Nourish With Stacie

Explore the Three Essentials to Address Before Nutrition, Detoxification, and Supplements on Your Gut Healing Journey.

Healing the gut is a complex process that involves more than just taking the right supplements and eating nutrient-rich foods. While nutrition plays a crucial role in gut health, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. I learned from my experience that there are many (MANY) ways to support the healing (in this case, the healing of the endothelial cells of the gut besides proper nutrition and supplementation). To truly heal the gut, we need to consider a holistic approach that addresses other critical aspects of health. Here are three major factors that must be addressed for effective gut healing:

1. Stress Management and Nervous System Healing

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on gut health. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining gut health. When we’re under constant stress, this communication can become disrupted, leading to issues like leaky gut, inflammation, and an imbalance in gut microbiota.

Why It Matters:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices can help reduce stress levels, leading to improved gut health. Meditation has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which can alleviate inflammation and promote a healthy gut environment.
• Breathwork: Techniques like deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and alternate nostril breathing can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and better gut function.
• Gentle movement: Walking, stretching, Tai Chi, and regular physical activity help manage stress levels and improve gut motility.
• Chiropractic Work (Network Spinal Analysis): Chiropractic techniques such as Network Spinal Analysis can improve nervous system function and reduce stress by focusing on spinal adjustments and enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities.
• Somatic Therapy: various types of somatic therapy can complement traditional gut healing approaches by addressing the emotional and physical dimensions of stress, tension, and body awareness. Integrating somatic practices into a holistic gut healing plan can lead to more profound and lasting improvements in gut health.
• Craniosacral Therapy: This modality can be a valuable complement to traditional gut healing approaches by addressing underlying structural, functional, and emotional imbalances. By enhancing nervous system function, reducing stress, improving circulation, and releasing tension, CST supports a holistic approach to gut health, contributing to more effective and lasting healing.

2. Sleep Hygiene

Quality sleep is fundamental to overall health, including gut health. Poor sleep can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota and impair gut barrier function, making it more difficult for the gut to heal.

Why It Matters:

• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, which is crucial for maintaining gut health.
• Sleep Environment: Creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleeping environment can enhance sleep quality, leading to better gut health.
• Relaxation Techniques: Engaging in relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music, can improve sleep quality and support gut healing.

3. Emotional Well-being and Mental Health

Emotional health is intricately linked to gut health thanks to the gut-brain axis. Addressing underlying emotional issues is essential for effective gut healing.

Some activities that may improve emotional wellness:

• Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or working with a mental health professional can help address emotional stressors that negatively impact gut health.
• Spending time in nature
• Certain herbal teas that promote balancing and relaxation
• Smelling essential oils such as lavender, frankincense, and ylang ylang
• Prayer: Prayer promotes calm and relaxation, potentially promoting gut health through the gut-brain axis
• Social Support: Building and maintaining strong social connections provides emotional support, reduces stress, and promotes a healthy gut
• Journaling and Creative Expression: Writing, art, or other forms of creative expression help process emotions and reduce stress.

My passion for this stems from personal experience

There is hope.

While certain herbs, supplements, and a nutrient-rich diet are all supportive for gut healing, they are not everything. One must consider stress management, sleep hygiene, and emotional well-being first. A holistic approach that integrates these aspects into your lifestyle is essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy gut. By taking care of your nervous system, ensuring quality sleep, and nurturing your emotional health, you create an environment where your gut can truly thrive.

If you’re struggling with gut health and feel like you’ve tried everything, I invite you to book a free discovery call today. Let’s explore how you can take a holistic approach to healing your gut and improving your overall well-being.

*Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is based on personal experience and research and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.*