Healing from the Inside Out: My Journey to Restoring Gut Health

My Gut Health Struggles

One of my reasons for getting into the functional health space has been my ongoing gut struggles.  For as long as I can remember, I struggled with constipation but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second daughter that I noticed significant bloating that literally made me look 4-5 months pregnant.  I went to a few GI doctors hoping they could help me get the root of my problems. Instead, I was diagnosed with IBS-C.  They put me on medication and wanted me to take Miralax for the rest of my life. They also had me do colonoscopy preps (without the actual colonoscopy, that was a real treat!!) with the idea that it would make it all better.  I knew there had to be more I could do to heal my body, to figure out what was causing my symptoms. 

I had been introduced to alternative therapies when I was going through the IVF process prior to my second daughter’s birth.  I went to acupuncture and saw a fertility nutritionist.  At the time, I wasn’t sure if I believed in those therapies, but I was desperate to have a second child so when IVF wasn’t working initially, I thought it didn’t hurt to try something new.  So given that I was open to it in the past, when I struggled with these GI concerns, I thought, let’s try functional medicine.  Now this was over 11 years ago so a lot has changed in the functional space.  I tried a few different practitioners (driving into the city, because I couldn’t find anyone in the suburbs at the time, with two little kids at home) and would feel better but I never really connected with any of them and really wasn’t understanding what all they were telling me.  So I decided to start educating myself and found Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.  

The Functional Approach

What I loved about the Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) approach was that functional lab testing was used (similar to the practitioners I saw) BUT it went beyond that.  The FDN program teaches you to really explain what is going on in a client’s body to them so they can have a deeper understanding of the healing opportunities.  In addition, it’s not a “take the test, give results and send the client on their way” approach; FDN practitioners work with their clients to hold their hand as they implement lifestyle modifications, personalized supplements and dietary changes for 3-4 months after the initial testing.  It was the missing piece I was looking for all those years.  I wanted to be able to help clients at a deeper level.  

Part of the FDN training process is to run all the foundational labs on yourself and then follow a personalized protocol.  This was a game changer for me!

 These Foundational Labs included:

• Stress and Hormone Panel (I now use the DUTCH)-looks at sex hormones and stress hormones

• GI Map-analyzes your gut microbiome, detecting pathogens, bacteria, parasites, and markers of inflammation to uncover the root causes of digestive and systemic health issues.

• Metabolic Wellness Panel-assesses digestion, detoxification and oxidative stress

• Mucosal Barrier Assessment-evaluates the integrity of the gut lining by measuring markers of intestinal permeability and helping to identify leaky gut 

• MRT-food sensitivity test

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My results indicated that I had increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) contributing to my bloating, gas, constipation. I also struggled to break down protein, indicating low stomach acid (hello, stomachaches after eating).  My commensal “good” bacteria was low, so I had dysbiosis in the gut.  H Pylori was present, contributing to my symptoms.  I had 23 moderate food sensitivities.  My cortisol (main stress hormone) levels were low, which could also be contributing to my digestive concerns and constipation.  As you can see, even though my main complaints were gut related, it takes more than one test to put all the pieces to the health puzzle together.  The tests are used in conjunction with a client’s history and current symptoms to find specific healing opportunities in the body-no diagnosis is given.  As an FDN, I work to build up function in the body in a variety of areas, not just one. 

Healing Strategies That Worked

• The first recommendation I give to all my clients is to eliminate Gluten, Dairy, Sugar and Alcohol-these are the most inflammatory to the body-for at least 90 days.  The FDN program teaches this and it wasn’t until I tried this for myself that I believed in it.  Prior to doing my FDN protocol, I was already GF and DF but I rationalized drinking alcohol because I didn’t drink it that often so “how could it possibly be affecting me.”  Boy was I wrong, this was a huge game-changer to my healing.  Eliminating added sugar as well helped to retrain my tastebuds to not crave sugar and helped to decrease inflammation along the way.

• I eliminated all the foods that showed up as sensitivities on the MRT, again a game changer.  Foods I was eating weekly or even daily were causing more harm than good. 

• I added in high quality supplements specific to my results.  

• I worked on chewing my food thoroughly and eating distraction-free, allowing my body to get into a parasympathetic state. 

• I avoided processed foods and increased my fiber intake.  

• I focused on hydration.

• I allowed my body to rest when needed and added in more low impact movement. Walks became my best friend!! 

  
  

My healing did not happen overnight, this was a process.  I needed to be patient with myself and know I was doing good things for my body.  By the end of the 3 months, I was feeling so much better.  I had less bloating, my stomach didn’t hurt after every meal and I was pooping more regularly. I continue to practice many of these new habits to this day.  I will always be gluten free and dairy free.  I experimented with drinking alcohol again and my gut was NOT happy, so for now, I am alcohol-free.  I limit my added sugar intake as well.  I continue to focus on whole, real foods as much as possible.  I prioritize self care and movement.  My story is not your story but your story matters!!  If you are struggling with gut discomfort or any other symptoms, functional lab testing, using the FDN approach, can be a game changer for you. It’s my mission to help you feel better so you can live a fuller life!

During the month of April, I am going to be sharing about all things related to GUT HEALTH on Instagram! I hope you will follow along there @youniquebalancehc 

Here are a few Gut Health Nuggets to start:

• Nourish Your Gut, Nourish Your Life: Just like you would care for any other part of your body, give your gut the attention it deserves. A healthy gut is the foundation for a healthy body — from improved digestion to better mood and energy.

• The Power of Whole Foods:Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and fermented foods to support the diversity of your gut microbiome. The more variety, the better!

• Stress Less for a Healthier Gut:Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your gut health. Prioritize self-care, relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or even daily walks to keep your gut and mind in balance.

• Start with Gut-Healing Basics:Include gut-healing foods like bone broth, collagen, and ginger in your daily routine. These support the integrity of the gut lining and help reduce inflammation.

• Listen to Your Body:Your gut speaks to you! Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and stressors. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it — it's your body’s way of asking for help.

• Testing Can Be a Game-Changer:If you've been struggling with digestive symptoms, functional lab testing like the GI-MAP or food sensitivity testing can provide personalized insight and guide you toward a more tailored healing plan.

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Again, follow along on Instagram for more gut-related content during the month of April!  And if you are ready to get started on your healing journey today, shoot me an email jen@youniquebalancehc.com