Health coach for iBS and digestive issues
Living with IBS, bloating or digestive issues can be a debilitating vicious cycle! Having to cancel plans or leave early because you're sick again is frustrating and can even lead to depression. Maybe you have to map out bathrooms on your way to work, or are afraid to travel because your symptoms are unpredictable. I GET IT. I used to be there. I suffered from terrible IBS from high school into my early twenties. I was put on tons of different medications, and was even premanently excused from class early due to the severity of my condition.
But, the crazy part was out of the handful of specialists I saw, not ONE talked about my diet or mental health (stress levels) as possible contributing factors to my symptoms. As an integrative nutrition health coach, I now know that stress and nutrition can play a huge role in triggering IBS or digestive symptoms, and getting your entire health under control is crucial to achieving "remission". I was able to get rid of my IBS and digestive problems through a nutritional and holistic approach, and now I am dedicated to helping others find what works for them, so they can better manage their symptoms and more importantly, heal their gut!
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that effects the colon (large intestine). According to Mayo Clinic, Irritable bowel syndrome often causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Around 45 million individuals in the United States alone suffer from IBS (International Foundation for Functional GI Disorders). The symptoms of IBS can often be unpredictable and the majority of people with the illness are under 50 years old.
Some people suffering from IBS have lower measures of physical, social, and emotional well-being than population norms and those diagnosed with other chronic illnesses. Some possible causes of IBS include: altered gut immune activation, intestinal permeability, and altered gut bacteria.
Many men and women have been able to successfully control their IBS symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. But, there are others who have to resort to medication to improve their quality of life. Science is proving the strong link between digestive disorders and imbalances in the gut microbiome. When our bacterial flora is unbalanced or damaged it can play out as a host of digestive symptoms such as leaky gut syndrome, bloating, painful spasms or cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and even food sensitivities.
The gut microbiome
Recent science seeks to get to the root cause of health issues such as IBS, and has found that the gut microbiome plays a huge factor in the origin of digestive disorders. The gut is the "highway to health,"and poor digestive health has become the source of suffering for so many.
Our gut microbiome includes over 100 trillion different bacteria! The strength and diversity of these bacteria flora is crucial to our overall health and well-being. Our gut bacteria holds many important jobs such as extracting nutrients, creating vitamins, and protecting our body from harm through the strengthening of immune cells. There are several factors which can contribute to IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and issues within the gut microbiome including:
Overuse of antibiotics and over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs
Increase of pesticides, chemical irritants, and GMOs in the processed/industrialized food supply
Chronic stress response due to the on-the-go pace and demands of modern life
Infections and viruses that linger or come back
Continuing to eat foods that our bodies now consider to be intolerable (food sensitivities)
The gut microbiome is constantly changing, but there are many things that can be done to help improve your gut health and tackle debilitating chronic symptoms, including IBS
Health coach for IBS | Irritable bowel syndrome nutrition Coach
Ashley works with individuals to evaluate their health history and lifestyle to help them discover what triggers their symptoms, and how to better manage them in order to find a balanced and more enjoyable life. Health coaching can serve as a great compliment to your regular medical care when dealing with a chronic health issue such as IBS. Digestive problems such as IBS can often times be controlled through the adoption of lifestyle changes, including dietary changes, such as eliminating the consumption of foods that trigger symptoms.
Elimination diets can often helpful when approaching an issue like IBS because they seek to remove, replace, reinoculate and repair. Many modern diseases originate in the intestinal tract, and the most common irritant other than chemicals, is food. Ashley educates and supports clients as they work to restore their gut microbiome, which in turn helps balance the digestive tract and immune system.
Food is so powerful when approaching dis-ease, everything you eat is either building you up, or breaking you down. If you can target your food sensitivities, you can calm down inflammation and gut irritation, which in turn, can lessen IBS symptoms.
work with a nutrition coach to restore your gut and support your digestive system
Lifestyle factors also play a huge role in managing IBS. Self-care activities such as yoga, meditation, and exercise can help some people to mitigate symptoms. Stress management and healthy relationships are also key when it comes to conquering digestive distress. Contact Ashley to find out what role she can play in your journey to restore your gut health and find relief from IBS, so you can get well and stay well!
Disclaimer: Ashley Iovinelli | Wheatgrass Warrior does not engage in the practice of medicine. It is not a medical authority nor does it claim to have medical knowledge. In all cases, Ashley Iovinelli/Wheatgrass Warrior recommends that you consult your own physician regarding any course of treatment or medication