I FINALLY have answers, and I’m so happy that I can share them with you.
I’ve recently gotten some tests done with a functional diagnostic nutritionist in Jacksonville. The reasons for the tests? I’ve been getting sick a LOT this past year. Like once a month I’m just knocked out and stuck in bed for a week. Strep throat, the flu, pink eye, colds, you name it.
I’ve also been feeling EXHAUSTED. Like don’t want to get out of bed can’t sleep enough tired.
Oh, and then there’s the weight gain. I haven’t mentioned it on social media, but I’ve gained back some of the weight that I’ve lost.
I went into that doctor’s office in TEARS. I’m a fitness coach! I’m supposed to have this stuff figured out! Why is this happening to me?!
You know what he told me? This is just a part of your story, and you’re going to be able to help a lot of people by sharing it.
So here I am =)
After doing a bunch of different diagnostic tests, I found out that I have leaky gut, adrenal fatigue, heavy metals, high free radical production, dispiosis, and my body isn’t absorbing the nutrients from food like it should be. He said I have very expensive pee, ha! And I know, that’s all quite a mouthful.
Ok, so what does all of this mean?! And how did I get it?!
I’m pretty sure that most of the issues were caused by leaky gut. If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone. Most people haven’t. If I went to my doctor and told her I have leaky gut she’d probably look at me funny. It’s not something that can be treated with medicine, but with lifestyle changes and supplements.
Leaky gut is known as ‘The Disease Your Doctor Can’t Diagnose,’.
It’s a dangerous and hidden cause of chronic illness that can show up as depression, weight problems, fatigue, anxiety, digestive symptoms, and other serious conditions!
What’s tricky about it is HOW it shows up… everyone is different. I might be getting sick and gaining weight, while another person can have inflammation in the gut leading to depression and anxiety. Another person will have severe acne.
So what causes leaky gut?
The main culprits are toxins, infections, and foods, like GLUTEN, which is the #1 cause of leaky gut. Other inflammatory foods like sugar, dairy, coffee, or excessive alcohol can also cause it. The most common infections causes are intestinal parasites, candida overgrowth, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
Toxins can come in the forms of medications like antibiotics, steroids, Motrin, Advil, and acid reducing drugs, and environmental toxins like BPA from plastics, mercury, and pesticides. STRESS can also contribute to leaky gut.
Many digestive issues, like bloating, gas, diarrhea, etc. come because of problems with the gut wall and the gut microflora.
The gut microflora is the collection of bacteria and other organisms that live in your digestive tract.
These bugs can cause problems like gas, bloating, burping, acid, diarrhea and constipation. Not only that, but they can also cause hormone and immune problems as well. YIKES.
“Depending on the collection of bugs in your gut, they could actually be causing damage to your gut wall, creating a leaky gut. When the gut wall becomes leaky, toxins and undigested food particles easily get into the body. And that’s when the immune system jumps in and attacks these foreign invaders. When this happens over and over again the inflammation in the gut increases, causing more damage and more leakiness. It begins a vicious cycle that can keep the pain and inflammation going strong unless both the inflammation and root causes of leaky gut are removed.” solvingleakygut.com
If you have any of these symptoms, there’s a good chance you have a leaky gut.
1. Seasonal allergies or asthma.
2. Digestive issues such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
3. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.
4. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS.
5. Diagnosis of candida overgrowth.
6. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
7. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD.
8. Skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema.
9. Food allergies or food intolerances.
How do you heal a leaky gut?
If you have any of these symptoms, I HIGHLY suggest visiting a functional diagnostic nutritionist near you. They will know the tests to run to help you determine if you are, in fact suffering from leaky gut, and what steps you need to take to heal. FDN’s are on the rise right now, so you might not have one right next door…I have to drive an hour and 15 minutes to get to mine. But it’s worth it. Some FDN’s also practice via Skype, and order lab work for you as needed.
Recovery can take a LONG time. My doctor has me doing a 7 day cleanse right now, with two different supplements. I’m basically eating fruit, vegetables, and sweet potatoes for 7 days. No coffee, no wine, no chocolate (my 3 main food groups. No wonder I’m in trouble lol).
Then, he wants me to follow a gluten-free, vegan diet until I see him in a month. That part won’t be so hard for me, I did eat vegan for a year before TJ was born.
Wish me luck =) And if you have any of these symptoms, PLEASE go and get them checked out. You aren’t crazy. And you deserve to feel AMAZING.
Sources:
mindbodygreen.com
solvingleakygut.com
Hiiiii! I’m Rachel. I lost 80 pounds after I had my son and now help other moms get their bodies back! I'm obsessed with: adventure, champagne, chocolate, peanut butter, and yoga pants. 
Can I please see your meal plan? It’s too small to read on the website! thanks!!
Sure I’ll email it to you =)
Will you please share your meal plan with me too
sure here it is =) https://www.fitwithrachel.com/eat-day-foods-eat-weight-loss/
yup! here you go =) https://www.fitwithrachel.com/eat-day-foods-eat-weight-loss/
OMGOSH!!!!
You sound just like me.
I am so miserable.
No one can figure out what it is. They say IBS C? Duh!!
I want to try your diet 🙂
yesss try it! and since i wrote this i’ve lost 25 pounds!!
I am almost 100 percent sure I have this too could you please email me your plan? I just ordered all the containers for 21 day fix
sure =) https://www.fitwithrachel.com/eat-day-foods-eat-weight-loss/