How I healed my gut

How I healed my gut

For 3 years, I suffered with chronic gut infections like H Pylori, SIBO, acid reflux and leaky gut. This was so discouraging for me, especially because of the industry I am in- health and wellness! But despite my healthy eating and lifestyle, I had these symptoms happen. From bloating, indigestion, eczema, acne, constipation, IBS, acid reflux and hair loss. All because my gut health was suffering!

You might wonder how I got into all of this mess and that’s a great question because I do too! But actually, it makes a lot of sense now. You see, at the time, I lost a family member suddenly, I had just given birth to my 4th child via emergency c-section, I was writing and publishing a book, building a house and running my business while being a Mother to 4 children. GeeZ! That sure sounds like a lot of stress doesn’t it? It was! But oddly, it didn’t feel that way when I was in the thick of it.

After a while, the body takes a huge hit, and its not uncommon for stress and trauma to hit our digestive system first, as everything is connected. And just as I started my healing protocol and felt “okay,” I found out my Dad had terminal cancer with 2 months to live! He survived 4 months and past away in July of 2023.

This was so hard for me to “digest,” emotionally. Two loved ones in the span of 3 years passing away. I began to really understand that all the trauma, grief and stress really was impacting my nervous system and even though I could not control these unfortunate situations, I had to find a way to cope and get through life, especially for my family.

I worked closely with a Naturopathic Doctor at Port Moody Health . This is where I discovered I had SIBO through a breath test and stool testing (GI Map test with another Doctor). Having had SIBO, many of my vital nutrients were not being absorbed. Therefore, I was losing muscle, weight, iron and my hair was beginning to thin and look unhealthy. My skin was breaking out in acne (I covered it well with make up).

I took antibiotics for both H Pylori (from my family doctor) and for SIBO. I also took antimicrobials through my ND and I seemed stable for a while.

However, there were some key supplements that REALLY helped my gut heal and my digestion improve. Once I worked on healing my gut, my skin and hair slowly began to heal and look much more healthy and strong. The health of our hair, skin and nails all come from how we digest and absorb nutrients through our digestive tract. So, if you currently have skin conditions, you might want to investigate the health of your gut.

I will share only a few of the supplements with you but know that these are ones that personally helped me and were recommended for my case, from my ND. Please ask your doctor first before trying ANYTHING I mention here as they may not be right for your specific case-everyone is different!

1. Digestive Enzymes– These are essential if you have low stomach acid, bloating and see food particles in your stool.
2. DGL– Licorice Root Extract supports digestion and helps with stomach issues, including heartburn and indigestion. It soothes and protects the stomach lining, and was a lifesaver! I still use these today and I never travel without them.
3. Soil Based Probiotics– Because I had SIBO, I must be careful with the strain of probiotics I use. Soil based ones like these linked, are great for the small intestine.
4. Leaky Gut Revive– This really helped when I had inflammation in my gut, post antibiotics. It soothes the gut and support gut barrier integrity.
5. Liver Gallbladder Support– Because the liver is a massive detox organ, when you experience digestive issues, it’s important to ensure the liver and gallbladder are working efficiently for optimal bile flow. I love this product personally!
6. Castor Oil– This was a lifesaver for my tummy! Whenever I would have a flare up (bloat, gas and pain), i’d rub this all over my tummy and place a heat pad overtop and it helped so much. It also works great for hair growth and shine. I use it once per week in my hair–Rub it in, tie it up and keep over night. Wash in the morning!

Among supplements listed above, I also reduced my workout intensity during that time of my life so that my nervous system wasn’t being over stimulated. I still strength-trained, just no HIIT and I went outdoors for daily walks. I would frequently use red light therapy and try my best to do meditation or deep breathing exercises.

If you are currently going though gut issues, I encourage you to constantly advocate for your health–It is not in your head! If you want to learn more about my SIBO experience, click here to direct you to my Youtube video where I go into detail.

Thank you for reading and have a blessed day!

Andrea