What the GUT is going on in there?

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Photo credit: OSF HealthCare

I’m grateful that we now live in a society more open to discussing both mental and physical health challenges. This openness allows my clients to talk about their digestive issues without embarrassment. As a nutritionist, I’m very familiar with discussing topics like bowel movements, their frequency, appearance, and other related symptoms like gas, bloating, and food sensitivities.

Although social media often jokes about “tummy troubles,” we don’t have to live with discomfort. Many people suffer from gut imbalances for various reasons, but that’s where professionals like myself come in. With our training and experience, we can ask the right questions, perform necessary tests, and create a personalized action plan. You don’t need to map out reliable restrooms every time you leave the house.

Living in constant fear of diarrhea or dealing with severe constipation that feels like a basketball in your stomach is not something anyone should endure. Digestive issues can also lead to skin problems—yes, the two are often connected! Our bodies are complex systems, and when things go wrong internally, we can feel it in many ways. Fortunately, there are solutions to heal the gut and restore balance to the microbiome.

Here are some of the most common digestive issues I’ve seen over the years:

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic acid reflux that causes heartburn, chest pain, and sometimes difficulty swallowing. Some people get the silent type which is more like a constant cough and throat clearing.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A condition that leads to abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and or diarrhea.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, resulting in bloating, diarrhea, and malnutrition.
  • Gallstones: Solid particles in the gallbladder that cause pain, nausea, and blockages.
  • Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the colon, causing abdominal pain and bowel changes.
  • Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements.
  • Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus.
  • Peptic Ulcers: Sores on the stomach or esophagus lining.

If any of these conditions sound familiar, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist or primary care physician to run basic tests for conditions like H. pylori, parasites, or food allergies. After specializing in digestive health for over 25 years, I’m also available to provide a holistic perspective. Often, these issues stem from food sensitivities, poor dietary habits, bacterial imbalances, or insufficient digestive enzymes.

A medical plan from your doctor is an excellent first step in identifying underlying conditions. However, medication alone may not fully resolve the problem—and in some cases, like prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for reflux, it can worsen the issue by reducing stomach acid necessary for proper digestion.

For over two decades, I’ve successfully guided clients through their gut health journeys using a holistic approach that complements their medical treatments. I’ve found that this integrative method often serves as the missing link in restoring health and improving quality of life. Addressing stress and emotional health is a critical, but often overlooked, part of healing.

It’s remarkable how emotional trauma can manifest in physical symptoms. For example, chronic constipation can sometimes be linked to emotional difficulty letting go, which creates a cascade of issues, including detoxification problems and even skin disorders.

As part of my comprehensive programs, I teach stress reduction methods using proven tools for calming the nervous system and bringing the body back in balance.

Many of my comprehensive programs also include bioenergetic testing to identify underlying causes of digestive complaints such as food sensitivities, nutritional and enzyme deficiencies, bacterial and candida overgrowth, and specific remedies for healing. It’s best to test instead of guessing what is going on whenever possible.

If you’re ready to take control of your digestive health, my 90-day program is designed to meet your specific needs and help you restore balance to your gut. Let’s work together to improve your overall health and quality of life.

Click here to schedule a free, 15 minute discovery call with me, or you can email me at [email protected].

Click here for one example of a successful digestive health makeover!