Gut Health

In this blog post, functional nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares a case study about reducing heart disease risk naturally. A 50-year-old male client sought nutrition therapy after receiving poor blood test results and finding plaque formation in his arteries. Through further analysis, it was discovered that he had digestive distress symptoms, a history of gallbladder removal, and other indicators of chronic inflammation. To address these issues, a protocol was developed that included dietary changes, avoidance of food sensitivities, antimicrobial herbs, probiotics, and other supportive measures. After a few months, the client reported a resolution of his symptoms, improved blood markers, and the ability to eat previously sensitive foods without issues. This case study highlights the importance of addressing digestive health to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall wellness.

In the blog post titled "Why Do A Stool Test?" by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and optimizing digestive health. Nicholson explains that many people are so accustomed to feeling unwell that they don't realize the impact digestive dysfunction can have on their overall health. A stool test can provide valuable insights into digestive health, including the presence of harmful microbes, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses.

Nicholson shares her own experience with a stool test and discovers several issues in her gut, despite not having any overt digestive symptoms. She has high levels of H. pylori bacteria, both normal and opportunistic bacteria, low digestive enzyme output, and low intestinal immune function. Based on these results, she develops a comprehensive healing protocol involving diet, lifestyle changes, supplements, antibacterial herbs, probiotics, toxin binders, and gut heal & seal agents.

In addition to the stool test, Nicholson also undergoes a comprehensive food sensitivity test, which reveals numerous food sensitivities that may be contributing to intestinal inflammation and damage. She plans to eliminate certain foods from her diet for a period of time to support gut healing and then retest to assess any changes.

A recent study published in the journal Gut has shown that diet plays a significant role in preventing serious cases of COVID-19. The study followed over half a million people and found that those with the highest scores for a diet rich in healthy whole plant-based foods had a 9% lower risk of developing COVID-19 at all and a 41% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Similar results have been found in a study focused on healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of a plant-centric or pescatarian diet in reducing the risk of severe illness.

The study does not suggest that a completely vegetarian or vegan diet is necessary to see these benefits. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods, especially from plants, rather than processed and refined foods. This includes prioritizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, and unrefined oils, while avoiding refined grains, refined oils, and toxins commonly found in non-organic and conventionally raised animal products.

Additionally, fasting can further boost the immune system by allowing the body to cleanse and repair itself. Even compressing the eating window by a couple of hours can provide significant benefits, allowing for 14 hours of fasting overnight. Prioritizing a healthy diet and incorporating fasting can help reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19, along with other chronic conditions.

In a blog post titled "Phytochemicals for Immune Health" by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, the importance of consuming phytochemicals for immune health is highlighted. Phytochemicals are substances found in plants that act as powerful antioxidants, increasing resistance to disease and boosting immunity. The post emphasizes the need to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in order to obtain these phytochemicals. It also mentions that frozen fruits and vegetables are nearly as nutritious as fresh ones, as they can be picked at the peak of freshness. Additionally, while supplements can be beneficial, it is recommended to obtain phytochemicals from real food sources rather than relying solely on supplements. Overall, the post encourages individuals to prioritize whole, unprocessed foods for optimal immune health.

In a blog post titled "Digestion is the First Healing Priority," Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson emphasizes the importance of addressing digestion as the first step towards healing various health issues. Nicholson explains that issues such as skin problems, fatigue, hormone imbalances, and chronic pain cannot be resolved until digestion is healed, as every chronic disease or symptom has a gut health component. Proper digestion ensures the absorption of essential nutrients needed for various bodily functions, such as immune system function, hormone synthesis, cognitive function, and blood sugar management. The blog post also delves into specific factors that contribute to poor digestion, such as inadequate food breakdown, pathogens, and an unhealthy microbiome. Nicholson concludes by highlighting the effectiveness of functional laboratory testing in identifying and addressing digestive issues.