Balancing the gut/brain connection has many benefits, but I want to illustrate one very important benefit to me. The ability to reverse metabolic disease and prolong health. It might, possibly increase longevity, but I want to focus on living without disease for as long as possible.
My mom was struggling with disease so I encouraged her to try out the same foods I was eating because they helped me heal my gut. It worked! Even though my symptoms, and hers, would be considered very different, we both benefitted from changing what we ate which led to an improved gut brain balance.
I had serious anxiety and discomfort because my gut was a complete wreck. Mom had a stroke and while she was in the hospital, she was diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, and dementia.
Even though the symptoms were very different, the same thing that caused my anxiety, caused her health issues, we ate a lot of processed, high carbohydrate foods. In fact, those health issues, which went undiagnosed, possibly led to her stroke. The solution for both of us was a change in what we ate. Healing the gut doesn’t just apply for heartburn and reflux, it applies to all sorts of metabolic diseases and impacts our mental health.
Our gut and our brains are connected physically and chemically. Bringing balance to the mechanisms that control both, allow our bodies to reduce inflammation, heal, and finally relax. There is a chance that folks that are upset with everyone and everything, can benefit from a gut healing regimen.
It would take years to reverse Mom’s dementia and at her age, I’m not sure we’ll ever see that happen, but over time, her cognitive abilities have improved to the point that we can have meaningful conversations again and her blood glucose numbers are back in the normal range. She has long term memories that she shares, but her short term memories still suffer. We accomplished this together, in less than a year, with food.
Health Coaches are not allowed to “treat” others but I wasn’t a health coach when I started this process. I was just a suffering human looking for answers and since they worked, I helped my mom when she desperately needed it. So while I can’t “treat” anyone else, I can coach you as you look for your own answers.
The one benefit… is being able to enjoy meaningful conversations with my Mom again.