Are you struggling with regular belly aches that you can’t explain? Ever wonder why some people tend to have “stomachs of iron” while you’re always the “sensitive one” and have to watch what you eat? As much as I appreciate all the cutting-edge allergy and gut testing out there, sometimes it misses the mark! Why? Because most tests find imbalances – even those with “iron guts” have something funky going on it their intestines. While knowing your sensitivities (or chronic digestive issues) is a step in the right direction, you have to know why you have imbalances in the first place. The best way to figure that out is through a very simple stool test (pop your poop in the post!) and we can really get down to business (pun intended)! The one I use in my clinic identifies harmful bacteria, yeast, inflammation markers, enzyme production, immune mucous layer integrity, and what’s happening with the levels of your gut bacteria (as well as presence of undigested fat in the stool). After this it’s time for the Four R’s: Remove. Replace. Repair. Reintroduce.  Remove inflammatory foods (such as those on the food sensitivity panel and all junk foods). Some people are even eating “healthy” junk foods like protein bars and shakes that are actually highly inflammatory foods. We also address dysbiosis (the bad guys when it comes to gut flora) including bacteria, yeast, parasites, worms – yep there may be some wiggly guys in there. I do it the herbal way since herbs contain antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungal properties. This process can take a few weeks, but you’ll love the benefits – including clearer skin, weight loss and more energy!!  Replace digestive enzymes and specific nutrients you are lacking (like Vitamins B, D and A, choline, B12, or even iron), bile, acid, and keep on the clean diet protocol from the “Remove” phase.  Repopulate good gut bacteria as needed – with probiotics, fermented foods and prebiotic foods that feed the good bacteria (like carrots, leeks, and onions for example). Repair the gut lining with healing herbs and functional foods. Sometimes, the lining of your intestines can take a hit and get damaged or even torn. At Kay Spears Functional Nutrition, I use natural supplements that help your body repair that lining so you don’t get nasty bacterial overgrowth and toxins that can leach into your bloodstream. After completing the 4R process, you can reintroduce some of the foods you were sensitive to in the past – but remember to do one at a time slowly to see how you react. Many of my clients fall in love with their new way of eating and lose the taste for trigger foods (that can also harm your gut like gluten) and don’t even worry about this phase because they feel so amazing! Want to learn more about the 4 R Process? Hit reply and let me know… Share with a friend that needs this info To your health, Kay Spears, CCN P.S. If you haven’t already, join my free FB Community of like-minded health seekers… or claim your free health consult!