Remember that arcade game where you try to bop the mechanical mole/groundhog things on the head with a huge mallet? They keep popping up from different directions, and you have to keep slamming them back into the hole? If you remember that game, it’s a great analogy on how we are taught to approach our health. We feel a symptom, and we take something to suppress it, but the inflammation that caused the symptoms DOESN’T GO AWAY. It’s still there, just sort of underground so that we can’t feel or see it. 

Also consider that many other symptoms such as hormonal imbalances, autoimmune conditions, skin issues, chronic sinus infections, environmental allergies, and even difficulty losing weight are also connected with a less than ideal gut microbiome.

In fact, various studies have correlated imbalances in the gut microbiome (the collection of good bacteria in our large intestine) with other seemingly unrelated conditions. The gut can affect the heart, brain, lungs, skin, and reproductive organs. And according to new research, there appears to be multiple ways in which the gut communicates with the brain and other parts of the body. For example, gut bacteria can:

o  secrete substances into the blood which are carried directly to the brain

o  stimulate the vagus nerve which regulates internal organs and reflexes

o  activate enteroendocrine cells which triggers hormone release

o  trigger an immune response or cascade of inflammatory signals

Bottom line…the gut is the center of the universe as far as our bodies are concerned. And if the gut ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

So if you’re dealing with some annoying, maybe even mysterious symptoms, or an “unsolvable” digestive diagnosis. I totally get it. Been there, done that. If you’re thinking you need some help, but don’t know where to start, I completely understand. I spent years and thousands of dollars figuring it all out. I will say that from my 7+ years of experience seeing thousands of clients, starting with the gut is usually a great idea, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux or nausea.

Investing in yourself and your health can seem scary, but with my team and I supporting you it doesn’t have to be. After 7+ years in practice of working with gut health issues day in and day out, I’ve walked with thousands of clients in their journey to resolving digestive symptoms for good. My team is here to partner with you, get to know your goals and concerns, and answer your questions all the way through to a maintenance point where you feel confident in sustaining your own progress. You’re not alone so it doesn’t have to be scary. And no more whack-a-mole health! As always, I’m happy to jump on a call with you to chat more about your specific situation and how I might be able to help.

Check out @carolinafunctionalnutrition on instagram for more tips & insights into living a happy healthy life!