Welcome to another episode of The Hormone Heartbeat Podcast! In Today’s episode, we are talking about the microbiome and how essential it is for healthy hormones. We are going to dive deep into estrogen metabolism, including understanding the estrobolome and what foods you need to eat and how to optimize the strain of probiotics you choose. My guest today is Dr. Kristin Spark, a Naturopathic Doctor, certified sports nutritionist, and the owner of Verdure Wellness Clinic, an interdisciplinary health and wellness clinic that offers a modern approach to natural medicine. Dr. Kristin has a special interest in treating digestive and hormonal health conditions and loves to work with active and motivated individuals ready for change. I am excited for Dr. Spark to share her knowledge, clinical expertise, and research about how we can optimize our microbiome for superior hormone health.  In Today’s episode: Dr. Spark’s background and research in understanding the microbiome Hormone health and it’s connection to the microbiome/gut Phases of estrogen detoxification What is the Estrobolome Case studies of improved hormone symptoms once  gut health addressed Changes in PMS when IBS symptom improved Top 3 foods essential for gut health in women Ketogenic diet and lack of this key essential gut food A Carbohydrate called MACS Bitter foods and its role on stimulating the organs of digestion  Lifestyle factors that influence bacteria and gut health Meditations and their role on gastric motility Probiotics and what strains are best for you When to take a probiotic Probiotics and PMS, estrogen dominance, hormonal migraines SIBO and probiotic use What you need to know about Align brand probiotics Probiotic supplements vs food sources Various strains of probiotics Summary of probiotic research and women’s health concerns PMS and probiotics Endometriosis and specific probiotic strains Probiotic strain and recurrent urinary tract infections PCOS and gut diversity Fertility, probiotics and baby’s gut flora Adverse reactions to probiotics ****DOWNLOAD your free copy of Dr. Spark's  Foundations of Gut Health eBook with three digestion focused learning topics, free resources, challenges, and more!***** Connect with guest: Dr. Kristin Spark, ND Instagram: @drkristinspark | Website: http//verdurewellnessclinic.com/ | Facebook: @drkristinspark To work with Dr. Kristin Spark, ND click HERE Connect with host: Dr. Antoinette Falco, ND Download your copy of Antoinette's Post-pill Guidebook. Website: www.antoinettefalco.com.  Instagram: @drantoinettefalco Please send all inquiries and suggestions, including topics you'd like to see covered on the podcast to [email protected], If you'd like to be a guest on the show and you think you'd be a good fit, please reach out!