I am a Certified Holistic Gut Practitioner, health and food advocate, recipe creator, and avid cook. At the age of 25 I began to experience digestive issues that started with nausea and quickly developed into vomiting, diarrhea, severe heartburn, and abdominal pain. It took nearly six months of doctor and emergency room visits before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
About a month after diagnosis and a failed round of Prednisone, I was rushed into the hospital with a total bowel obstruction. I underwent surgery to remove the obstruction and the inflammation around it. I lost about 12 inches of my small intestine.
Though the surgery effectively put my Crohn’s into remission, I began to develop some mild symptoms several months later. I was allergic to the maintenance drug they had put me on at the time, so I began to search for other answers. My research led me to the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ (SCD™). My symptoms disappeared within the first week of starting the diet.
After some ups and downs with diet and mindset, I have now found myself in a very happy place both mentally and physically. Aside from one flare up at around the ten-year mark after my surgery, I have been able to live medication and flare-up free from IBD.
My philosophy as a Holistic Gut Practitioner is to empower others in finding their own balance through developing intuitive eating, reducing stress, and dealing with the trauma caused by chronic illness and restrictive eating. Everyone has their own story and the path to finding the right direction is within their reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are you on any medication for IBD?
A: No, I am not currently on any medication for IBD, but I am not opposed to taking medication if it is needed.
Q: Do you still follow SCD™?
A: I no longer follow SCD™ 100%, but it is still the basis for the foods I choose to eat. I eat a few foods regularly that are not a part of SCD™ including, plantain, sweet potato, unsweetened cocoa, quinoa, and I use the Bifidus culture when making yogurt. I have a few other foods I eat from time to time, and a couple packed grain-free chips and natural soda. I have eaten some other foods to try, but I don’t find myself wanting those types of foods very often.
Q: Will SCD™ work for me?
A: The truthful answer to this question is that it may, or it may not. This recent study indicates that 43 – 46% of participants found success through SCD™ or the Mediterranean diet. I have talked with some people who follow strictly and don’t get results. Everyone is different as is their condition. Everyone should always consult with a doctor before making significant dietary changes and should never discontinue medication without the guidance of their doctor.
Q: If SCD™ works, why not follow it strictly forever?
A: Restrictive eating can be very difficult mentally. For me it was not just the social implications, but I also began to worry about missing out on healthful foods that can be beneficial to our bodies like whole grains. I also worried that my microbiome was not getting enough diversity and worried that it could lead to more food sensitivity. I personally think of SCD™ as the healing phase of gut restoration and where one goes from there is going to be individual. For me, complete remission meant I know longer felt I needed to remain in a gut healing phase forever, though I do not eat everything.
Happy Gut For Life, LLC Disclaimer
I am not a medical professional. As a health coach, I am not providing healthcare, medical, or nutritional therapy services or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any physical, mental, or emotional issue.
The information provided on my website (scdforlife.com aka happygutforlife.com) and in all materials is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before undertaking a new health regimen.
Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical advice because of information you read in this material, any other materials you receive from me or read on my website. Do not start or stop any medications without speaking to your medical or mental health provider.
Although I am a gut practitioner, I am not YOUR doctor, dietician, or therapist. All information during this training and contained in all other materials from me and my website is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship.
Please note that I can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, and any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available in this material, my website, or any other materials provided by me. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended in this material, my website, or any other materials provided by me.
Please note that I don’t make any guarantees about the results of the information applied in this workbook, my website, or any other materials provided by me. I share educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in determining your gut health needs. You nevertheless need to know that your ultimate success or failure will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond my knowledge and control.