Digestive Intensive Learnings

Cass and Tina recently started an online certification to become Functional Nutritionist Practitioners, with the intention of cultivating stronger, deeper connections and offerings to our clients. Once we have completed this 10-month program, we want to start offering Detox Programs and other Protocols to those looking for a better understanding around their health issues, as well as ways they can holistically heal themselves through food and lifestyle changes.

Last month, we went through our first intensive, which was on Digestion. Cass wrote a summary on social media to share with friends and loved ones, but we felt it necessary to post it here as well, so that we all can take this journey of learning and understanding together.

"I just wrapped up my first month intensive towards becoming a Functional Nutritionist Practitioner with Functional Nutrition Lab and WOW, I am totally blown away with the knowledge I have gained and the dots I have been able to connect so far.

The first month was a Digestive Intensive, where we got to learn all about the digestive system and all of the ways we can support (and harm) it.

I have always known that Food is Medicine, and this certificate validates that and so much more.

I mean, come on, the three main pillars that support these teachings are:

- Everything is connected

- We are all unique

- All things matter

If that doesn't resonate then I don't know what does?!?

I wanted to share some highlights with you of what I have learned so that you can start taking baby steps towards connecting with your body better and moving towards optimal health.

1. All Diseases Begin in the Gut.

This includes autoimmunity, allergies, mental health and more. How mind blowing is that?!? Symptoms that people experience are downstream from a root cause - they are hints we can look towards to find actual resolution instead of looking for a quick-fix.

2. Food is Medicine.

The various benefits and energy you receive from the food you eat is utilized down to a cellular level, even to your mitochondria! But it's more than, "you are what you eat", it's "you are what your body can breakdown and absorb". There is no one-size-fits-all option here.

3. Quit the Bad Fat.

Good fat is good, but bad fat is really, really bad, AKA fried foods with oxidized oils. Bad fat clogs up and slows down your digestive system's natural processes, provides your body with poor-quality nutrients and so much more.

4. Chew Your Food.

Slowwww downnnnn and chew your food. You should chew a single bite around 50 times! It helps your body to prevent overeating, to absorb more nutrients and break down your food easier, which provides YOU with more energy (instead of taking that potential energy to break that food down).

5. Support Your Gut Health.

Did you know - the majority of people have too little of stomach acid? This can cause "heartburn", abdominal cramps, mal-absorption, constipation and so much more. Working with your doctor, work towards cutting back on aspirin and other medications, drink lemon water and/or apple cider vinegar water before meals, and consume pre-biotics and probiotics, such as fermented foods, yogurt, miso, kombucha (start low and go slow).

6. Check Your Poop.

Look.at.your.poop. SERIOUSLY. Not only are you supposed to eliminate 1-3 times a day, but it should be brown and smooth. See undigested food? Maybe it's dry little pellets like a rabbit? Those are signs that point to potential 'issues' upstream in your digestive system."

We hope you gained a little knowledge with this summary of our Digestive Intensive. If you have additional comments or questions, please feel to reach out and we will see how we can help. The content included on our website, in our blog and on our social media are for informational or educational purposes only, and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals.