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May 6, 2016 Amy Hollenkamp0 Comments

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Thyroid and gut issues go hand in hand in many cas

Thyroid and gut issues go hand in hand in many cases! I know it did for me!

Let me know in the comments if you struggle with both gut and thyroid issues :)

#sibo #ibsdiet #ibs #guthealth #sibodiet

Stool tests are so popular these days! There are s

Stool tests are so popular these days! There are so many different options and methodologies that are used to help us understand the microbiome

While some of these tests can be helpful, be careful not to overly rely on them to guide gut health strategies. There is no perfect stool tests and each one has pros/cons.

For instance, the GI Map may be a better test for ruling out pathogens, but I don’t believe it is the best test for looking into bacterial balance. I’ve also seen some wild inaccuracies in some of the digestive and inflammation markers when compared to labcorp or quest values.

Other tests like 16s or full genome sequencing testing may be better to assess the balance of microbes. But, they don’t give digestive or immune markers. And many don’t assess pathogens.

Many of these tests have their own reference ranges that are not always validated. There is still a lot we don’t know about the microbiome too that we have to acknowledge when reviewing these tests.

And don’t get me started on the tests that recommend avoiding foods based on your microbiome—there is very little evidence to support this!

And not everyone needs a stool test. I do not do stool testing for all of my clients. Usually focusing on fundamental pieces of the puzzle that they have missed in their journey is the first step.

You also don’t want to get so consumed by trying to analyze and target your microbiome that you fail to see/implement strategies that are required to improve your gut and microbial health.

I would love to hear your thoughts on stool testing. Please drop a comment below :)

#sibo #guthealth #sibodiet #ibs #ibsdiet #lowfodmap #microbiome

Most people struggling with bloating immediately u

Most people struggling with bloating immediately upon eating, early satiety, reflux and just feeling like you have a bowling ball in your stomach need more stomach acidity.

There are many ways to increase acidity. Focusing on the brain gut axis, getting enough nutrition, balancing hormones and addressing any stomach overgrowths seem to be a good place to start.

You can support stomach acid with HCL but it’s not addressing the root cause. Working on why you aren’t producing enough is key!

#sibo #guthealth #ibs #braingutaxis #gutbrainaxis #sibodiet #lowfodmapdiet

One study found that women with endometriosis are

One study found that women with endometriosis are 2x more likely to have IBS than women without endometriosis.

This connection between these two conditions is super important as many endo symptoms mirror IBS symptoms. So some women may be diagnosed with IBS, but the endo is the major driver of their symptoms.

And to be fair there does appear to be a microbial component to endo, a microbiome with higher levels of protobacteria and other more inflammatory bugs may drive the inflammation in endo. So, you there is some inter-connection between the two conditions.

But, endometrial lesions can drive lots of inflammation that can lead to pretty severe abdominal pain. If you have been around the block with your IBS or SIBO without much luck, it is important to assess if endo might be at play.

Symptoms like abnormal periods, heavy periods, infertility, bad PMS symptoms, gut pain/cramping and pain during intercourse are also common with endo. If these are a part of your equation and have been for a long time, endo might be something you should discuss with your doctor.

For more info on endo, check out the interview that @endo.fertility.dietian on the IBS Freedom Podcast. We discuss the ins and outs of endo.

#ibs #endometriosis #sibo #lowfodmap #leakygut #microbiome #guthealth #sibodiet #ibsdiet

Working on the brain-gut connection can have profo

Working on the brain-gut connection can have profound effects on your gut health. Focusing on both your brain/mental health as well as working on fortifying/balancing out the gut will lead to less gut symptoms.

One of the best ways to strengthen and fortify your nervous system is through connection. If you feel disconnected from the people and things that you love to do, you can become stuck. I see this all the time with my clients.

I was personally stuck in my own gut journey when I withdrew from my hobbies and loved ones. It can be hard to balance your life with your gut issues, but finding balance will promote progress.

While meditation, breath work and other nervous system strategies can be helpful for brain gut axis repair, I would start first with connection. Because you can't meditate your way out of a connection deficiency. Plus, the purpose of meditation is to help you be better at living and not JUST to balance your nervous system.

I would love to hear some of the ways you are balancing your nervous system. Please leave your comments below.

Plus, if you want more info on the brain-gut axis, check out my free guide by going to the link in the bio.

#sibo #ibs #guthealth #sibodiet #ibsdiet #lowfodmap #braingutaxis #gutbrainaxis

Just some favorite photos from my maternity leave!

Just some favorite photos from my maternity leave! Cecilia is a lil angel and so blessed to be her mom!

So excited to be back serving my awesome clients while balancing life as a new mom!!

Giving yourself grace during your gut journey is s

Giving yourself grace during your gut journey is so critical! There is no perfect diet or protocol. Plus, even if there was, you can’t expect to do things perfectly.

As a recovering perfectionist, I can tell you that the pursuit of perfection held me back in my journey. I was always stressed thinking I had to restrict 100% of the time or that I had to do a protocol to a tee. I also was constantly researching to determine what other factors I needed to address. I was so wrapped up in being perfect that life was passing me by. I was always in my head instead of being present.

Perfectionism also makes it harder to experiment or try a new path! But, experimentation and letting go was essential to finding what worked for me. I have seen this over and over again with my clients as well.

Perfectionism in your work or family life will often drive more stress which leads to gut issues as well.

I know it can be hard to let go of the pursuit of perfection. But, doing so will help your gut!

#sibo #ibs #sibodiet #lowfodmap #guthealth

I am so happy that my podcast co-host Nikki @gut.m

I am so happy that my podcast co-host Nikki @gut.microbiome.queen was able to give me more education on nervine herbs. I have enjoyed using them on myself and have seen that many of my clients benefit from them greatly.⁠
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Definitely check out the 2 part Nervine series that we did on the IBS Freedom podcast to learn more specifics about each nervine herb.⁠
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Nervine are herbs nourish and support the nervous system. And a happy and healthy nervous system is crucial to optimal gut health.⁠
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Nervines can be a great addition to help balance your brain gut axis. For those that feel like they are stuck in fight or flight, these can help calm down the nervous system, especially if used in combination with other diet and lifestyle strategies.⁠
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If you are interested in trying nervine herbs, you can try them in teas or beverages. I love HopsTea and chamomile tea. You can also ask your practitioner what nervines might be best for you.⁠
⁠
#sibo #ibs #sibodiet #guthealth #digestivehealth #microbiome

Mary was such a great client to work with as she r

Mary was such a great client to work with as she really was so dedicated to the process and kept pushing her comfort zone with new foods.⁠
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My number one goal when I work with clients is for their IBS to be pushed in the rear view mirror so that they can enjoy living their life to the fullest again.⁠
⁠
After working with Mary for 3 months, she was able to go on a bike trip with her husband and some friends where she was able to eat out at restaurants with minimal symptoms.⁠
⁠
What would you like to be able to do if your gut symptoms were not a factor? Where do you picture yourself beyond your IBS?⁠
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I like to focus on the systems that will help you achieve these goals. If you are ready to work towards these life goals, I may be your gal! Book a 20 minute call to see if we make a good fit. See link in my bio!⁠
⁠
#sibo #ibs #sibodiet #guthealth #digestivehealth #microbiome

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