Celebrity Dietitian Diagnosed herself with Parasites using Stool Testing
When I became a licensed dietitian, I was confident that I knew everything about maintaining health. However, life had its own plans when I developed eczema on my wrist. I tried every method I knew, but nothing worked. The situation worsened when the following month, the eczema appeared on my chest. That's when I realized that the issue wasn’t just on the surface — I had to look deeper.
As a dietitian, I decided to investigate the gut. After conducting an extensive microbiome test, I diagnosed myself with dysbiosis — a condition where bad bacteria outnumber the good ones. Additionally, I discovered parasitic infections. I began treatment with herbs and essential oils, such as black walnut and clove bud, following a specific protocol.
Since then, the eczema has never returned, and I’ve realized just how crucial the balance of the gut is. This experience prompted me to explore the deeper connection between gut health and skin. Now, I use this knowledge in my practice, helping clients restore their microbiome balance to address skin issues.
If you want to take control of your skin and gut health, sign up for the Gut-Brain Method program, where we test all five factors of gut health to create a personalized plan for you.
Five Key Things You Need to Know About Gut Health and Its Effect on the Skin
Gut inflammation affects the skin's condition. Chronic inflammation in the gut often manifests on the skin, leading to issues like acne, eczema, and premature aging. The skin is a reflection of the internal state of the body, and its health is closely tied to the gut's condition.
Infections and skin conditions. Parasites, fungal infections, and yeast, like candida, can severely affect the skin's health. I recommend using herbal supplements like oregano or berberine, especially when traveling, to prevent these issues.
Gut microbiome balance. Beneficial bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. To support a diverse microbiome, it’s essential to include at least 30 different kinds of vegetables and fruits in your diet each week. Join the Gut-Brain Method program to get a comprehensive microbiome test and personalized recommendations to improve your gut health.
Healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. For the skin to receive essential nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, healthy digestion is key. Often, individuals over 40 have low enzyme levels due to stress, which impairs nutrient absorption and affects the skin's health.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These metabolites, like butyrate and acetate, support both gut and skin health. Their production depends on a diverse gut microbiome, and their levels have a direct impact on the skin's condition.
If you’re ready to transform your skin from within, sign up for the Gut-Brain Method program today to receive your microbiome test and tailored protocol.
Nutrition Recommendations and Anti-Inflammatory Diet
To reduce gut inflammation and promote overall gut and skin health, I recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet that focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods:
Daily intake of plant-based fiber: Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, and legumes feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a healthy microbiome.
Green and colorful vegetables: Eating a wide range of vegetables daily ensures you get an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Fermented foods: Incorporate natural probiotics such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles to boost gut bacteria diversity and promote digestion.
Berries and fruits: Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like wild-caught fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies), flaxseeds, and walnuts are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and support both gut and skin health.
Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices: Regularly include spices such as oregano, ginger, turmeric, and parsley in your meals. These have potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil as a primary fat source. It's rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that reduce inflammation and support liver and gut health.
To get a full assessment of your gut health and receive a customized nutrition plan, sign up for the Gut-Brain Method program.
Anti-Inflammatory Protocol: Foods to Avoid
To fully benefit from an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and gut health protocol, try to avoid the following as much as possible:
Sugar and added sugar: Avoid products like milk chocolate, cookies, cakes, muffins, pastries, soft drinks, and candy.
Grain-based flour: Stay away from foods like bread, cereal, pasta, grains, pastries, desserts, chips, pretzels, and granola bars.
Beer and sweet cocktails: Beer is often referred to as "liquid bread" and can increase inflammation. Sweet cocktails also contain added sugars.
Sweetened beverages: Limit fruit juices, sweetened soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweet teas.
Dried fruits: Raisins, apricots, figs, and prunes often contain high amounts of sugar.
Deep-fried and processed foods: Foods like hot dogs, tempura, and deep-fried snacks should be avoided due to their inflammatory effects.
High-fructose corn syrup: Found in soft drinks, fruit juices, candy, and many processed foods, this can significantly increase inflammation.
Grains: Reduce or eliminate breads, pastas, wheat, spelt, rye, and barley from your diet.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, and some other legumes may not be suitable for everyone’s gut health.
Dairy: Avoid most dairy products, especially low-fat options. Some versions of anti-inflammatory diets allow full-fat dairy, such as butter and cheese, if tolerated.
Vegetable oils: Oils such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, and grapeseed oil should be avoided due to their inflammatory nature.
Artificial sweeteners: Steer clear of aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame potassium. Opt for natural sweeteners instead.
Highly processed foods: Avoid anything labeled “diet,” “low-fat,” or foods with many additives and preservatives.
To take the next step in improving your gut and skin health, join the Gut-Brain Method program today, where we assess all five key factors of gut health and create a plan tailored to you.
By following this anti-inflammatory protocol and focusing on your gut health, you’ll reduce chronic inflammation, support your microbiome, and achieve healthy, glowing skin.
