I can clearly remember a time when my tummy was talking with me, regularly. It was not a happy conversation. I was discomforted by severe bloating and distention that screamed “imbalance”. Gas and tummy pain after eating were a daily occurrence. Alongside this array of digestive discomfort, brain fog was clouding my sense of clarity.
Today, it’s very clear to me that what I experienced back then could have all been avoided- if someone had listened to what my tummy was trying to say…
Years of indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, gas and irregular bowel movements were my body’s way of waving a red flag and saying “Pay attention to me!”
For this month’s Hart of Health Blog, let’s talk about your tummy’s language and uncover the clues about your health it’s trying to share with you.
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In the United States alone, it is estimated that 60% of the population (or more) is dealing with at least one symptom of digestive dysfunction — gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, candida… and the list goes on.
Living with digestive problems has become the new “normal.”
But digestive issues aren’t normal, they’ve just become common.
Typically, digestive issues begin as minor complaints — a little indigestion here and there, the occasional tummy ache or bout of heartburn — and sooner or later, what was once a minor annoyance becomes something that can literally take over your life. This accumulation of symptoms happens for two reasons — embarrassment or lack of knowledge.
Aside from my functional medicine community and closest friends, I find that many people find it embarrassing to talk about their bathroom habits or digestive dilemmas. They find themselves sprinting to the nearest bathroom, feeling weighed down by a rock in their stomach, or popping antacids like candy before asking advice from a specialist.
Others just aren’t aware that there’s anything they can do about their digestive problems and they’ve just accepted their imbalanced state as being the best they can feel.
Digestive issues should not be ignored, it’s your tummy talking to you!
Your digestive system plays a vital role in making sure your body receives the nutrients it needs, in supporting the immune system, and in protecting us from bad guys such as toxins.
If your digestive tract isn’t up to speed, then you’re pretty much guaranteed to run into bigger health issues down the road…or maybe you already have?
Think about it.
If you’re not digesting properly, then you’re not getting enough protein to feed your muscles, nor vitamins to keep your energy or mood balanced. Furthermore, toxins aren’t being eliminated, making for a toxic internal environment.
In this month’s blog, I’ll help you decipher what your tummy is talking about, explain why you should be listening, and tell you how you can respond.
Do you experience any of the following?
- Less than 1-2 bowel movements per day
- Adult acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes or breakouts
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings or a nervous stomach
- Fatigue, cloudy thinking, trouble losing or maintaining weight
- Seasonal allergies, frequent common colds, or sinus infections
- Loose stool or an unexpected and urgent need to use the bathroom
If you answered yes to any of these then your tummy is trying to talk to you, and you could be suffering from digestive dysfunction.
And chances are, your doctor is unaware of the growing number of research studies demonstrating these alarming findings related to your digestive health:
The toxicity of persistent constipation may cause common, everyday symptoms like fatigue, attention deficit, and brain fog
Autoimmune conditions are almost always rooted in digestive dysfunction
Inflammation from gut dysfunction can spread throughout the body, causing inflammation in the brain, joints, sinuses, other important organs and deplete mood balancing hormones known as neurotransmitters
Digestive dysfunction can cause a cascade of stress throughout the body. I know because I experienced this!
Most doctors are either unaware of this information or don’t have enough time to get to the bottom of it.
Meanwhile, people like you are paying the price in unnecessary suffering, over the counter digestive aids, and medical bills.
As Dr. Nasha Winters (ND), says “you are what you don’t poop.”
The good news is…
Digestive dysfunction can be resolved through proper nutrition, rest, exercise, stress reduction and supplementation. As a functional health coach, this is the foundation of the work I do with all of my clients because it relates to just about every other health issue.
I’ve seen clients go from one bowel movement a few times a week, to twice a day in as little as a week after making simple changes to their diet, lifestyle and taking supplements to support their digestive health.
And as a result, they feel lighter, more energized, clear-minded, happy, free and at home in their body!
It’s time to listen to your tummy talk, and to stop settling for a life less lived.
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If you want to get your hands on the right lab tests and resources to understand what your tummy is talking about, to test and not guess, simply schedule a complimentary Strategy Session with me here today!
Wishing You the Best Tummy Health Ever!!!
