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A well-functioning digestive system is the cornerstone of good health. It is also your second brain. Your gut literally contains its own nervous system. In fact, the ”brain” in your gut contains more neurotransmitters than the brain in your head. Now guess why the strength of your digestion, absorption, assimilation and elimination determines how you feel in your everyday life?

Gut issues are more common that one may think: About one in three Americans suffer from gut problems of various sorts. Two of the top seven best-selling drugs in the United States are prescribed for gastrointestinal problems. And nearly half of all visits to internists are for “functional bowel disorders,” such as reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

As it turns out, digestive problems aren’t just digestive problems. They can cause many other seemingly unrelated diseases. For example, most allergic and autoimmune diseases originate in the gut, but there is also a link between gut-health and illnesses ranging from depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Do any of the statements below sound familiar to you?     Contact me to find out how the gut works, what makes it vulnerable, and what you can do to keep your own digestive tract in tiptop shape.

• “I experience bloating, abdominal pain or gas after eating the simplest foods”.
• “This persistent Heartburn makes me very uncomfortable, how can I fix it?”
• “I was just diagnosed with Diverticulitis and I am confused about which foods I should avoid and which I should consume more of.”
• “I am not sure what to do with the uncomfortable symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with alternating stomach pain, bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation”.
• “I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, so I need to figure out a whole new way of eating.”
• “My Crohn’s Disease often flares up and I need help managing my symptoms.”

Whether it’s losing these last ten stubborn pounds or trying to gain weight, I’ve been there and know how challenging it is. The good news- it’s possible! The question is – do you have the right guidance and support system? If any of these statements sound like you, I’ll be honored to help explore with you further:

• “I’m disappointed in every diet on the planet, and none of them work. I can’t seem to lose weight!”
• “I am tired on my weight roller-coaster – lose twenty pounds, only to gain back 30 pounds a few months later.”
• “My job is so stressful. I don’t have time to prepare healthy meals or even think about what I need to eat. I just grab the fastest thing.”
• “I eat when I am stressed, sad, happy, bored, you name it. I always seem to turn to food, and I have always wanted to lose weight.”
• “I am always on some sort of diet. I just want to feel like I am not on a diet anymore, but I still would like to lose 5-10 pounds.”
• “I have an office job and constantly munching food at my desk. I don’t think I will ever be able to lose weight unless I get a new job!”
• “I gained the ‘freshman 15’ and never lost it.”
• “I feel like I will never lose these last 10 pounds, no matter what I do. I feel hopeless.”
• “I am going on vacation in a month and want to look fabulous. Help!”
•  “I don’t want my social life to suffer by being on a ‘diet’!”
• “I eat out all the time. I’d love to learn how to enjoy it without worrying about weight gain.”
• “I love to cook, but want to try out some new recipes to stay lean.”
• “I’m always on the go and find it nearly impossible to eat healthy while traveling, staying in hotels, and changing time zones constantly. Is there a way to eat healthier on the go?”

“Fight or flight” stage – when our body gears up for action in response to stress – is diametrically opposed to “rest and digest” stage. We’re not geared to respond to stress and digest at the same time, so when stress is prolonged, digestion suffers. Compounding the issue is our tendency to chew less when we’re rushed. Digestive enzymes can’t easily work their magic on large chunks of food; the more you chew, the easier it is for your body to absorb the nutrients in your food. The bottom line: Eating rapidly, under stress, means that your body gets much less benefit from your meal than if you ate the same foods slowly in a relaxed setting.

Moreover, consider the following:

• Forty-three percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress.
• Seventy-five percent to 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints.
• Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) declared stress a hazard of the workplace. Stress costs American industry more than $300 billion annually.
• The lifetime prevalence of an emotional disorder is more than 50%, often due to chronic, untreated stress reactions.                                                                 (WebMD Medical Reference). 

There is a very strong and clear relationship between what we eat and our state of health. A nutrition program tailored to your specific medical needs as part of your treatment can help alleviate symptoms and minimize side effects of medications. Do any of the statements below apply to you?

•  “I have a hard time following nutrition recommendations for my health condition.”
• “I want to reduce the medications that I am taking.”
• “I am diabetic and my blood sugars are out of control.”
• “My doctor just diagnosed me with pre-diabetes. I want to make sure I do not develop diabetes.”
• “Do I have to stop eating carbs forever now that I have been diagnosed with diabetes?”
• Heart disease runs in my family and I want to do whatever I can to avoid it”
• “My doctor told me my bad cholesterol is too high and I don’t know what foods I can eat.”
• “I have elevated blood pressure and I know I need to get it under control through a healthier lifestyle but don’t know where to start.”
• “I have heard that having metabolic syndrome puts me at high risk for heart disease and diabetes, and I want to do what I can now to prevent the onset of disease later in life”
• “I’m tired of fighting this battle alone and want to work with a professional who can really help me.”

Even if you don’t have a particular problem, but simply want to boost your general health and reduce stress, advice on diet and nutritional status and relaxation can be very helpful in order to stay young, healthy and beautiful!

•  “Let’s get real, I am just getting older and I want to stay youthful for as long as I can!”
• “I feel so tired all of the time, and have no energy to do all the things I really enjoy!”
• “I’m concerned because heart disease and diabetes runs in my family. How do I prevent it?”
• “I feel self-conscious because my skin problems don’t seem to go away.”
• “I’m so confused with all the contradictory nutrition information out there. I think I am eating well, but I could use some expert advice and clarification.”
• “I find myself struggling with energy, sex drive, memory and I just don’t look my best. Can a new food plan help with these things?”
• “I am taking care of everyone’s needs all day, with no time left for myself. It’s taking a toll on me.”
• “I can’t cook, but I would like to be able to have a healthy meal at home.”