#67 - My Gut Chronicles: Sharing My 15 Years of Gut Health Journey

Hey, there and welcome back. Todays post is a bit different because I'm taking you on a journey through my Gut Chronicles. If you've been following this podcast, you know we've covered a lot of topics related to gut health. However, today, I want to share more about why this is so important too me. And a little-bit more about my personal journey – something I haven't delved into as much. I hope my story helps you feel less alone if you're also dealing with the rollercoaster of bloating, stomach issues, bathroom runs, and a limited diet.

Diagnosis and Early Struggles

The journey began with a diagnosis of IBS 13 years ago. At that time, I was taking my first steps in Crossfit, attempting to work out twice a day. Without going into too much detail, my mornings usually involved running to the bathroom ten times before 8 am. This significantly affected my training, school, work, and overall well-being. Imagine the frustration of wanting to lead a normal, active life but being held back by unpredictable gut issues. Luckily, Denmark's exceptional healthcare system and a supportive GP led to an IBS diagnosis. With no further testing, the solution was cutting out gluten and lactose, setting the stage for years of dietary restrictions.

Competition Career & Training

During my competitive athlete years, these dietary changes brought some improvements. Focused on clean eating, my diet consisted mainly of corn, oats, rice, eggs, lean beef, fish, chicken, fruit, and veggies. I became super methodical about my nutrition, ensuring every morsel supported my performance and recovery. Easily digestible liquid, non-milk-based options for protein and carbs worked wonders for my gut during this period. It was a challenging yet rewarding time as I navigated the delicate balance of fueling my body for peak performance while managing my gut health.

Relocation and Setbacks

Fast forward to my retirement from competitive sports, embracing a more "normal human" diet with processed foods and treats. The most recent move back to Iceland, accompanied by stress and a few kitchen-less months, led to setbacks. The familiar symptoms returned – bloating, cramps, fatigue – compromising my gut health despite efforts to settle things down with a clean diet and home remedies. The shift from a meticulously controlled athlete's diet to a more relaxed approach may have triggered this setback, highlighting the delicate nature of managing gut health during life transitions.

The Revelation: Food Intolerance Test

Feeling stuck in my elimination diet after 15 years, I decided to take a leap of faith and undergo a food intolerance test through Valeo, our podcast sponsor. The results were shocking – sensitivity not just to lactose and gluten but also dairy, eggs, and pineapple juice. It suddenly made sense; the increase in lactose-free dairy and eggs since my return to Iceland might have triggered the setback. After a grieving period, I found myself embracing a vegan lifestyle while still including meat in my diet. It was a significant shift, and understanding the impact of specific foods on my gut became even more critical.

Disclaimer & Understanding the Difference

Let's take a moment to differentiate between food intolerances and allergies. Intolerances cause stress and inflammation, while allergies trigger severe immune responses. Knowing this difference is crucial in navigating dietary changes. But an intolerance blood test is not the golden standard for food intolerance, it has to be accompanied with a food elimination for a period, and then re-introduction of food items. So after the test, next step was to actually test it out. It important to understanding the science, so that you can better read into your body's reactions and is a foundation for making informed decisions about what I put into my body.

Adapting to the Vegan Lifestyle

Initially, the news hit hard, especially the loss of beloved breakfast options like eggs. However, after some introspection, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration and explored stores for vegan alternatives like egg replacers, vegan butter, and cheese. Exploring the world of plant-based substitutes opened up a realm of delicious possibilities, showcasing that adapting to a vegan lifestyle (or no animal produce only meat) doesn't mean compromising on taste or variety.

Positive Transformations

Embarking on the elimination diet from December 10th, within three days, incredible changes occurred – a settled stomach, regular bowel movements, reduced bloating, and lifted brain fog. These improvements fueled my successful navigation through the holiday season without the usual gut-related struggles. It was a profound realization that making intentional choices about what I eat directly impacts not only my gut health but my overall well-being.

Looking Forward

As the Valeo health coach recommends a 12-week elimination period before reintroducing foods, my plan is to start reintroducing eggs in various forms at the end of February/beginning of march. If you're intrigued by this process, drop a comment below, and I'll consider creating another episode documenting the journey of reintroducing the food items back into my diet. Navigating the reintroduction phase adds a layer of excitement and uncertainty, and sharing this journey with you makes the process even more meaningful.

Encouragement to Viewers

Before we conclude, I want to extend a heartfelt message to anyone battling gut health issues – don't accept limitations or a sense of hopelessness. Consult with a doctor, explore blood and stool tests, and take proactive steps towards feeling better. You deserve a life free from the constraints of gut-related concerns, and I'm here rooting for you! Sharing my vulnerabilities and triumphs is not just about my journey but about empowering you to take control of your gut health and overall well-being.

In the end.

Thank you so much for joining me in this episode of My Gut Chronicles. If you found value in my journey and revelations, don't forget to hit that like button, subscribe, and ring the notification bell for more content. Until next time, take care of your gut and yourself.

Cheers to a healthier you!

Coach Eik