What started as a stomach virus led to ongoing digestive problems that I couldn’t get under control. It was time to get to the gut, and for the last four months, I’ve been on a mission to get to the root of the issues.  I needed to figure out what was giving me pain & discomfort, and what was healthy and beneficial to my system.

After seeing an integrative healthcare nurse & doing some testing, I discovered that my “healthy” diet needed to be cleaned up. The first things to go are not surprising- gluten & dairy. Although I rarely eat gluten products, my dairy intake has increased to take in more protein as I age.

I said goodbye to Greek yogurt (for now) & cottage cheese & left the shredded cheese out of my eggs. I cut coffee for 40 days (truth) and skipped sugar and desserts.

Based on my test results, I’ve been recommended an anti-inflammatory diet & a FODMAP diet (which can contradict each other) creating some confusion. The anti-inflammatory diet is similar to a Mediterranean diet and includes organic fruits and vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, & whole grains.

The FODMAP diet (don’t ask what it stands for!) says to avoid high-FODMAP foods like beans & lentils (which contradicts the anti-inflammatory diet) & eat only certain fruits and vegetables. There is no dairy-based milk, ice cream, or yogurt, but eat a small amount of certain cheeses like Brie & feta.

Yep, my head spins.

Most healthy dietary changes mean lowering red meat intake, & processed meats like salami, bacon, & sausage. Of course, eliminating store-bought baked goods is always a good idea.

On top of the dietary changes, I’ve added prebiotics & probiotics daily, digestive enzymes, & colostrum, a great ‘get to the gut’ healer. Fresh ginger is my new favorite cure for indigestion.

My morning starts with a gut-revive powder mixed with water & contains exciting ingredients like cat claw, licorice, and slippery elm. Yum. Sadly, my love for coffee has dwindled, as it just doesn’t set well.

I’m happy to report that I feel better & my stomach issues improve daily. But my healthy mission continues.

If you have digestive problems, I suggest managing it sooner rather than waiting. Every health journey is unique & learning what your body needs & what to avoid is key to optimum health!