Gut Health

In a blog post by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, she emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with our body's innate ability to heal itself. Due to the constant bombardment of media, advertisements, and social pressures, we have lost touch with our internal signals. However, by refocusing and reconnecting with ourselves, we can conquer cravings, make mindful choices, and find greater peace and joy in our lives.

Nicholson discusses various methods for managing and eliminating cravings. These include eliminating the desired food for at least three weeks, replacing it with a healthy alternative, eating a variety of foods to address nutrient deficiencies, and reducing the consumption of processed and refined foods. She also highlights the benefits of conscious breathing and prioritizing the consumption of real, unaltered food provided by nature. Lastly, Nicholson emphasizes the importance of daily movement, incorporating activities such as walking, dancing, gardening, and playing sports into our routines.

By making these new choices, we can tap into our body's intelligence and support its natural healing capabilities.

In a recent blog post, functional nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the deep connection between digestion and mental health. She reveals that there is a strong relationship between mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, and digestive disorders. For example, anxiety is five times more prevalent in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than in those without IBS symptoms. Additionally, sleep disturbances and mental health challenges are closely linked, with each contributing to the other.

The human digestive system is intricately connected to the central nervous system, and the gut can significantly impact mental health. The gut-brain connection is noticeable in experiences like feeling "butterflies" when nervous or having "gut reactions" and instincts. Moreover, a large portion of important neurotransmitters for mental health, like dopamine and serotonin, are produced in the gut. Therefore, addressing digestive health is crucial for overall well-being and should be a priority when considering any holistic approach. Besides nutrition, Nicholson emphasizes the role of lifestyle factors, such as exercise, stress management, and quality sleep, as well as inner work like gratitude and seeking help for past traumas.

Given the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, it is important not to ignore these issues. Nicholson emphasizes that while they may be common, they are not normal. Taking a holistic approach that includes addressing digestive health can greatly improve or even eliminate these challenges. She recommends functional testing to assess gut function and determine the best course of action. By focusing on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and inner work, individuals can prioritize their mental health and overall well-being.

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.