A Dietitian’s Personal Gut Healing Journey Over the Past 5 Months
lETS dIVE INTO THE REALITY OF THE PAST 5 MONTHS…
A profound journey of gut healing encompassing the physical, spiritual, and emotional realms. My gut, a reservoir for emotions, has become a conduit for a transformative experience. The process has unveiled layers of physical healing triggering emotional, energetic, and spiritual growth—a journey that's quite literally brought up my shit.
From my early days, I sensed underlying gut issues, addressing them in stages while managing a myriad of other life challenges. Despite my background in nutrition and a decade in the field, my journey has been far from flawless. Battling eating disorders and hormone imbalances took precedence initially, as I needed to establish a balanced relationship with food and achieve hormonal equilibrium.
Once that foundation was laid, the persistent bloating prompted a deeper investigation. The timing was now right for an immersive exploration into gut healing—an integral chapter in my ongoing wellness saga.
My Symptoms and How I went about testing & treatment
My symptoms mirrored those of many women I support—persistent bloating, particularly towards the end of the day, despite maintaining a healthy diet. Regular bowel movements had eluded me since childhood, an ongoing challenge. Afternoons brought fatigue, coupled with a craving for something sweet. While some symptoms improved, underlying issues persisted, including eczema and psoriasis flare-ups during stress.
Prioritizing my two main concerns, bloating and regular bowel movements, I initiated the journey with the GI-map test—an exceptionally accurate stool sample test offering insights into the colon, the hub of gut bacteria. This test provided a comprehensive view of my digestive system, uncovering overgrowth dysbiosis, candida, a parasite, and leaky gut. Following this pattern of overgrowth, I opted for a SIBO breath test (using TrioSmart in my practice), confirming high hydrogen levels—bloating without the typical diarrhea presentation.
Although I had the knowledge to self-treat, seeking guidance became crucial. Even healers need support, and working with someone adds an invaluable layer of accountability. Enter a fantastic naturopathic doctor specializing in gut health—I found mine at Nourish Medical Center in San Diego, offering virtual consults. Together, we crafted a phased plan to address my diagnoses.
Taking a phased approach is crucial; these issues can't be resolved all at once. Collaborating with an expert ensures a strategic and effective sequence of treatments. Now, let's delve into the three-part treatment phase—exploring the physical, emotional, and spiritual transformations that unfolded.
Here’s what happened in Each phase
Phase 1: Candida Treatment & Parasite & SIBO Kickoff
Embarking on Phase 1 of my treatment in September, our initial focus was candida, recognizing its ability to mask other bacteria. Despite my usual avoidance of medications, meticulous research led us to incorporate Nystatin (an anti-fungal) over three months, complemented by anti-microbials for candida and SIBO.
Physically, I experienced minor breakouts on my back—a detox symptom. Apart from slight stomach upset when not consuming enough, I adapted well. Diet-wise, adjustments were necessary. Shifting towards high-protein animal products and healthy fats while embracing a low FODMAP diet made an instant positive impact. The shift from plant-based meals, laden with veggies, beans, lentils, and fruits, proved essential, disrupting the thriving environment for yeast and bacteria in my gut.
Emotionally, the unexpected diagnosis of a UTI and viral infection during the first week prompted a confrontation with feelings of disgust in my body and deep-seated shame around femininity and acceptance. A transformative breathwork session unveiled profound realizations, leading to a more positive physical and emotional state.
Phase 2 Part A: SIBO Unveiling - After completing Nystatin, a week's break followed, maintaining anti-microbials, and initiating Rifaximin. SIBO demands targeted intervention, and both oregano and Rifaximin proved invaluable in this context. Initial bloating, a common detox symptom, gradually subsided with strict adherence to the diet.
A mole removal revealing cancerous cells coincided with this phase, triggering deep-seated fears of mortality. Engaging in shadow work and processing these emotions facilitated a positive shift.
Phase 2 Part B: SIBO Continuation - After a two-week break from Rifaximin, I cautiously reintroduced higher FODMAP foods. Despite minor bloating in response to certain items, the second round proceeded with fewer complications, allowing for the inclusion of favored ingredients. Low FODMAP challenges gluten-free and dairy-free, limiting certain fruits, veggies, and fibers. Personal tolerance varies; for me, cruciferous veggies, chickpeas, and apples were less suitable.
Emotionally, the second round prompted physical discomfort, with a knot forming behind my left shoulder blade. Recognizing the symbolism of the left side associated with feminine healing and the shoulder blade storing heart energy, this discomfort became a conduit for emotional release.
Simultaneously, undergoing skin cancer surgery, previously a source of anxiety, unfolded smoothly. The experience emphasized the need to shed past traumas and embrace a positive outlook.
Phase 3: Ongoing Support and Gut Healing/Maintenance - Transitioning to the maintenance phase involves continuous monitoring and testing. Incorporating SEED probiotics and gut healing powders featuring L-glutamine, marshmallow, and aloe in my routine supports ongoing gut health. I am also taking a migrating motor complex and supporting with digestive enzymes and stomach acid.
Diet-wise, reintroducing favorite fruits and veggies in moderation alongside low FODMAP options aligns with my body's cues. The absence of bloating, improved bowel regularity, and heightened energy levels validate the challenges endured throughout this transformative journey.
Lets talk about physical Causes
SIBO, candida, leaky gut, and parasites are tangible challenges—bacteria, viruses, and conditions that can be diagnosed through testing. However, these issues have not only physical but also emotional roots, representing just a fraction of the common gut problems I address.
SIBO stems from factors like low stomach acid, sluggish motility, chronic constipation, hypothyroidism, and a history of food poisoning. In my case, a probable contributor to SIBO is low stomach acid and slow motility, influenced by years of battling eating disorders and relying on gum to avoid meals.
Candida, a yeast prevalent in the gut, can proliferate due to excessive antibiotic use, high-sugar diets, weakened immunity, hormonal birth control, and stress. My thirteen-year use of birth control, childhood antibiotics, and constant lstress likely contributed to my candida issues.
While parasites might sound unpleasant, they usually aren’t as scary as we hear about on the internet. Caused by factors like travel, weakened immunity, or consumption of contaminated food or water, parasites can be managed cautiously, and indiscriminate parasite cleanses should be approached with caution. For me, compromised stomach acid, a primary defense mechanism, may have played a role during my recent travels.
Leaky gut is often a consequence of underlying gut issues rather than a standalone problem. Antibiotics, NSAIDs, birth control, alcohol, processed foods, gluten sensitivity, compromised gut immunity, and dysbiosis can contribute. To address leaky gut, it's crucial to resolve underlying problems, modify the diet, manage stress, and incorporate supportive healing supplements—no surprise, I found myself dealing with this issue.
Beyond the physical, let's delve into the emotional aspects…
LInking the Physical with the Emotional
Consider this: Your entire gut, the digestive system, is a 30-foot hollow tube stretching from your mouth to your anus—a perfect vessel to store emotions we've chosen not to feel. The pivotal step to release is allowing ourselves to experience these emotions fully. In my life, feeling wasn't encouraged; I presented as "happy" yet struggled to express sadness, anger, grief, shame, or any other emotions. Hugging was foreign to me, a way of disconnecting from the world and containing everything within.
From infancy, I grappled with digestive issues, famously projectile vomiting formula across the room. Childhood brought eczema breakouts and irregular bowel movements. As a chubby kid, I felt unworthy and unlovable in my skin. Early teens marked the onset of a decade of eating disorders, exacerbating gut issues and hormonal imbalances—undeniably interconnected.
Despite dietary improvements as a dietitian, I still felt unwell. The onset of COVID in 2020 prompted a deep dive into spiritual and emotional healing, revealing a profound connection between physical health and emotional well-being.
Why do some, even with a perfect diet, not feel well? Gut health is often an emotional journey. If you're grappling with gut issues, reflect on:
What emotions have I not allowed myself to feel?
What am I holding onto or afraid to release?
What fears are surfacing?
Where are my boundaries lacking?
In what areas am I people-pleasing?
Where am I showing low self-worth?
Why do I struggle with willpower?
These questions are integral to healing. Throughout your gut healing journey, you might confront deep-seated fears, insecurities, and shame. Remember, you're not alone or "crazy." This process is positive, a transformative shift from victimhood to empowerment—acknowledging, "Thank you, I'm ready to release; I no longer deserve to feel this way." Embrace the understanding that these emotions, long tucked away, contribute to physical and emotional challenges. To heal and release, we must allow ourselves to feel.
Does any of this resonate?!
If you resonate with this, I want you to understand that you're not navigating this journey alone. Much like my own experience, I collaborate with many individuals who share similar physical and emotional symptoms. Recognize the profound strength within you; you possess the capability to heal and savor every facet of your life and well-being. I'm eager to learn more about your unique story and explore the potential ways I can assist you. Click below to shoot me a message, and let's establish a connection!
