Gut-sy Girl Confessions: 5 Steps to a Healthier You

Five years ago I took a keen interest in my physical health…reeling from symptoms of debilitating foot pain, brain fog, hair loss, joint pain, and extreme lethargy. Thankfully a podiatrist (of all specialists!?!) said I probably had an autoimmune issue and advised to get my thyroid checked. That led to a series of doctor visits, ultimately a Hashimotos diagnosis, and a come to Jesus realization that diet affects physical and mental health. So with tears, I gave up gluten and mostly dairy and sugar. I saw a holistic practitioner whom I still see today—and she recommended probiotics and supplements. After 3 months my symptoms went away, and I’ve been a believer ever since. That gut health revolution has put me on a path, (I hope), to long lasting wellness. And I want my friends and family to feel their best…which is why I’m sharing my story.

Yet last year I took the gut focus even farther. I resolved to make a concerted effort to listen to my gut, dig deep into maybe what you would call the bowels of my conscious soul, to make every decision. From friendships, to whether to go out on a cold Friday evening, to seeking work opportunities, to signing up my kids for activities. And the result? It’s been a damn good year.

Which makes me wonder…why go against your gut…EVER?

I wish I knew then what I know now. That there is beauty with getting older and the wisdom associated with it. If we all know more about physical and mental health…and the link to our guts…why don’t more people take care of themselves and improve? Is it denial? Lack of knowledge? Inertia?

Continuing my learning quest I recently read the book Liver Rescue seeking answers to teen acne and kid high blood pressure—with an ever-open eye to Hashis. I discovered even more changes to make. That if we take better care of our livers then many health problems could be fixed: diabetes, gout, acne, autoimmune diseases, to name a few. So in lieu of making drastic changes like buying crates of celery to juice every morning, (and I may get there at some point), I took easy, ahem, digestible, steps. Like drinking a pint of lemon water at the start and end of my day. Eating more apples and less meat.

For these past 5 weeks I've felt the best in seriously I don’t know when. And everyone can make incremental changes…like slicing a lemon, squeezing it into water, and chugging it at least twice a day.

I’m not looking for a pat on the back or smug reactions—my hope is that my kids and those I love and care about take a look inward and:

1. take time to know yourself, your priorities, and your health
2. learn as much as you can about the gut and liver
3. make even small diet changes that will undoubtedly make you feel better
4. listen to your intuition and make decisions that feel right
5. be good to yourself

We have a lot of life yet to live. It’s never too late to treat yourself well. Is it coincidence that gut means “well” in German?

Books I recommend if you’re interested in learning more:

Wheat Belly by William Davis

Medical Medium by Anthony William

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by Izabella Wentz

A Mind of Your Own by Kelly Brogan, MD

Adrenal Fatigue by James L. Wilson

Sugar Busters by H. Leighton Steward

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Liver Rescue by Anthony William