The gut is often called our "second brain" for good reason. A healthy digestive system is crucial for nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health. By focusing on gut health and optimizing digestion, we can create a thriving internal ecosystem that supports every aspect of our health.
Stable blood sugar levels are essential for consistent energy, mood regulation, and long-term health. By balancing blood sugar, we can avoid the rollercoaster of sugar highs and crashes that can lead to fatigue, irritability, and chronic health issues.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many modern diseases and often begins in the gut. An imbalanced gut microbiome or increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") can trigger systemic inflammation. By healing the gut lining, reducing inflammatory foods, and promoting beneficial bacteria, we can address the root cause of many inflammatory conditions.
Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins from our environment, food, and even our own metabolic processes. Supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways through proper nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle practices can help maintain optimal health and prevent the buildup of harmful substances.
Ensuring that our bodies receive all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is crucial for optimal function. Even the most nutrient-dense diet is only as good as our ability to absorb those nutrients. By addressing any digestive issues and supporting gut function, we can maximize the nutritional benefit from our food.
Quality sleep and effective stress management are often overlooked but are vital for health. Adequate rest allows the body to repair and rejuvenate, while managing and enhancing our resilience to stress can improve both physical and mental health.
By addressing these six foundations, we can create a comprehensive approach to health that goes beyond simply masking symptoms. Instead, we focus on building a strong, resilient body and mind capable of thriving in today's challenging world.
Test – Don’t Guess!
I believe in optimizing our time together and getting right down to your specific root causes. The best way to do that is through functional lab testing. Let’s stop wasting time and money on supplements you don’t need and diets that don’t work. By combining gut health testing and food sensitivity testing, we uncover the imbalances and blocking factors in the gut and the foods that are kicking your immune system into gear, creating an inflammatory response. This allows us to tailor a protocol specific to YOUR needs. Here is more information about the GI Map and MRT Food Sensitivity Test. I also offer additional functional lab testing based on your needs.
GI Map (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) testing is an advanced diagnostic tool that analyzes the DNA of microbes present in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the gut microbiome, including bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi, along with markers of gut health and function (how well you are digesting and absorbing your food, if you are reacting to gluten, if your immune system is mounting an attack, etc).
Everyone! No, but really, everyone could benefit. If you are experiencing symptoms of any kind, a gut health test can be helpful, because the gut is connected to every other system in the body. Aside from digestive symptoms, if you are experiencing skin issues (rashes, acne, rosacea, psoriasis), migraines or headaches, fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune conditions, frequent infections/cold/flu, mood issues like anxiety or depression, joint pain, hormonal imbalanes – gut health testing may help uncover some of the root causes.
The test is performed on a stool sample provided by the client. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
GI Map testing assesses a wide range of factors, including:
Practitioners use the information from GI Map testing to create targeted interventions such as personalized dietary recommendations, probiotic therapy, antimicrobial treatments, and lifestyle modifications to restore balance to the gut microbiome.
The frequency of testing depends on individual health goals and the specific conditions being addressed. In some cases, practitioners may recommend follow-up testing to assess the effectiveness of interventions and track improvements in the gut microbiome over time. At Harmony in Health Nutrition, protocols are typically followed for 3 months, and a retest occurs 2-4 weeks after the protocol is complete.
A Mediator Release Food Sensitivity Test (MRT) is a laboratory test designed to identify delayed immune reactions to specific foods and food chemicals. Unlike traditional allergy tests that focus on immediate reactions (IgE antibodies), MRT assesses delayed responses involving inflammatory mediators. A blinded peer reviewed scientific study showed MRT to have the highest level of accuracy of any food sensitivity blood test (94.5% sensitivity and 91.8% specificity).
Food sensitivities make a person feel sick because the immune system reacts to foods and causes the release of chemicals called mediators (such as histamine, prostaglandins, cytokines, etc.) from white blood cells. It’s the mediators that cause the inflammation, pain, and other symptoms associated with food sensitivities.
Traditional allergy tests focus on IgE antibodies and immediate allergic reactions. In contrast, MRT measures changes in white blood cell size and volume in response to exposure to various foods, capturing delayed hypersensitivity reactions associated with inflammation.
MRT identifies foods and food substances involved in food sensitivities. If you know that you are allergic to a particular food, it most likely won’t show up on MRT because mast cells (the main cells involved in allergic reactions) are found in tissue, not in the circulation. MRT measures the circulating cells which tend to be involved in sensitivities.
A blood sample is collected from the client and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The blood is exposed to a panel of foods, additives, and chemicals, and the changes in white blood cell reactivity are measured.
The MRT test identifies foods and substances that may be contributing to chronic inflammatory conditions in the body. It helps pinpoint specific triggers for symptoms such as migraines, joint pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and other systemic complaints.
Yes, the MRT test is applicable to individuals with a range of health conditions, including digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, migraines, skin problems, and chronic inflammatory conditions. It provides valuable insights into potential triggers for these conditions.
The 30 Day Gut Reset is the ultimate step-by-step guide for those who are ready to take back control of their health, finally find lasting relief from the bloating, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea, and optimize their digestion.
Here’s what you get:
Video presentations diving into digestion and the microbiome. I know what you’re thinking – “ugh, snooze, boring!” But think again! You’ve been dealing with these symptoms for so long, isn’t it time you understood WHY?? Gain an understanding of the digestive system and the microbiome, and how it’s ALL interconnected. This will help you begin to pinpoint where your symptoms might be stemming from so you can target healing. Once you understand HOW things work, you’ll understand WHY it’s been going wrong.
Video presentation on The 5R Approach to holistic healing. Tons of resources including How-To Guides, trackers, and “cheat sheets” so you have all the tools you need for the next 30 days (and beyond!) These resources are there to support you through the 30 day plan to allow your gut to heal.
Includes guides and resources to walk you through the reintroduction phase, so you can finally pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms.
The Autoimmune 30 Day Revive Program is a self-guided program that you can implement on your own, at your own pace. This program is crafted to address the interconnected aspects of autoimmune disease: nutrition, sleep, stress management, and movement.
Each week you will receive an email that will include education, guidance, resources, and practical strategies to incorporate into your daily life. By fostering a holistic approach, we aim to support your body's natural ability to heal and thrive.
Here is what the program includes.
In the first week, you will learn the important connection between the gut and the immune system, and how certain foods can trigger autoimmune symptoms. You’ll learn how to identify triggering foods, balance blood sugar levels, and begin to make dietary changes to improve symptoms, increase energy, and improve digestion.
In the second week, you will learn how chronic stress can exacerbate autoimmune conditions and symptoms. You will learn how to assess your stress levels and implement strategies to help manage your stress and cultivate resilience in the face of life's challenges. You will learn how to integrate stress management practices into your daily routine for lasting benefits.
Quality sleep is essential for healing. In week 3, you will learn all about the connection between sleep, hormones, and the immune system. This guide will help you establish a sleep routine that promotes restorative rest. You will learn about the impact of blue light, the benefits of a calming bedtime ritual, and how to create a sleep-conducive environment. The goal is to optimize your sleep patterns, allowing your body to repair and regenerate during the night.
Finally, in week 4, you will learn how movement impacts the immune system, sleep, and stress (it’s all connected!) You will learn that exercise does not have to mean countless hours in the gym (and in fact, in some cases with autoimmune disease, that can be more harmful than healthy) and how gentle, low-impact exercises promote mobility, flexibility, and strength without triggering inflammation.
Learn how infections (sometimes hidden) and exposure to toxins can impact autoimmune symptoms, and how to maintain the healthy habits you have started to incorporate into your life.
By the end of the 30-Day Autoimmune Revive Program, the goal is for you to feel revitalized, empowered, and equipped with the tools to continue your journey toward optimal health. This holistic approach not only addresses the symptoms, but also nurtures your body, mind, and spirit on the path to lasting well-being.