HOW I HEALED MY GUT + Chronic Digestive Issues | My Gut Health & IBS Healing Journey

Summary

In this video, the host shares her personal journey of healing from chronic IBS and C. difficile infection. She emphasizes the importance of medical consultation and outlines her recovery process, which includes the low FODMAP diet, various supplements, and the necessity of time and patience. The host also discusses the psychological impact of digestive issues, the potential for disordered eating, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook throughout the healing process.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker has a history of dealing with chronic IBS and C. difficile, and continues to receive messages from others struggling with similar issues.
• 🏥 It's important to consult with healthcare professionals for any medical advice, as the speaker's experiences and advice are personal and not a substitute for professional guidance.
• 🔬 The speaker underwent extensive medical testing, including colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood work, stool samples, and tissue samples, to diagnose and understand their gut health issues.
• 🍽️ The Low FODMAP diet played a significant role in the speaker's healing journey, helping to manage symptoms of IBS by eliminating fermentable carbohydrates.
• 🌱 Over time, reintroducing foods and gradually building tolerance was crucial in strengthening the speaker's gut health and microbiome.
• 💊 Supplements were an integral part of the healing process, including antimicrobials, probiotics, glutamine, omega-3s, and other digestive aids, but always under professional guidance.
• ⏳ Healing took time, and the speaker emphasizes that recovery is not linear and can fluctuate, with periods of improvement and setbacks.
• 🌈 Maintaining a positive mindset and managing stress were key components in the speaker's recovery, as stress can exacerbate digestive issues.
• 🥗 The speaker now maintains good gut health by managing stress, listening to hunger and fullness cues, eating a varied diet, and occasionally taking certain supplements.
• 🚫 The speaker warns about the potential for disordered eating and orthorexia, which can arise from strict elimination diets and a fear of certain foods, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to food.

Q & A

What health issues did the speaker initially struggle with?

The speaker initially struggled with chronic IBS and had a severe bout with C. difficile about 10 years ago, which caused havoc on their digestive system.

What is the purpose of the video according to the speaker?

The purpose of the video is to share the speaker's gut health journey, what they did to heal their gut, and their current state of gut health.

Why does the speaker emphasize that the video is not medical advice?

The speaker emphasizes this disclaimer because they are a nutritionist and not a medical professional, and they want to ensure that viewers consult with their own healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

What was the first step the speaker took in their gut healing process?

The first step was to get various medical tests done, including a colonoscopy, endoscopy, blood work, stool samples, tissue samples, and a barium enema X-ray, to understand what was going on with their gut health.

What dietary approach did the speaker find most effective for their IBS?

The speaker found the low FODMAP diet to be the most effective dietary approach for managing their IBS symptoms.

What does FODMAP stand for and why is it significant for gut health?

FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. It is significant for gut health because these are short-chain carbohydrates that can cause bloating, pain, and diarrhea in people with sensitive guts or IBS.

What role did supplements play in the speaker's gut healing journey?

Supplements played a significant role in the speaker's gut healing journey by supporting gut flora, addressing dysbiosis, and aiding in tissue healing and digestion.

What is the importance of time in the healing process as described by the speaker?

Time is important in the healing process because it took the speaker several years to improve their gut health, emphasizing that healing is not linear and can take a long time with ups and downs.

How did the speaker maintain their improved gut health?

The speaker maintained their improved gut health by managing stress, honoring hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly, chewing food thoroughly, and ensuring a varied diet to support their microbiome.

What is the potential risk associated with elimination diets that the speaker warns about?

The potential risk associated with elimination diets is the development of disordered eating patterns, such as orthorexia, which the speaker experienced due to the fear and phobia of foods causing pain and discomfort.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the reintroduction of foods after an elimination diet?

The speaker advises that reintroducing foods is essential for a balanced diet and understanding one's body better. It should be done carefully and with proper guidance to avoid developing food fears or phobias.