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I'd like to share with you some ideas, info and hope for the days ahead.
For example, did you know that our gut is also home to 70-80% of our immune system?! That means our gut health plays a pivotal role in our immune health - we want to doing everything we can to support digestion and nourish our organs so we have a strong immune system. So let’s look at two important areas we need to attend to: 1) Our gut is responsible for getting nutrients in and toxins out. We need a properly functioning digestive system to make FULL use of the food that we ARE eating, as well as get rid of by-products/poisons so our energy and immune systems aren’t depleted more than necessary. 2) Our gut is also home to billions of beneficial bacteria that are meant to protect the lining of our gastrointestinal lining (preventing "leaky gut") and also to trigger and train the antibodies involved in our immune responses!
I'll keep posting articles here on my website, but the best way to stay up to date is to join my It Takes Guts Community Learning & Support Group private facebook group.
Or, if you prefer email, you can always send me a note that you'd like to receive regular emails and I'll put you on my list where I send out only 1 to 2 essential information emails a week. Be EXTRA kind to yourself and others at this time.... and remember, hope and kindness are contagious too! With love for you, your gut, your immune system and the overall wellbeing of this world, Katanne
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How would you know if you have a leaky gut? Let’s take a quick look. Last week, I mentioned that regular alcohol consumption – even if it’s not heavy – may be creating inflammation in your intestine, a condition known as leaky gut. How does this happen and what does it look and feel like? Well, when regular alcohol consumption is combined with lack of sleep, too much stress and/or poor dietary choices – which most of us struggle with on a daily basis - the bad bacteria that are normally present in your gut begin to proliferate, and that adds or leads to leaky gut.
However, when there is too much bad bacteria in the gut, there is insufficient good bacteria to protect the lining of the intestine and this eventually leads to inflammation, causing the tight junctions between the cells of the intestinal lining to pull apart and become permeable or leaky. (This is a simplified explanation for now). A leaky gut means that toxins, incompletely digested proteins and other harmful particles from inside your GI tract can now easily enter the bloodstream and traveling to any place in the body. Signs of Leaky GutSome signs of leaky gut that begin in the immune system as it becomes hyper-protective from all the "intruders" include:
The first three organs affected by leaky gut are liver, brain and lungs. You may notice liver or gall bladder problems, respiratory infections, hormonal imbalances, weight problems, thyroid issues, low energy, foggy thinking, anxiety and depression…. to name a few. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms, but there are many more. Read more about it here in an article I wrote called : "Is it Your Gut or Something Else?"  Medical practice is still catching up on the science - most doctors have not be been trained to see how a leaky gut is a root cause for these other conditions. WebMD refers to leaky gut as "something of a medical mystery" and gastroenterologist Donald Kirby, MD, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at the Cleveland Clinic, says "Physicians don’t know enough about the gut, which is our biggest immune system organ." Case in point, a MD recently hired me because she was unimpressed with what the gastroenterolgist had to offer about healing her gut. He told her that nothing could be done about it! Well, I'm here to tell you there is PLENTY you can do about it! Our bodies know how to heal, we just need to supply them with the right foods and habits so the organs can do their job. Solving Leaky Gut ProblemsIt starts with good digestive habits like choosing health-giving foods, relaxing at mealtimes, chewing your food well and taking digestive enzymes if you need extra support. Most critically, it continues by adding fermented foods and drinks to your diet, so you are nurturing and building a healthy community of good bacteria and yeasts in your gut. And it is essential that you get help understanding your own body, like what your symptoms are telling you and identifying what organs need the most support, so you can learn to nurture yourself exactly right for you. Don't Wait...If you're still wondering what is wrong with your gut and what to do about it, please don't wait until you develop a more serious health condition. Leaky gut can lead to malnutrition (which can lead to diminishing capacity in any area of the body like sight or strength), autoimmune disease and other chronic health problems,... and then your recovery process is harder and longer!  Take advantage of my free Gut Insight & Clarity Call to find direction on your next steps, or join me in the It Takes Guts Community on Facebook where I give tips everyday to beat the bloat, shed light on your health problems and end your digestive dilemnas.
With love for your gut, Katanne If you follow me on Facebook, you might know that I gave up drinking alcohol several months ago.
We all have both good and bad bacteria living inside of us. Usually, the good bacteria keep the harmful bacteria in check. "Leaky gut" is a term used to describe a hyperpermeable intestinal lining. Except that this lining isn’t meant to be permeable all the time – and when it is, we start to become very sick in many ways.
Nourish your gut and strengthen your immune system before the sugar laden holiday amps up another flu season. You'll be stronger if eat these a few times this week! Read more why <here>.
Kale Kimchi Smoothie Savoury, prebiotic and probiotic ingredients to soothe and nourish your gut
Blueberry Kraut Smoothie
· Juice of one grapefruit or one orange, poured through a strainer · 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries (or strawberries) · 1/4 cup sauerkraut (do not rinse and include some of the juice) · 4 soft dates · 1 tsp chia, ground · 1/4 cup water, if needed to adjust the consistency ENJOY!! And don't forget to come back here and post your comments! I can't wait to hear how surprised you were by their deliciousness! :) I wanted 2020 to be a year of clarity for me, but I didn't think something like this would happen, nor so quickly.
BUT… let’s face it. Some steps are little, and some are leaps. A woman I danced with, many years ago, named her business Leaping Feats. The image has always stuck with me, as has her continued courage and determination to live her life calling to bring the benefits of dance to our youth. So that is why I’m writing today. Because for me, today represents leaping a feat! The catalyst was seven years of roller-coastering through illness, anger, despair and loss with highs of new awareness, understanding, forgiveness and faith. The feat was a long struggle with myself: a long-held highly idealized version of who I wanted to be (control) against the reality of who I actually am (surrender). And the leap is leaving behind all the thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that no longer serve my/the highest good, while bringing with me all the ones that do.
Yes, you might think this is silly or weird. I did too, at first. However, I can assure you. I've never felt so certain of anything. And it fills me somehow with a power, a knowing, that I HAVE ARRIVED.
So. I am no longer Kathi or Katherine or Anne. I've pruned and gathered and wove something out of all that, like a couple old jackets torn apart and made into something new: Hi, my name is Katanne. And I look forward to connecting with you on new ground :) PS. It will take some time for all my business and personal “paperwork” to change, so thank you for your patience and support during this transition time. You will still be able to contact me normally via my regular email, website, and facebook contacts. Such is the beauty of the tech world!
Chocolate is a prebiotic and feeds our good bacteria. The bifidobacterium and lactobacillus bacteria in the gut love to gobble up chocolate as much as you do! In return for the feast, the good bacteria turn the phytonutrients into anti-inflammatories that improve heart health. (So, its actually the bacteria not the chocolate that should get the credit!) It’s the fermentation process in our gut that breaks down the phytonutrients into smaller metabolites so that they can be absorbed and utilized. They also act as antioxidants. But, without the gut bacteria, the phytonutrients in the chocolate - known as catechins and epicatechins - are poorly absorbed. So eating fermented foods or taking probiotics regularly is key to enjoying the benefits. So what's the best kind of chocolate to eat? Dark chocolate and raw cocoa powder have the highest amounts of gut-healthy flavonols, so look for varieties with: 1. At least 70% cocoa. 2. Low amounts of sugar (preferably from natural sources like honey) and no artificial sweeteners 3. Fat from cocoa butter or coconut oil—stay away from soybean oil, vegetable oils, and trans fats 4. Organic certification to avoid increasingly popular GMO chocolate But what about craving chocolate?
Is this a craving for magnesium like so many people have speculated? Apparently not. Because its your gut microbes that influence what you crave to eat. I bet you thought it was you! Both good and bad bacteria manipulate the vagus nerve – the key connection between the brain and the gut - to increase your desire to eat certain foods. When the gut is full of bad bacteria, we crave the junk foods that feed them. Change your bacteria, change your cravings! Isn’t that something?! Bacteria want you to eat foods that keep their numbers strong. By having you eat more of a given food, it keeps their numbers high. (Eat less of it, they die off). The gut bacteria can even manipulate you into feeling anxious and depressed, signaling you to eat a given food "to feel better". There is still a lot of research to be done, including how our gut bacteria influence us to overeat and undereat. In the meantime, the next time you crave chocolate, you do not have to feel guilty. Know that it is your good bacteria talking to you to give them a good meal. I LOVE to bring you good news like this. After ten years in this field, I know that the best way to resolve digestive problems is to feed and nourish your inner garden of helpful microbes… not to starve it… and this is more proof that there’s lots of great foods to eat to get you there!
For the last ten years though, even though she eats a healthy organic diet, she’s been battling bloating and weight gain, poor sleep and brain fog. She especially expressed regret about missing special events and opportunities in work and love due to feeling tired and unwell. And now that the kids are grown... well, now its time to finally take care of herself. < CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEAT THE BLOAT GUIDE I RECOMMENDED TO GET HER STARTED > But... What if she hadn't needed to wait that long? What if there had been a way to heal and regain her energy while she was living her busy life? Well, there is a way! And you don't have to wait until you are less busy or less preoccupied to get started. I'm going to tell you how in a second. But first let me share this nugget of truth that this wise woman said to me: "We aren't sick because of what we don't know. We're sick because we don't have a plan... and even if when we set a goal, we too often try to get there alone." So, let me reassure you. If you are crazy busy, overwhelmed with life's responsibilities, and suffering from digestive problems.. YOU DON"T HAVE TO WAIT TO FEEL BETTER. You don't have to google all-the-things, trying to figure it all out by yourself either. I am helping dozens of people right now to get clear on what is going on in their gut and what to do about it... with specific, doable steps that can be managed inside a busy life. If you want in on that, book your free Gut Insight & Clarity Call right here. If you're shy about that, join my It Takes Guts Community and get some advice or guidance there. But whatever you choose, please don’t wait until later. Let me help you like I’ve helped so many others, and get living and enjoying a full life again - whether that's raising children, crushing your career, building loving relationships or retiring with vibrancy and gusto!
You deserve to enjoy and live a full and happy life... right now. A gut-supportive and dairy-free seasonal favourite that will warm your heart! However, note that as with a true egg nog, this recipe does use RAW eggs. So do not offer this drink to anyone who is immune-compromised and use the freshest eggs possible (a local source is best). Makes 1.5 litres. Coconut Kefir Eggnog 
Place all the ingredients, minus the nutmeg, into a blender and process on high for 15-30 seconds. Transfer to a glass vessel such as a 1 or 2 Litre mason jar and cover. Chill for at least 2 hours. To serve, pour the eggnog into classes and sprinkle with nutmeg. This is a traditional chocolate cake recipe with a fermented twist! I know it seems strange to have sauerkraut in a cake, but it’s amazing and a great way to get the benefits of probiotic kraut into your guests. (Yes, studies show that even cooked/dead bacteria still help us) (No, your guests won’t know there is kraut in it!) Make this even more digestible by using a sprouted flour. Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake with Kefir Icing 
the bottom with parchment paper. Put the butter and the sugar in a mixer bowl and beat until the butter is soft. Add the eggs and the vanilla. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and cocoa together. Meanwhile, rinse the sauerkraut with water and drain. Place the sauerkraut in a food processor or blender and puree – you may use half the water to help the sauerkraut puree. Add the flour-cocoa mixture to the butter mixture and gradually add the rest of the water. Add the sauerkraut and mix. Be sure to scrape the side of the bowl so it is mixed completely. Add the batter to the cake pan. Bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven. The cake is ready to come out of the oven when you touch it lightly with your fingers and it springs back. Let it sit for five minutes. Go around the edge with a palette knife to loosen the cake from the pan. Turn upside down on a wire rack. Let cool. Cut into pieces and place each piece on a plate. Drizzle with Chocolate or Plain Kefir Glaze. Chocolate Kefir Icing 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup milk kefir 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or 3 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional) Place chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over low heat. Stir until melted. Remove from heat. When chocolate is still warm, but not hot, add the kefir and stir until well combined. Wait until the cake has cooled before dribbling the glaze back and forth across the cake. All kefir lovers, pay attention! This recipe makes the best soft cheese ever, so make LOTS because it will go fast!  The last three ingredients are optional, depending on what you are making, since you can use this cheese to make other foods or condiments like: - salad dressings, - dips, - spreads, - icing/frosting, or - even to thicken up your Coconut Kefir Eggnog! You'll need to start making kefir two days in advance - one to ferment the milk, then at least 6 hours to hang it. Then its just an easy couple steps to make the soft cheese into what ever you like! Kefir Cream Cheese (to die for)  Makes half to one cup depending on the fat content in your milk.
• One litre finished milk kefir • Cheesecloth or nut bag • Pinch of sea salt (optional) • One garlic clove, crushed (optional) • A handful of fresh chopped dill, or 3/4 tsp dried (optional). Over a bowl, pour your finished kefir through a cheesecloth or nut bag. Tie up the bag so the kefir can continue to drain into the bowl for a few hours or overnight. You will be left with a clear whey liquid in the bowl (useful for starting other ferments) and a creamy curdy cheese inside the cheesecloth. Scrape the cheese into a 250ml jar, add the salt, crushed garlic and dill, and stir well. You can consume immediately but it will taste better if you refrigerate it for at least 24 hr. Take your usual holiday Cranberry Sauce to a new level! Here's one of the best local lowbush cranberry sauces EVER! It is not as sweet as a traditional stovetop sauce but it is packed with flavor and compliments grouse, turkey or chicken. I promise your guests will be wow’ed by it! Makes a 500ml jar. Wild Cranberry Chutney 
Clean and wash your cranberries, then use a knife or food processor to lightly chop them. Transfer to a bowl. Mix in the salt and let the brine develop while you zest and segment your orange. Remove the membranes and any pith then chop up the sections into chunks. Now mix all the ingredients together and transfer to a clean 500 ml mason jar. Press down firmly and use a weight to keep the ferment submerged under the brine. Ferment for 5-7 days, checking on Day 4 and 5 for flavour. Store in the fridge, it will keep for at least a month… but mine never lasts that long! Enjoy both the taste and the reaction of your guests :) Need something unique to serve at your next Christmas dinner party? For the next week, I'm going to share five of my own favourite recipes that I serve at this time of year. Not only are they delicious, but they get people thinking about how tasty food can also be good medicine! Each recipe is packed full of immune-supporting nutrients to help keep your loved ones healthy through the party season, and lots of probiotics to nurture their "inner garden" and support good digestion during the feast! RECIPE #1: Start today! Spruce Tip Kombucha by Katherine Belisle RHN What a great way to SPRUCE up your usual kombucha for a festive Noel celebration!
This recipe makes just over a litre, and I'd recommend at least 2L for a party. Keep it tightly capped until its time to serve to maintain the fizz. This kombucha is also a great substitute for alcohol since its festive and interesting, and looks great in a wine glass. Enjoy! It’s time for the final tip on how to keep your gut happy through crisis or busy/stressful times. And I know you’re busy NOW, so I’ll keep this really short! Let's look at what we've covered so far:  So let's talk about the that last tip… Why take Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C daily? Here’s why.
You may notice I didn’t talk about DIET much. That’s okay. We’ll get to that later… after Christmas!  BUT If you need more help now,..
...or if you'd like to offer some real relief to someone you care about with food/gut problems... I have gift certificates available here that you can request for you, or to give help to the one you love. Click on the link for information. Hurry though, I can only take a limited number of new clients and the discount ends December 24. Happy holidaying! Katherine PS Remember you can always join our It Takes Guts Community for daily support and guidance! We’re moving into the Christmas season and times are getting b.u.s.y! Right? So let's keep up with how to keep your gut healthy and happy for the season, even if you've got some stressful situations that are messing with your best efforts.
What next? Now we focus on FOODS TO EAT - and NOT what to avoid - as that is just a minefield for stress, especially during the holiday season. So, let’s not go there today! Here are two powerful foods to focus on to build and maintain a healthy gut through crisis:
Start with a small amount and work up to 1/4-1/2 cup a day. Try this recipe as a delicious way to add kraut to your smoothie! (Yes, it actually tastes great!)
Start with a small amount and work up to 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day. Try this recipe as a delicious way substitute for dessert coffee! Look, its not just me, many studies show that rebalancing our gut microbiome leads to positive changes in our brain chemistry. (Like in this study) That affects how you think and feel (ie. calmer) and that affects how well you digest. Do you see how it all connects?  The steps I am sharing with you are simple, yet effective, because they engage the parasympathetic nervous system (ie. you're relaxed) so that digestion is fully activated, and they provide the necessary "team support" (aka. prebiotics and probiotics). Stay tuned for the final step I took to keep my gut happy during crisis. It’s another easy one, but one you cannot afford to miss. With love for your gut, Katherine DO YOU ALREADY EAT sauerkraut and kefir? What are your favorite recipes? Feel free to comment below or come join us in the Fermented Foodies Culture Club where we share live cultures , recipes and knowledge. Get support and tips to heal and maintain good gut health in our private It Takes Guts Community!
The opposite is true as well. Too many negative emotions create stress in our mind and body which disrupts this special messaging from happening, and weakens digestion and immunity. (Another reason why its so important to find calm and peace before eating!) So no matter what shape your gut or health is in, a little gratitude can make it better because… Gratitude puts us at ease and so aids digestion! SO what gets in the way of this simple practice?
I look at authentically religious men and women, and I notice that their gratitude seems to flow effortlessly from them. Why do you think this is?
💗 Note to Self: I am grateful my life is full of looking after those I love 💗 So the solution here is to make time to step out of the hustle to just BE and FEEL. And if we want to be kind to our gut, start simply with giving thanks before your meals. Just think about how that food came to be on your plate! All the sun, water and soil required. The people who grew it, harvested it, shipped it, stocked it. The materials for the pan you cooked in or the plate you’re eating off of. There is a lot of effort put into each morsel of food you are about to consume. Let's give thanks to the Creator and everyone involved in getting it to us. Because our gratefulness sends an "all is well" signal from our brain through the vagus nerve to our digestive tract, and that’s going to help you feel balanced, happy and healthy. And who wouldn’t be grateful for that?! Happy Thanksgiving, my American friends! And for rest of us, let’s be grateful that we can relax this weekend 😊 And if you are FEELING LESS THAN GRATEFUL, check-in... do you need a quiet retreat to re-charge and re-focus? Check out my retreat which combines nutrition, yoga and dance to renew your spirit, reboot your gut, and revitalize your body! I am offering a GRATITUDE SPECIAL (U$300 value) for February's Vitality Renewal Retreat that runs UNTIL SUNDAY, DEC 1. Grab it here!  Last week, I mentioned that during a recent crisis, I had no time or energy to uphold the standards of my specialized diet. But by giving it up, I learned that:
Well, there’s the first secret –> HOW we feed ourselves is AS important as WHAT we eat! Take note. We are talking about a seriously effective gut hack here and for once, we are NOT TALKING ABOUT FOOD! Yippee! (This would a great place for back flip emojis, ha ha)
And now let’s recall how our digestive system works best – that’s right – under the governance of the parasympathetic nervous system. IE: relaxed. Good digestion - regardless of what we are eating – requires some serenading, a warm-up if you will. If we are constantly on the go – in mind or body – and not paying attention to how we eat, our brain does not register "RELAX" and so our organs are not prepared for food to arrive. Unprepared organs = bloating, gas, heartburn, stomach aches, nausea, etc So, here is how you set yourself up for good digestion when under pressure or on the run:
2. Take a Pill If you can’t calm down, taking digestive enzymes with your meals helps break down food in your stomach and intestine, therefore reducing gas, bloating and stomach aches as a minimum. This is the product I recommend most often. 3. Count to 10, 20 or…. Try observing how many times you chew each bite. The more your chew, the more you coat your food in alkalizing saliva – the most critical step for the rest of the digestive process! So, if you are always stressed – or just always on the go – try one or more of these steps. You'll:
Learn more in the It Takes Guts Community Facebook group or send me an email at katherine@takesguts.ca for help.
In my last post, I was telling you that during a long crisis, I had to take deliberate steps to protect and support my gut – because I couldn’t uphold the standards of my specialized diet anymore. I told you that this is when I figured out that HOW we feed our body is just as important as WHAT we feed our body, and that TARGETING specific foods was more effective than ELIMINATING foods. This is because our health depends upon a fully functioning digestive system – and digestion is very disrupted by stress. Here’s how: 1. When our brain registers fear of any kind - a bear on the trail, or angry words with your boss or friend - it triggers our flight or fight response through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). This shunts blood to our heart and brain and away from our gut. It is meant to be a short lived response but these days we are often enduring ongoing fearful/stressful situations.  2. Good digestion depends upon a relaxed state of mind and body – our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) needs to be engaged so our digestive organs can do their jobs secreting digestive fluids, moving food along at the right pace and keeping our gut bacteria happy. So as you can see, if we’re constantly worried, fearful, angry and stressed – our gut is not functioning properly.
This leads to gas, bloating, food intolerances, cravings, diarrhea, constipation, and more.
But again I say - don’t despair! Remember, I was in crisis for years, and I figured out how to nourish and support my gut through those stressful times without a specialized diet. Now that I’ve introduced to you how and why stress affects digestion, I’m going to give you first step to take to help your gut in the next email, so stay tuned. BUT FOR TODAY – I want you to mentally turn on your lightbulb of awareness and ask yourself: What is happening on a daily basis that is causing me stress, fear, anger or despair? OR what stress took place prior to the onset of my health problems? Take note. It's more important than you may realize. You'll understand why in the posts to come. P.S. Want to share your AHA moments with me? Send me a note and share a personal find if you like. Oh, and don't forget you can always learn more from me and others - everyday - in the It Takes Guts Community Facebook group. I received so many responses to my last post that I want to follow up with some helpful advice.
Hey, I've been there. Ten years ago, I had two babies under 2, I was busy, exhausted, overwhelmed and really, really sick. Everyday. No one had any answers for me so I set out to find out myself. A few years later, after school and healing myself and a number of others, I had it all figured out... but then there was a hiccup - a crisis that put everything I knew about gut healing into question! The crisis meant I had no time or energy to uphold the standards of my specialized diet. But by giving it up, I learned that:
Why? Because it is HOW our digestive system is working (or not) that determines whether we are nourished or poisoned by our food - basically, if we thrive and heal or succumb to disease. And our health is reliant on both good digestion and good gut bacteria... and both are totally, unequivocally disrupted by STRESS :(
Now I was under a lot of stress at this time, and I knew that it would screw up my gut function, so I took very DELIBERATE SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT AND SUPPORT my gut - and they worked! Wanna know what they were? Well, stay tuned, cuz I'm going to share them with you in the next few weeks. I just want you to know... to give you hope... that there are SO many steps you can take to begin healing the gut that aren't complicated or require massive change. Yes, specialized diets are helpful - I'm not discrediting them - but they are also difficult to implement and maintain inside a hectic life, and they just are not doable for many people. I'm here to show you another way. You CAN confidently start the healing journey with very simple steps that are incredibly helpful, sometimes without even changing what you eat! So stick with me. I'm going to show you how it can be done. And it doesn't have to hurt your brain or complicate your life. I can't wait to share with you how! With love for your gut, Katherine PS Tell me in the comments below WHAT FRUSTRATES YOU THE MOST about your gut or diet right now? I'll address them in the next few articles. Oh, and don't forget you can always learn more from me and others - everyday - in the It Takes Guts Community Facebook group! (and it's free!)  Do you ever wonder if your health problems stem from a gut problem or something else? A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a woman who told me that she was so sick of feeling tired all the time. She woke up tired. She was tired after coffee. She was tired after eating. She was too tired to exercise. She was tired of health magazines because she was too tired to cook. She was especially tired of sinking into the couch at the end of the day, totally defeated and depressed, and eating crap she knows she shouldn’t eat. I offered her some help, but she didn’t think she had any "stomach problems". Sound familiar? Well, after assessing her, it turns out she had MANY digestive problems - just not the typical ones that people associate with the gut. Fatigue can have many causes, but it is definitely linked to what you eat and how you digest it. Knowing she had digestive problems was a great AID to her, because then she knew what to work on. For example, low stomach acid was preventing her from breaking down protein and absorbing iron – two essential nutrients for energy production. After just four weeks of working together, she started waking up with energy, feeling more positive at work, and feeling inspired to go walking everyday. Many steps in the right direction. So I decided to put this little chart together to help you decide if your symptoms might be related to digestive problems. See anything that relates to YOU? Hit reply and tell me about it, or join us in the It Takes Guts Community group as we discuss what it means and what to do about it.
With love for your gut, Katherine
And maybe they even stutter as they try to tell you how or what they’ve been up to (they may even seem amazed themselves) but without a doubt, they’ve been sooooo busy. It makes me think: What keeps us sooooo busy? Yes, we have jobs and families, projects and activities – but why does it seem like so much, all the time? You probably know the answer: “Too much I have to do... Even more that I WANT to do!” I think our minds can spend a lot of time in the latter while we are trying to do the former… thus that feeling of being scattered and maybe an unhappy, unsatisfied feeling too.
Not that long ago, it was standard practice to have a day off every week for physical and spiritual rest(oration). And, for most people, work days had their boundaries too – ending at a specific time, and not overflowing too often into the rest of their life via cell, text, email, etc. But those days are gone. So HOW DO WE TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES when life is so busy??! What if we started by prioritizing what is most important for our well-being? 
Looks pretty simple, right? And yet, not…. because if you are caretaker, it can be very difficult to put #1 and #2 first. However, we need to think of these two steps as our FUEL so that we can do #3 to the BEST OF OUR ABILITY! Otherwise we will suck at service and we will be tired, grumpy and depressed (and usually sick) because we are neglecting what inspires us. It took me a full mental, emotional and physical breakdown at the age of 33 before I finally learned to listen to my body and take care of myself so that I could not only fulfill my responsibilities, but also have energy for life itself!
Because the time is now. It always has been!
There is no better moment that this one, and no more powerful moment than the quiet one where you stop, listen, and heed of what you already know: Slow down. Take time for YOU. It will benefit your gut, your health, your life and those that you love and serve.
But strangely, on the eve of my birthday, when I was feeling so much else starting to shift (I blame it all on my haircut, lol) I looked at my glass of wine and said, "Ick... I am not drinking for fun anymore, I'm drinking 'cuz I NEED to. I'm drinking to CHILL OUT. But its just makes me DULL OUT. I don't want to be dulled down anymore!" There was a quiet voice in me to stop drinking. I chalked it up to birthday/new year drama, but somehow this was different. The decision was known and made in a second - I just wasn’t sure about how committed I’d be the next day... so I didn’t tell anyone in case I failed!
But half way through my second week…. There. A light came on that I didn’t know it had been out! Clarity of thought. A feeling of groundedness yet a little more bounce in my step. Definitely more stamina for the day. And, interestingly, emotionally I got very clear on my boundaries – both in parenting and my relationships. IT IS LIKE A STRENGTH has returned that I didn’t know I had! And guess what? I’m definitely not looking for that glass of DULL at night because I don’t want it! Sure there are days are crazy no matter how much positive thinking voodoo you practice. Maybe then, occasionally, a drink is good. But everyday? Who was I kidding? That is a crutch. I’m not saying that I’m never going to drink again, cuz to be honest, I like it... BUT – as a solution to unwind everyday? NO. As a way to soften the pain of how I didn’t stand up for myself today? NO. As a way to deal with isolation and loneliness? NO.
Have you ever give up booze or something else for a while and been surprised at what you learned? I'd love to hear about your experiences!
 Have you said “bye bye” to sleeping through the night? Are you feeling exhausted or “running on stress hormones” all day? Well, I have been! Maybe you’ve heard that I’ve spent all summer creating on a new online program for Guts to Heal, and you would not believe the long hours and (too) early morning I’ve been pouring into it. Honestly, I love it, but it’s a lot of work, and worry, and sometimes I’m just too jazzed up to sleep. You know it. That harsh, stingy, burny sensation at the back of your eyeballs. The falling backwards feeling when you close your eyes for longer than 3 seconds. That HORRIBLE sensation of wanting to fall asleep in your cozy, comfy bed... but NOW your eyes won't stay closed and your mind is racing with all. the. things. Oh, the horror! Having a hard time sleeping through the night - even with all my knowledge of foods, the body, and the brain-gut connection – is obviously a challenge all humans share from time to time. So it made me what to take note and assess what I could be doing (or not doing) better. So, listen up, fellow sleepyheads. I have some great tips (and an amazing recipe) for you! The science of sleep is fascinating, complicated and growing Sleep is this daily thing that we all do and yet we're just beginning to understand all of the ways it helps us and all of the factors that can affect it. Lack of sleep affects just about everything in your body, mind and gut. People who get less sleep tend to be at higher risk for so many health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Lack of sleep also means lack of sleep for our gut bacteria, who sleep when we do, and since our bodies make more cortisol the less we sleep, we end up with slower metabolism, weight gain, hormone imbalance, and inflammation in the gut and body. All this impacts our moods, memory and decision-making skills! Do you know that lack of sleep may even negate the health benefits of your exercise program? (Gasp!) OMG – What aspect of health does sleep not affect??? Knowing this it's easy to see the three main purposes of sleep:
Do you know how much sleep adults need? It's less than your growing kids need but you may be surprised that it's recommended that all adults get 7 - 9 hours a night. For real! Try not to skimp! (Don't worry, I have you covered with a bunch of actionable tips below.) Tips for better sleep
So how many of these tips can you start implementing today? Maybe you have some other tricks you’d like to share? Post them now!!! Inquiring (sleep-deprived) minds want to know!  Recipe (Caffeine-free latte for your afternoon “coffee break”): Caffeine-Free Chai Latte
Serves 1-2 1 bag of rooibos chai tea (rooibos is naturally caffeine-free) 2 cups of boiling water 1 tablespoon tahini 1 tablespoon almond butter (creamy is preferred) 2 dates (optional)
Tip: You can try this with other nut or seed butters to see which flavour combination you like the best. Cashew butter anyone?  My family and I had an amazing opportunity to spend five months in Mexico this winter. Of course, the weather is much sunnier and hotter there than we were accustomed to here in the Canadian North. We would all crave something sweet and cool in the afternoons. It didn't take a language degree in Spanish to see that the packaged ice cream treats from the local tiendas were full of refined sugars, hydrogenated fats and chemical additives! Five months of eating those everyday, and we wouldn't have been feeling too good. We did have lots of milk kefir at home though so why not add calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K and probiotics to our bodies while we enjoy a delicious treat?! Here's the recipe:  For 12 popsicles
Ingredients
 If you love sweets and chocolate, you will love these truffles! You'll also love that they are a worthy and healthy alternative to store bought chocolates. I love to make these for Easter in lieu of store bought chocolate eggs which are full of hygrogenated vegetable fats, GMO's, high fructose corn syrup, artificial additives, refined sugars and tons of added calories! In comparison, these truffles contain prebiotic fiber that feed and support your gut biome while packing serious antioxidants and healthy fats. They are easy to make and do not require any baking. Ingredients
Procedure
Note: I’ve also made these balls with almonds, just substitute a cup of shredded coconut for almond meal. These can be made very pretty by dipping in white chocolate and sprinkling dried chopped cherry on top. You can also make these with a little rum, just cut back on the honey for the amount of rum you use. Enjoy and let me know how you enjoy them!!
WOW! It is hot! I am currently on Vancouver Island, BC but its looking like this heat wave is extending to Yukon and the rest of Canada. If you’re like me, you may find you’re not too hungry on hot days. Maybe you and family are looking for something to eat that satisfies yet doesn’t make you feel like a slug. Here are 5 ways that you can avoid over-consuming calories and still stay cool today:  Dine on Frozen Favorites - Something ice cold always sounds good on a hot day, but ice cream packs on calories and can be full of gut-irritating ingredients. Instead, freeze your favorite fruits and snack on bite sizes, or mix into smoothies or popsicles (I add kefir for a probiotic boost!). You can even freeze veggies – my kids love to eat frozen peas and let them melt in their mouth! Eat Small Meals a Few Times a Day, instead of two or three big meals. After we eat, our body temperature rises as we digest the food, so the larger the meal, the greater this effect. Say No to Spice!! I know, I know, people in hot countries eat a lot of spicy foods. Spice raises body temperature and makes you sweat – ultimately cooling you down. That's what they say. However, I’ve yet to meet anyone who seems more chill and comfortable after eating a hot taco! Eat Your Water. Did you know that 20-30% of your fluid needs should be met through high water foods like fruits and veggies? Eating plenty of these foods can help you stay hydrated and cool throughout the summer. Some produce is as much as 85% water, so shoot for those with highest water content: watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots. Eat Yin. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that some foods have cooling properties (yin), while other foods have heating properties (yang). TCM states that eating the right heating or cooling foods can help balance our energy. Some yummy cooling foods include: banana, clam, crab, grapefruit, lettuce, salt, seaweed, star fruit, water chestnut, watermelon, cucumber, barley, bean curd, chicken egg white, marjoram, oyster, pear, peppermint, radish, strawberry, tangerine, yogurt, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, corn, tomatoes, pineapple, turmeric.
So enjoy swimming in rivers or lakes, and crank up the air conditioning if you must, but also try some of these ways to stay cool! WATER KEFIR POPSICLES RECIPE Water kefir, or tibicos, is a naturally carbonated beverage made with a culture, water and sugar. The culture consumes the sugar and ferments the beverage, leaving you with a slightly sweet, effervescent and probiotic refreshment! You can make it at home or buy in a health food store.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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It Takes Guts Nutrition
Katanne Belisle RHN Gut Health Specialist Whitehorse, YT, CAN |
What Clients Are Saying"I was plagued by a myriad of digestive and inflammatory issues and after months of discomfort I was fortunate enough to meet Katanne. Her insight, intuition, knowledge and caring attention has made it possible for me to heal and thrive with a new understanding of the food I eat. I am now healthier, happier and have more energy than I have had in quite some time. " ~ Steve T. "Katanne gives well balanced information versed in first hand experience and research. After seeing various health professionals over the years, doing my own research, trials and tribulations, I can (say) that this is the real deal, and that what she provides people is a holistic, realistic approach to healing oneself through food" ~ Elizabeth G.
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