I recently had a consultation with a new client who’s been suffering with acid reflux and GERD since she was a child, and now in her 20’s she struggles with anxiety, depression and debilitating migraines that have landed her in the emergency room. On top of it all, she’s been on medication for years and things have only gotten worse, not better. As we got into a conversation about her health history, it became very clear that what she is experiencing today could have all been avoided if someone had listened to what her stomach was trying to say…Years of indigestion, stomach aches, bloating, gas and irregular bowel movements were all her body’s way of waving a red flag saying “pay attention to me!”
In this week's blog we talk about your tummy’s language and uncover the clues it’s trying to share with you about your health too…
Common ≠ normal
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. Don’t believe me? Just count how many TV commercials, in one hour, address at least one type of digestive issue. 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 usually happens for two reasons — embarrassment or lack of knowledge.
Aside from my functional practitioner community and closest friends, most people find it embarrassing to talk about their bathroom habits or digestive dilemmas but frequently find themselves sprinting to the nearest bathroom, feeling weighed down by a rock in their stomach or popping antacids like candy. And others just don’t know any better. Either digestive issues run in their family and they’ve accepted that they are doomed to have them too, or they don’t see the connection with a symptom that is far removed from the source such as acne, anxiety, depression or eczema. In any case, they’ve simply settled for what they’re dealing with on a daily basis.
Is your tummy talking to you?
Digestive issues should not be ignored, it’s your tummy talking to you. The digestive system plays a vital role in making sure the 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, vitamins to keep your energy or mood balanced, and toxins aren’t being eliminated making for a toxic internal environment.
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 urgent need to use the bathroom
Consequences of tummy issues
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 like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis 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. Most doctors are either unaware of this information, lack the training to link digestive dysfunction to other health issues 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), author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer, 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 single 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.
If you want to get your hands on the right lab tests and resources to understand how your digestion is playing a role in your health, to test and not guess, simply schedule a complimentary Ideal Health & Weight Discovery Session with me. If you have a friend or family member in your life who wants to solve their health problems once and for all, share this info to help them finally get back to feeling like themselves again (or for the very first time!)
Disclaimer: This post is intended for inspirational and informational purposes only, is not a substitute for medical advice, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your routine.