October 2020

For this exercise, write down what is stressful today. Then, spin it into a positive narrative by using the form below.

Diet, genetics, and medical history are often the first to come to mind when considering factors that influence gut health. But stress is actually one of the biggest disturbances to digestion and the health of the gut microbiome. In fact, stress has been linked to many digestive health issues, including gastric reflux and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).1 Therefore, stress management and self-care are important components of healing the gut and working toward optimal digestive health. It doesn’t matter how much kale and broccoli you eat – if stress is also on your plate, it will impact your body’s ability to...

Not all stress is bad, but chronic stressors and stressful lifestyles – which put digestion on the back burner – can lead to a long list of potentially harmful consequences. Acute stress: short term – helps with focus and performance Chronic stress: long term – can damage health ,cortisolConsequences of Chronic Stress Altered microbiome, kills your workers Elevated blood sugar levels,Diabetes Food intolerances and allergies ,triggers histamines Increased acid reflux, indigestion, GERD, and ulcers Increased belly fat ,sick yellow inside fat Increased inflammation, impair nutrient absorption, can lead to anxiety and depression Increased risk of developing SIBO ,slow down workers...

Often, when setting out to improve gut health, much of the focus is put on diet. While diet is certainly an important aspect of gut healing, it can be incredibly beneficial to consider primary food as well. Primary food refers to the things that nourish a person off the plate – including career, relationships, spirituality, physical activity, finances, and other lifestyle factors. A lack of adequate fulfillment in multiple areas of primary food often indicates the presence of stress or unbalanced priorities. Neglecting these areas of wellness over time can leave a person feeling depleted, allowing stress to take over,...

Not-so-friendly for the gut, causes of chronic disease(Limit or avoid)  Highly processed and refined foods Often high in saturated fat/trans fat Food/drinks high in added sugar Can lead to overgrowth of fungus (Candida) Food additives and emulsifiers May promote intestinal inflammation Artificial sweeteners Disrupts microbiome and negatively affects blood sugar Excessive alcohol intake Can lead to intestinal inflammationReduces consumption of antibiotics Gut-friendly! Healing power Variety of colorful fruits and veggies Antioxidants, minerals, fiber Supports gut diversity Whole, unrefined grains Promotes regular bowel movements and beneficial gut flora flourish Healthy fats rich in omega-3s (fish, walnuts, flaxseed) Contains short-chain fatty...

Bowel movements can be an uncomfortable topic to navigate with clients, but it’s an important topic! Twenty percent of the population struggles with constipation, and diarrhea can be a serious condition. Bowel movements are unique, and everyone has a different “normal.” Changes in bowel movements signify changes in digestion due to bacteria, diet, or emotions, like stress.The general ideal fecal composition is: ● 75% water and 25% solid ● Solid matter = 25%–50% microbes plus mucus, fiber, and exfoliated gut lining The Bristol Stool Chart helps determine what a healthy bowel movement looks like, based on shape and consistency. Below...

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that play a role in nerve function,muscle contraction, pH regulation, and water balance.1 Common causes ofelectrolyte imbalances are intense activity and illness, leading to dehydration.Electrolyte imbalances can be harmful to health, so it’s important to take actionto restore this balance when dehydration occurs.2Some common electrolytes and their functions are listed below.Electrolyte FunctionBicarbonate • Helps maintain pH balance by acting as a buffer to resist changesin acidity or alkalinityCalcium • Helps muscle fibers shorten and contractChloride • Helps balance fluid inside and outside the cells to maintain hydration• Helps maintain pH in extracellular fluid by balancing hydrogen...