February 9, 2024 • 17 mins
In today's episode, we peel back the layers on food sensitivities, gut health, and the truth behind food sensitivity tests.
Are these tests the answer to your dietary dilemmas, or is there more to the story?
We'll explore the key differences between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities, and why a "leaky gut" might be the real villain in your health narrative.
Discover why understanding your gut's needs goes beyond simple tests, with practical tips on nurturing your gut back to health.
Plus, hear Holly's remarkable journey to vibrant health, illustrating the power of a holistic approach.
If you've ever questioned the food you eat and its impact on your well-being, this episode is a must-listen.
Tune in to uncover the secrets to a happier, healthier gut.
Ready to do a deep dive into your gut health? Just click here to book your free consultation!
Thanks for tuning in today! For more insights and resources, visit us at aradiantlyhealthylife.com.
Connect with us on social media!
Legal Disclaimer
Please remember, the information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any specific health concerns.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello and welcome to today's podcast episode.
Have you ever considered havingfood sensitivity tests done?
If you're not quite sure whatthat is, let me explain.
Food sensitivity tests areoften used to pinpoint which
foods may be causing youdiscomfort.
If you're like many of theincredible women I talked to
every day, and myself a fewyears ago, you might be hoping
(00:20):
that by having this test done,you'll find an answer to your
digestive issues or thatunexplained fatigue that just
won't quit.
But while the idea of having aclear list of bad foods might
seem like the golden ticket tofeeling better, the reality is
often more complicated and,frankly, less helpful than it
appears at first glance.
Today, we're going to dive intothe world of food sensitivities
(00:42):
, gut health and why thosepopular food sensitivity tests
might not be the solutionthey're often made out to be.
Don't worry, though, this isn'tone of those episodes that will
leave you with more questionsthan answers.
We're going to exploregenuinely effective ways to get
to the bottom of what's buggingyour belly and how to truly
nurture your body back tovibrant health.
So take a deep breath, settlein and let's get started.
(01:06):
Okay, so when we talk about howour bodies react to what we eat.
It's kind of like entering acomplex dance of reactions, each
with its own steps and rhythms.
In this dance, there are threemain types of partners food
allergies, food intolerances andfood sensitivities.
Knowing who's leading and whycan make all the difference in
how we feel day to day.
Let's start with food allergies.
(01:28):
If you have a food allergy,your immune system sees certain
foods as a threat and reactsimmediately.
This can lead to serioussymptoms like swelling, hives or
even breathing difficulties.
Food allergies are the onesthat can have you reaching for
an epi-pen and avoiding specificfoods like the plague.
Having a food intolerance, onthe other hand, is less
(01:50):
dangerous than having a foodallergy, but still something to
be aware of.
Intolerance is more about whathappens when your body can't
digest certain foods properly.
Think of lactose intolerance,where dairy products leave you
feeling bloated, gassy orrunning to the bathroom.
These reactions are more aboutyour digestive system saying
nope, I can't handle this,rather than your immune system
(02:11):
sounding the alarm.
Now, when we talk about havinga sensitivity to certain foods,
what that means is that the foodmight not cause immediate or
severe reactions like allergiesdo, but they can lead to a range
of uncomfortable symptoms Thinkbloating, headaches or fatigue
that sneak up on you hours oreven days later.
And while sensitivities aren'tdangerous, figuring them out can
(02:34):
be frustrating and confusing.
So why is understanding thisspectrum so important?
Because it shows that findingwhat makes us feel unwell isn't
as simple as taking a test,unfortunately.
So let's talk a little aboutfood sensitivity testing.
It sounds like it could be agood idea, especially if you're
trying to find the cause of someof the symptoms you're having
right, just a simple test andvoila, you know exactly what to
(02:57):
avoid to skip those annoyingsymptoms.
But here's the thing it's notall it's cracked up to be.
Imagine getting a map that'ssupposed to lead you to treasure
, but instead of X marking thespot, you've got random marks
all over the place.
That's kind of what happenswith food sensitivity tests.
They can throw up a lot offalse positives.
This means you might end upcutting out foods you love for
(03:20):
no good reason.
Talk about a wild goose chase.
And here's where things get evenmore muddled.
Sometimes these tests point tofoods as problematic, not
because those foods areinherently bad for you, but
because your gut is lettingthings slip through that
shouldn't.
So what's the real culprit?
Leaky gut.
Imagine your gut is a cozylittle inn with a strict guest
(03:40):
list.
A leaky gut is like having adoorman that's too lenient,
letting in guests who weren'tinvited.
These uninvited guests foodparticles to be precise crash
the party, causing all sorts ofmayhem like inflammation and
immune responses.
So when a food sensitivity testshows you're reacting to foods,
it's often because of thisleaky doorman, not because those
(04:01):
foods are the enemy.
Focusing solely on the resultsof food sensitivity tests
without addressing theunderlying issues like a leaky
gut, is like mopping up waterfrom a leaky roof without ever
fixing the hole.
Sure, you might catch some ofthe drips, but the problem's not
going away until you get upthere and patch things up.
Diving deeper, let's explorethe causes of a leaky gut, our
(04:23):
metaphorical lenient doorman.
Imagine your gut as a fortress.
When it's in top condition,it's excellent at deciding what
gets in and what stays out.
But several factors can weakenthis fortress, creating gaps
where there shouldn't be any.
Here's a rundown of the usualsuspects that can lead to a
leaky gut.
Number one stress.
(04:43):
It's not just a feeling in yourhead, it's a body-wide event.
Chronic stress can wear downyour gut's defenses, making it
easier for unwanted guests toslip through the cracks.
Number two poor diet.
Eating processed foods, sugarsand unhealthy fats like seed
oils can damage your gut liningover time.
Number three medications.
(05:03):
Certain medications, likeantibiotics and NSAIDs think
ibuprofen can disrupt thebalance in your gut, making the
lining more permeable.
It's as if these medicationsare accidentally knocking holes
in your gut walls.
Number four toxins.
Exposure to environmentaltoxins like pesticides and
pollution can also contribute toa leaky gut.
(05:25):
Number five excessive alcohol.
Alcohol wreaks havoc on yourbody overall, but can also
irritate and weaken your gutlining.
Number six lack of sleep.
Not getting enough rest canimpact your gut health too,
reducing its ability to repairand maintain a strong barrier.
Think of sleep as the nightlyrepair crew for your fortress.
(05:46):
Without it, the walls start todeteriorate.
Healing your gut is likerenovating and reinforcing your
fortress.
It's about taking steps thatrebuild its strength and
integrity.
Here's how you can start thisrestoration project Nourish with
whole foods.
Begin by fueling your body withwhole, nutrient-rich foods.
Think of these as the buildingmaterials for your fortress.
(06:07):
Fresh fruits, vegetables, leanproteins and complex
carbohydrates provide theessential nutrients to repair
and strengthen the gut lining.
Minimize stress.
Implement stress reductiontechniques such as meditation,
yoga or simply taking time eachday to relax and do something
you enjoy.
Moderate exercise regular,moderate exercise helps keep you
(06:30):
strong and healthy inside andout.
Just be sure not to overdo it,as too much exercise can be just
as damaging as too little.
Limit toxins.
Reduce your exposure to toxinsby choosing organic when
possible, filtering your waterand avoiding unnecessary
chemicals in your home andpersonal care products.
Mindful medication be cautiouswith the use of medications.
(06:52):
Talk to your healthcareprovider about the necessity of
any drugs you're taking andtheir potential impact on your
gut health.
Quality sleep prioritizegetting enough quality sleep.
Good sleep is crucial for itsrecovery and upkeep, and while
supplements can be incrediblyhelpful, it's important to focus
on mineral-rich whole foods asthe first line of defense.
(07:14):
Then use targeted supplementsif needed.
Remember, healing your gutdoesn't happen overnight.
It's a process, a journey backto health.
But by making these changes,you're taking significant
positive steps toward not justpatching up those gaps in your
fortress, but making it strongerand more resilient than ever
before.
Exploring gut health further,let's talk about a related topic
(07:35):
.
Not many people cover Gutmetabolites.
Beyond the walls of our gutfortress and the foods we choose
to let in, there's a bustlingecosystem of bacteria that play
a crucial role in our overallhealth.
These microscopic inhabitantsare busy at work producing gut
metabolites, which are thechemical fingerprints left
behind by the activities of thegut microbiome, playing crucial
(07:58):
roles in our nutrition, immunefunction and overall health.
Among these metabolites areshort chain fatty acids SCFAs.
Scfas are like the peacemakersof your body, reducing
inflammation and strengtheningthe gut wall.
They're essential allies inmaintaining the health of your
fortress.
On the flip side, we havehistamine, a metabolite that's a
(08:20):
bit of a double agent.
In the right amounts, histamineis crucial for immune responses
and digestion, but in excess itcan lead to discomfort and
symptoms like headaches, skinrashes and more.
Balancing histamine levels iskey to keeping peace within the
gut and the whole body.
Really Understanding andmanaging the balance of these
and other gut metabolites iscrucial.
(08:42):
This is where specializedtesting like the OAT test can
come into play, offeringinsights far more relevant than
what standard food sensitivitytests can provide.
By examining the production andpresence of these metabolites,
we can tailor dietary andlifestyle interventions to
support the beneficial bacteriaand metabolites, while reducing
those that are wreaking havoc.
(09:02):
We don't wanna wage war on theinhabitants of your gut, but
instead foster a thriving,balanced ecosystem that supports
your health from the inside out.
So we've ventured deep into theterritory of gut health,
understanding its complexitiesand the role of metabolites.
But where does that leave uswith dietary changes?
After all, if food sensitivitytests aren't exactly what we
(09:25):
hoped for and if our focusshifts to healing the gut and
balancing its ecosystem, dochanges in our diet still play a
part?
Absolutely, but diet changesdon't necessarily mean long-term
strict elimination diets.
When done properly, anelimination diet removes the
usual suspects like dairy orgluten for a time, then
reintroduces them to see howyour body reacts.
(09:46):
The goal isn't to ban thesefoods for life, but to
understand how they affect you.
It's targeted, temporary andtells us more about your body's
responses than a sensitivitytest could.
Armed with knowledge about yourgut's metabolites and the state
of your gut health, we can makedietary changes that genuinely
support you.
For instance, high histaminefoods might need to be reduced
(10:08):
if they're causing trouble, ormaybe histamine isn't an issue
for you, but you would do wellto increase fiber if SCFAs need
a boost.
It's all about what your gutneeds to thrive, not a
one-size-fits-all solution.
While some adjustments arenecessary, keep in mind that
swinging the pendulum too farinto restrictive diet territory
can do more harm than good.
Overly limiting diets canstarve the good bacteria in your
(10:31):
gut of the diverse nutrientsthey need.
The goal is to find a balancethat nurtures your gut health
while still enjoying a rich,varied diet.
One question that almost alwayscomes up when I have this
discussion in an appointment isshould I take supplements?
And my thought is this thereare times when supplements can
be helpful, but remember they'resupplements, not replacements.
(10:52):
The foundation of your healthis a balanced, nutrient-rich
diet.
Since we're on the subject ofquestions, let's go over a few
others I often get asked.
Maybe this section will helpanswer some of the ones you have
too.
Number one what should I do ifI think I have food
sensitivities?
Identifying food sensitivitiesor intolerances often requires
some detective work, sincereactions can vary widely in
(11:14):
type and timing.
Keep a detailed food diary totrack what you eat and any
symptoms you experience.
Look for patterns, but rememberit's not absolute proof.
My advice would be to seek outa provider that offers
functional testing and use theresults along with your food
diary to get a clearer picture.
Number two can eliminatingcertain foods improve my gut
(11:34):
health?
Yes, especially if those foodsare causing inflammation or
other negative reactions in yourbody, but it's important to
approach elimination dietscarefully to be sure you're not
unnecessarily restricting yourdiet or missing out on essential
nutrients.
Number three are probioticshelpful for improving gut health
?
Probiotics can be beneficial insome cases, but the
(11:57):
effectiveness can vary dependingon the strains used and your
specific gut health needs.
If possible, my preference isto start with food-based options
.
Fermented foods such as kefir,sauerkraut and kimchi are
excellent choices and you don'thave to eat a lot to enjoy the
benefits.
In fact, I always recommendthat clients start with a small
amount to see how they feel andwork up from there.
(12:21):
Question number four how longdoes it take to heal a leaky gut
?
The time it takes variesdepending on the extent of the
damage and how effectivelyyou're able to address the
underlying causes.
It can take anywhere from a fewmonths to a year or more.
Patience and consistency withdietary changes, stress
management and other lifestyleadjustments are key.
And finally, number five is itnecessary to follow a
(12:44):
gluten-free diet for gut health?
I almost always recommendeliminating gluten for several
reasons, even if my clientsdon't have a concern such as
celiac disease.
This approach stems from theunderstanding that non-celiac
gluten sensitivity can causesymptoms like bloating, fatigue
and headaches.
Also, gluten can add toinflammation and increased
(13:04):
intestinal permeability, whichcan lead to discomfort and
immune responses, even in thosewithout gluten sensitivity.
Concerns about glyphosate, achemical used on wheat crops,
also play into thisrecommendation, because it can
disrupt the gut microbiome andcause to issues, and for those
with autoimmune conditions,removing gluten may reduce
symptoms linked to systemicinflammation.
(13:27):
Okay, now that we've gone overall of that information, let me
share a success story to bringall of this together.
Holly, a client of mine, cameto me feeling exhausted and
dealing with digestive issues.
Instead of eliminating foodsbased on sensitivity tests, we
took a holistic approach.
We did comprehensive testingand explored her overall
lifestyle, stress levels andeating habits.
(13:49):
Holly started incorporatingfoods that were healthy for her
and worked toward creating asupportive environment for
beneficial gut bacteria tothrive.
After just a few months, hollybegan noticing significant
changes.
Her energy levels improved, herdigestive issues became
occasional instead of every day,and the fatigue that had
(14:09):
clouded her days lifted.
More importantly, she feltempowered and equipped with the
knowledge and tools to continuemaking improvements.
Holly's story is a testament tothe power of a personalized,
holistic approach to health.
It highlights the importance oflooking beyond quick fixes and
restrictive diets, focusinginstead on nurturing the body
(14:30):
and mind collectively.
Her journey from frustration tobetter health hopefully serves
as inspiration for anyonefeeling trapped in a cycle of
dietary restrictions andunresolved symptoms.
It's a reminder that with theright guidance, patience and a
willingness to listen to one'sbody, radiant health is within
reach.
So let's wrap this up.
We've had quite a chat.
(14:51):
Here's a quick recap before wethink about next steps.
Today we went over foodsensitivities versus gut health.
It's not just about cuttingfoods out.
It's about figuring out the why.
Functional tests and foodjournals.
In my opinion, these tools aremuch more helpful than food
sensitivity tests.
Holistic approach we're talkingstress management, nourishing
(15:14):
foods and moving your body inways that feel right Gut loving
foods and supplements,prebiotics probiotics and foods
that make your gut happy.
Now, if you are feeling ready toditch the guesswork and start
making changes that actuallywork, then take the first step
toward understanding your uniquestory.
Let's have a no pressure, nocommitment.
Talk about your health andgoals.
(15:36):
Then, if we decide thispartnership is a good fit, we'll
set up a time to go deeper andtalk about the next best steps
for you.
No one size fits all stuff here.
Ready to jump in.
Just go to aRadiantlyHealthyLifecom slash
journey to renewal and click onbook your free consultation,
then choose the date and timethat works best for you Easy
(15:57):
peasy.
I'll also put a link in thisepisode's show notes, so be sure
to look for that down below.
Well, that's all for today.
I look forward to hearing fromyou soon, and here's to moving
forward with confidence andstepping into a healthier,
happier life.
Hello and welcome to today's podcast episode.
Have you ever considered havingfood sensitivity tests done?
If you're not quite sure whatthat is, let me explain.
Food sensitivity tests areoften used to pinpoint which
foods may be causing youdiscomfort.
If you're like many of theincredible women I talked to
every day, and myself a fewyears ago, you might be hoping
(00:20):
that by having this test done,you'll find an answer to your
digestive issues or thatunexplained fatigue that just
won't quit.
But while the idea of having aclear list of bad foods might
seem like the golden ticket tofeeling better, the reality is
often more complicated and,frankly, less helpful than it
appears at first glance.
Today, we're going to dive intothe world of food sensitivities
(00:42):
, gut health and why thosepopular food sensitivity tests
might not be the solutionthey're often made out to be.
Don't worry, though, this isn'tone of those episodes that will
leave you with more questionsthan answers.
We're going to exploregenuinely effective ways to get
to the bottom of what's buggingyour belly and how to truly
nurture your body back tovibrant health.
So take a deep breath, settlein and let's get started.
(01:06):
Okay, so when we talk about howour bodies react to what we eat.
It's kind of like entering acomplex dance of reactions, each
with its own steps and rhythms.
In this dance, there are threemain types of partners food
allergies, food intolerances andfood sensitivities.
Knowing who's leading and whycan make all the difference in
how we feel day to day.
Let's start with food allergies.
(01:28):
If you have a food allergy,your immune system sees certain
foods as a threat and reactsimmediately.
This can lead to serioussymptoms like swelling, hives or
even breathing difficulties.
Food allergies are the onesthat can have you reaching for
an epi-pen and avoiding specificfoods like the plague.
Having a food intolerance, onthe other hand, is less
(01:50):
dangerous than having a foodallergy, but still something to
be aware of.
Intolerance is more about whathappens when your body can't
digest certain foods properly.
Think of lactose intolerance,where dairy products leave you
feeling bloated, gassy orrunning to the bathroom.
These reactions are more aboutyour digestive system saying
nope, I can't handle this,rather than your immune system
(02:11):
sounding the alarm.
Now, when we talk about havinga sensitivity to certain foods,
what that means is that the foodmight not cause immediate or
severe reactions like allergiesdo, but they can lead to a range
of uncomfortable symptoms Thinkbloating, headaches or fatigue
that sneak up on you hours oreven days later.
And while sensitivities aren'tdangerous, figuring them out can
(02:34):
be frustrating and confusing.
So why is understanding thisspectrum so important?
Because it shows that findingwhat makes us feel unwell isn't
as simple as taking a test,unfortunately.
So let's talk a little aboutfood sensitivity testing.
It sounds like it could be agood idea, especially if you're
trying to find the cause of someof the symptoms you're having
right, just a simple test andvoila, you know exactly what to
(02:57):
avoid to skip those annoyingsymptoms.
But here's the thing it's notall it's cracked up to be.
Imagine getting a map that'ssupposed to lead you to treasure
, but instead of X marking thespot, you've got random marks
all over the place.
That's kind of what happenswith food sensitivity tests.
They can throw up a lot offalse positives.
This means you might end upcutting out foods you love for
(03:20):
no good reason.
Talk about a wild goose chase.
And here's where things get evenmore muddled.
Sometimes these tests point tofoods as problematic, not
because those foods areinherently bad for you, but
because your gut is lettingthings slip through that
shouldn't.
So what's the real culprit?
Leaky gut.
Imagine your gut is a cozylittle inn with a strict guest
(03:40):
list.
A leaky gut is like having adoorman that's too lenient,
letting in guests who weren'tinvited.
These uninvited guests foodparticles to be precise crash
the party, causing all sorts ofmayhem like inflammation and
immune responses.
So when a food sensitivity testshows you're reacting to foods,
it's often because of thisleaky doorman, not because those
(04:01):
foods are the enemy.
Focusing solely on the resultsof food sensitivity tests
without addressing theunderlying issues like a leaky
gut, is like mopping up waterfrom a leaky roof without ever
fixing the hole.
Sure, you might catch some ofthe drips, but the problem's not
going away until you get upthere and patch things up.
Diving deeper, let's explorethe causes of a leaky gut, our
(04:23):
metaphorical lenient doorman.
Imagine your gut as a fortress.
When it's in top condition,it's excellent at deciding what
gets in and what stays out.
But several factors can weakenthis fortress, creating gaps
where there shouldn't be any.
Here's a rundown of the usualsuspects that can lead to a
leaky gut.
Number one stress.
(04:43):
It's not just a feeling in yourhead, it's a body-wide event.
Chronic stress can wear downyour gut's defenses, making it
easier for unwanted guests toslip through the cracks.
Number two poor diet.
Eating processed foods, sugarsand unhealthy fats like seed
oils can damage your gut liningover time.
Number three medications.
(05:03):
Certain medications, likeantibiotics and NSAIDs think
ibuprofen can disrupt thebalance in your gut, making the
lining more permeable.
It's as if these medicationsare accidentally knocking holes
in your gut walls.
Number four toxins.
Exposure to environmentaltoxins like pesticides and
pollution can also contribute toa leaky gut.
(05:25):
Number five excessive alcohol.
Alcohol wreaks havoc on yourbody overall, but can also
irritate and weaken your gutlining.
Number six lack of sleep.
Not getting enough rest canimpact your gut health too,
reducing its ability to repairand maintain a strong barrier.
Think of sleep as the nightlyrepair crew for your fortress.
(05:46):
Without it, the walls start todeteriorate.
Healing your gut is likerenovating and reinforcing your
fortress.
It's about taking steps thatrebuild its strength and
integrity.
Here's how you can start thisrestoration project Nourish with
whole foods.
Begin by fueling your body withwhole, nutrient-rich foods.
Think of these as the buildingmaterials for your fortress.
(06:07):
Fresh fruits, vegetables, leanproteins and complex
carbohydrates provide theessential nutrients to repair
and strengthen the gut lining.
Minimize stress.
Implement stress reductiontechniques such as meditation,
yoga or simply taking time eachday to relax and do something
you enjoy.
Moderate exercise regular,moderate exercise helps keep you
(06:30):
strong and healthy inside andout.
Just be sure not to overdo it,as too much exercise can be just
as damaging as too little.
Limit toxins.
Reduce your exposure to toxinsby choosing organic when
possible, filtering your waterand avoiding unnecessary
chemicals in your home andpersonal care products.
Mindful medication be cautiouswith the use of medications.
(06:52):
Talk to your healthcareprovider about the necessity of
any drugs you're taking andtheir potential impact on your
gut health.
Quality sleep prioritizegetting enough quality sleep.
Good sleep is crucial for itsrecovery and upkeep, and while
supplements can be incrediblyhelpful, it's important to focus
on mineral-rich whole foods asthe first line of defense.
(07:14):
Then use targeted supplementsif needed.
Remember, healing your gutdoesn't happen overnight.
It's a process, a journey backto health.
But by making these changes,you're taking significant
positive steps toward not justpatching up those gaps in your
fortress, but making it strongerand more resilient than ever
before.
Exploring gut health further,let's talk about a related topic
(07:35):
.
Not many people cover Gutmetabolites.
Beyond the walls of our gutfortress and the foods we choose
to let in, there's a bustlingecosystem of bacteria that play
a crucial role in our overallhealth.
These microscopic inhabitantsare busy at work producing gut
metabolites, which are thechemical fingerprints left
behind by the activities of thegut microbiome, playing crucial
(07:58):
roles in our nutrition, immunefunction and overall health.
Among these metabolites areshort chain fatty acids SCFAs.
Scfas are like the peacemakersof your body, reducing
inflammation and strengtheningthe gut wall.
They're essential allies inmaintaining the health of your
fortress.
On the flip side, we havehistamine, a metabolite that's a
(08:20):
bit of a double agent.
In the right amounts, histamineis crucial for immune responses
and digestion, but in excess itcan lead to discomfort and
symptoms like headaches, skinrashes and more.
Balancing histamine levels iskey to keeping peace within the
gut and the whole body.
Really Understanding andmanaging the balance of these
and other gut metabolites iscrucial.
(08:42):
This is where specializedtesting like the OAT test can
come into play, offeringinsights far more relevant than
what standard food sensitivitytests can provide.
By examining the production andpresence of these metabolites,
we can tailor dietary andlifestyle interventions to
support the beneficial bacteriaand metabolites, while reducing
those that are wreaking havoc.
(09:02):
We don't wanna wage war on theinhabitants of your gut, but
instead foster a thriving,balanced ecosystem that supports
your health from the inside out.
So we've ventured deep into theterritory of gut health,
understanding its complexitiesand the role of metabolites.
But where does that leave uswith dietary changes?
After all, if food sensitivitytests aren't exactly what we
(09:25):
hoped for and if our focusshifts to healing the gut and
balancing its ecosystem, dochanges in our diet still play a
part?
Absolutely, but diet changesdon't necessarily mean long-term
strict elimination diets.
When done properly, anelimination diet removes the
usual suspects like dairy orgluten for a time, then
reintroduces them to see howyour body reacts.
(09:46):
The goal isn't to ban thesefoods for life, but to
understand how they affect you.
It's targeted, temporary andtells us more about your body's
responses than a sensitivitytest could.
Armed with knowledge about yourgut's metabolites and the state
of your gut health, we can makedietary changes that genuinely
support you.
For instance, high histaminefoods might need to be reduced
(10:08):
if they're causing trouble, ormaybe histamine isn't an issue
for you, but you would do wellto increase fiber if SCFAs need
a boost.
It's all about what your gutneeds to thrive, not a
one-size-fits-all solution.
While some adjustments arenecessary, keep in mind that
swinging the pendulum too farinto restrictive diet territory
can do more harm than good.
Overly limiting diets canstarve the good bacteria in your
(10:31):
gut of the diverse nutrientsthey need.
The goal is to find a balancethat nurtures your gut health
while still enjoying a rich,varied diet.
One question that almost alwayscomes up when I have this
discussion in an appointment isshould I take supplements?
And my thought is this thereare times when supplements can
be helpful, but remember they'resupplements, not replacements.
(10:52):
The foundation of your healthis a balanced, nutrient-rich
diet.
Since we're on the subject ofquestions, let's go over a few
others I often get asked.
Maybe this section will helpanswer some of the ones you have
too.
Number one what should I do ifI think I have food
sensitivities?
Identifying food sensitivitiesor intolerances often requires
some detective work, sincereactions can vary widely in
(11:14):
type and timing.
Keep a detailed food diary totrack what you eat and any
symptoms you experience.
Look for patterns, but rememberit's not absolute proof.
My advice would be to seek outa provider that offers
functional testing and use theresults along with your food
diary to get a clearer picture.
Number two can eliminatingcertain foods improve my gut
(11:34):
health?
Yes, especially if those foodsare causing inflammation or
other negative reactions in yourbody, but it's important to
approach elimination dietscarefully to be sure you're not
unnecessarily restricting yourdiet or missing out on essential
nutrients.
Number three are probioticshelpful for improving gut health
?
Probiotics can be beneficial insome cases, but the
(11:57):
effectiveness can vary dependingon the strains used and your
specific gut health needs.
If possible, my preference isto start with food-based options
.
Fermented foods such as kefir,sauerkraut and kimchi are
excellent choices and you don'thave to eat a lot to enjoy the
benefits.
In fact, I always recommendthat clients start with a small
amount to see how they feel andwork up from there.
(12:21):
Question number four how longdoes it take to heal a leaky gut
?
The time it takes variesdepending on the extent of the
damage and how effectivelyyou're able to address the
underlying causes.
It can take anywhere from a fewmonths to a year or more.
Patience and consistency withdietary changes, stress
management and other lifestyleadjustments are key.
And finally, number five is itnecessary to follow a
(12:44):
gluten-free diet for gut health?
I almost always recommendeliminating gluten for several
reasons, even if my clientsdon't have a concern such as
celiac disease.
This approach stems from theunderstanding that non-celiac
gluten sensitivity can causesymptoms like bloating, fatigue
and headaches.
Also, gluten can add toinflammation and increased
(13:04):
intestinal permeability, whichcan lead to discomfort and
immune responses, even in thosewithout gluten sensitivity.
Concerns about glyphosate, achemical used on wheat crops,
also play into thisrecommendation, because it can
disrupt the gut microbiome andcause to issues, and for those
with autoimmune conditions,removing gluten may reduce
symptoms linked to systemicinflammation.
(13:27):
Okay, now that we've gone overall of that information, let me
share a success story to bringall of this together.
Holly, a client of mine, cameto me feeling exhausted and
dealing with digestive issues.
Instead of eliminating foodsbased on sensitivity tests, we
took a holistic approach.
We did comprehensive testingand explored her overall
lifestyle, stress levels andeating habits.
(13:49):
Holly started incorporatingfoods that were healthy for her
and worked toward creating asupportive environment for
beneficial gut bacteria tothrive.
After just a few months, hollybegan noticing significant
changes.
Her energy levels improved, herdigestive issues became
occasional instead of every day,and the fatigue that had
(14:09):
clouded her days lifted.
More importantly, she feltempowered and equipped with the
knowledge and tools to continuemaking improvements.
Holly's story is a testament tothe power of a personalized,
holistic approach to health.
It highlights the importance oflooking beyond quick fixes and
restrictive diets, focusinginstead on nurturing the body
(14:30):
and mind collectively.
Her journey from frustration tobetter health hopefully serves
as inspiration for anyonefeeling trapped in a cycle of
dietary restrictions andunresolved symptoms.
It's a reminder that with theright guidance, patience and a
willingness to listen to one'sbody, radiant health is within
reach.
So let's wrap this up.
We've had quite a chat.
(14:51):
Here's a quick recap before wethink about next steps.
Today we went over foodsensitivities versus gut health.
It's not just about cuttingfoods out.
It's about figuring out the why.
Functional tests and foodjournals.
In my opinion, these tools aremuch more helpful than food
sensitivity tests.
Holistic approach we're talkingstress management, nourishing
(15:14):
foods and moving your body inways that feel right Gut loving
foods and supplements,prebiotics probiotics and foods
that make your gut happy.
Now, if you are feeling ready toditch the guesswork and start
making changes that actuallywork, then take the first step
toward understanding your uniquestory.
Let's have a no pressure, nocommitment.
Talk about your health andgoals.
(15:36):
Then, if we decide thispartnership is a good fit, we'll
set up a time to go deeper andtalk about the next best steps
for you.
No one size fits all stuff here.
Ready to jump in.
Just go to aRadiantlyHealthyLifecom slash
journey to renewal and click onbook your free consultation,
then choose the date and timethat works best for you Easy
(15:57):
peasy.
I'll also put a link in thisepisode's show notes, so be sure
to look for that down below.
Well, that's all for today.
I look forward to hearing fromyou soon, and here's to moving
forward with confidence andstepping into a healthier,
happier life.
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