during and after the birth.
Would you like to find out more about Markus' work or ask him a question? Markus is currently working on a new innovative health project that will be realized in early 2019. For questions, requests or collaborations, please contact him personally:
m.opalka@icloud.com
+49 (0)151 19456184
I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did!
I personally particularly enjoyed the discussion about the fact that we can influence our health much more than we perhaps knew or wanted to admit. And also why the gut is connected to so many other organs and complaints than just digestion.
I think Markus' many years of practical experience with children and babies came across very well in the interview and I hope you were able to take something away from it for yourself.
If you like, feel free to comment below these show notes on how you liked the episode or ask a question if something is still open. Markus and I will be happy to answer!Next week, as always on Tuesdays, there will be the next Darmglück episode, I look forward to seeing you again. Until then!
Now I recommend that you subscribe to the podcast so that you don't miss an episode, and if you like what you hear, I'd really appreciate a review on iTunes or Apple Podcast. Because these reviews also help other people find the podcast so we can spread the knowledge about gut and health more.
