EverVital Nutrition LLC

Got reflux?! Common deficiencies with PPI use

What is a PPI?
A proton-pump inhibitor is a class of medication that reduces stomach acid to help treat heartburn and related conditions.

Some common vitamin and mineral deficiencies include:

1️⃣ Calcium and Magnesium
PPIs may reduce calcium absorption and may also cause magnesium depletion.

2️⃣ B12
PPI use has been linked with increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in some studies. Supplementation may be necessary with long-term use.

3️⃣ Vitamin D
Long-term use of the PPI pantoprazole has been associated with lower blood levels of vitamin D and increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.

4️⃣ Iron
Some PPIs may decrease levels of iron and may increase the risk of iron deficiency, although the effect seems to depend on the dose and duration of PPI use.

Need help?!

Some PPIs may reduce the absorption and blood levels of certain vitamins �and minerals. If you’d like to figure out the root cause of your reflux, let’s chat!

Schedule a FREE gut health assessment with me.

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.

                                                     

Here are some incredible facts about Akkermansia muciniphila

                                                   

Potatoes have become something of the ugly stepchild recently, haven’t they?

You may hear that they spike your blood sugar or that they cause weight gain.

Well, here’s the skinny on cooked and cooled potatoes…

Potatoes contain digestible starches, and all digestible starch gets turned into sugar as it passes through the digestive tract. And that can result in elevations in blood sugar.

But.

Those are hot potatoes.

COOLING the potatoes causes the digestible starch to become resistant starch.

And resistant starch is the magic sauce.

Here’s why:

1️⃣ Resistant starch functions like soluble, fermentable fiber. It feeds the friendly bacteria in your gut, so you have greater abundance and variety of the good guys.

2️⃣ When bacteria digest resistant starches, important compounds are created, like gases and short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. Butyrate is the preferred fuel of the cells that line your colon and are amazing at helping to maintain that barrier.

3️⃣ Resistant starch has also been shown to reduce the pH, act as an anti-inflammatory and leads to several beneficial changes that can decrease your risk of colorectal cancer.

4️⃣ It helps you p**p! Resistant starch increases stool bulk and can help with bowel movement speed. Kiss constipation buh-bye.

5️⃣ Resistant starches do not typically spike blood sugars in people with healthy blood sugar metabolism. Studies show the health benefits of foods with more resistant starch include improved insulin sensitivity and higher satiety.

So, cook now and eat later.

If you think that your gut health symptoms are beyond cooked and cooled potatoes, and you’re sick of dealing with them, give me a shout.

Schedule a FREE Gut Assessment with me and we’ll figure out
What’s going on in your gut.

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.

              #                           

IBS Diagnosis?

Did your doc send you home with a low FODMAP diet recommendation and that’s it?

You deserve better.

Schedule a FREE Gut Assessment with me and we’ll figure out
What’s going on in your gut.

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.
                                                       

Constipated with a desert-like dry gut? Want some quick relief? Do this…

Eat more foods that are high in water and fiber 💦, such as:

1️⃣ Watermelon 🍉 contains:
* 92% water
* Fiber, which increases chance of nice, healthy 💩
* Low calorie
* Vitamins A & C
* High in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been found to reduce oxidative damage to cells, hence lowering inflammation

2️⃣ Strawberries 🍓 contain:
* 91% water
* Lots of fiber, so good 💩
* Antioxidants - eating strawberries regularly has been shown to reduce heart disease, T2D, Alzheimer’s and some cancers (PMID: 27172913)

3️⃣ Cucumbers 🥒 contain:
* 95% water
* Virtually no calories
* Super refreshing, make some spa water by adding a few slices of cucumber to your water, then eat the rest of the cucumber

4️⃣ Other foods with high water content:
* Cantaloupe 🍈
* Oranges 🍊
* Peaches 🍑
* Tomatoes 🍅
* Zucchini (there is no zucchini emoji… probably why 🍆 gets all the attention 😂)
* Lettuce 🥬

Your hydration status matters if you want a healthy 💩 and fresh fruit and veggies are a great way to eat your way to a happy, moist gut. Yes, I said “moist”. PMID: 20646222

Struggling with constipation or other gut issues?

Schedule a FREE Gut Assessment with me and we’ll figure it out.

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.

            **ping      **p      **pday                     

What if your anxiety isn’t caused by what you think…

Research links anxiety with these gut-related issues:

=> Dysbiosis
Gut bacteria produce serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and GABA - not enough of these bacteria in your gut and you’re depressed or anxious.

=> H. Pylori
Studies show that an H. pylori infection often causes low stomach acid, which is linked to a shocking number of symptoms, including anxiety.

=> Inflammation
Often caused by food intolerances, parasites, and other fun stuff, inflammation has been shown to affect motivation as well as to cause anxiety.

=> Candida
People with candida may experience major mood swings that are characterized by irritability, depression, anxiety and in some cases, panic attacks.

=> IBS / GERD
And HEY, you people with an IBS or GERD diagnosis... IBS and GERD have also been linked to anxiety disorders.

I have many new patients that have come into my practice that are dealing with anxiety and other mood symptoms. They all say the same thing… “I just don’t feel like myself, and I don’t know why.”

The overgrowth of bacteria, inflammation, H. Pylori, Candida, and those symptoms of IBS and GERD are what I’m seeing when I test and diagnose the root cause of their symptoms. Every. Single. Time

Don’t continue to suffer needlessly. Really.

Schedule a FREE Gut Assessment with me and we’ll it figure out.

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.

                                                   

Coconut oil - contains MCT that may have anti-inflammatory/anti-microbial benefits.

Grass-fed Butter/Ghee - the richest food source of the SCFA butyrate - naturally produced by healthy gut bacteria. Butyrate helps improve GI function, reduce gut inflammation, and improve intestinal motility.

Tallow - a potent natural anti-inflammatory that can help decrease bloating.  Also rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E.

Olive Oil/Olives - The monounsaturated fat in EVOO is oleic acid, up to 83% of the total fat. Oleic acid protects against many diseases, including liver dysfunction and gut inflammation. EVOO acts as both a prebiotic (feeds good bacteria) and an antibacterial (curbs growth of bad bacteria) with polyphenols.

Avocados - a great source of dietary fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids, two nutrients tied to overall health benefits and benefits to the gut microbiome.

A recent study (PMID: 32805028) also found that eating an avocado as part of your daily diet can help improve gut health.

Fatty Fish - Omega 3’s help reduce inflammation. Researchers have found that women that consume high levels of omega-3s have more diverse gut bacteria populations.

Duck Fat - is about 65% unsaturated fat with a similar fat profile to olive oil. So, it’s rich in oleic acid and may help with cardiovascular disease, cholesterol and blood sugar maintenance.

And the worst list?
The seed oils… these oils are relatively cheap and neutral in flavor, they’re used in a variety of packaged products—chips, crackers, baked goods, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and margarine to name a few—and they’re used to fry foods in restaurants.

All these oils are created through synthetic chemical extraction methods that sometimes include additional processing like bleaching/deodorizing. They are not nutrient-dense choices, and they are higher in inflammatory fatty acids. The jury is out on the exact impact to the gut.

Peanut butter and ice cream - both typically contain emulsifiers, which may impact gut bacteria and increase inflammation. 

Looking to diagnose YOUR gut issues? Let’s do it!

Comment “GUT” below to book your spot now.🙌

Top 11 Signs of an H. pylori infection

Over 50% of my new clients have measured high levels of H. pylori on their gut tests, despite their doc ruling that out with a stool test. Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of the world’s population may harbor H. pylori, although many carriers are asymptomatic.
__

What is H. Pylori?
Helicobacter pylori are bacteria that can cause an infection in the stomach or small intestine and is the most common cause of acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer.
It also jacks with stomach acid levels… which allows bacterial overgrowth, undigested food, stomach pain, and a bunch of other symptoms you do not want!

How do you get it?
H. pylori bacteria may be passed from person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit or f***l matter. H. pylori may also be spread through contaminated food or water. It’s common for family members (or people living or working closely together!) to pass it back and forth if all are not treated at the same time.
__

Common symptoms?
- Bloating, so much bloating
- Heartburn / acid reflux
- Chronic GI symptoms
- Stomach pain or nausea
- Depression or anxiety (or panic attacks)
- Feeling full after a small meal
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Ulcer diagnosis
- Blood in stool
- Indigestion
- Gas

__

H. pylori is a sneaky one! It likes to hide in your stomach lining and just chill there for YEARS.

Don’t wait any longer… you do NOT have to suffer!

Schedule a FREE gut health assessment now... link in bio!

                                                     

Why has no one suggested a GI-MAP gut microbiome test before?!

That IS a great question. Here’s why all of my clients do a GI-MAP gut health test first thing:

🔬👩‍🔬 It’s THE most accurate diagnostic tool out there - it uses qPCR technology to give you an actual count of how many of each organism is in your gut, not a positive/negative result. Results you can rely on!

🏡 It’s simple to do at home and your 💩 sample is shipped directly to the lab.

📊 We get a super detailed report of exactly what’s happening in your gut. This is vital info when all you’ve heard in the past is “all your tests are normal.”

🦠 I assesses what’s going on with good bacteria, bad bacteria, parasites, candida, gluten sensitivity, H. Pylori, digestive function, inflammation, leaky gut, liver and pancreatic function, and this allows me to get to the root cause of your symptoms.

🧪 Testing is the only way to know what’s actually going on in that dark, mysterious place behind your belly button, otherwise, it’s a guess.

🗣️We have a private 90-minute call to go over every last detail of your test result so that you are crystal clear about exactly what is at the root cause of all your symptoms.

Which conditions warrant testing?
* Autoimmune diseases
* IBS/IBD
* Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation, reflux, burping, gas
* Brain fog
* Skin problems, acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis
* Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
* Diabetes and weight loss issues

 I’m happy to share more details about what’s involved in the test and how to work with me.

Comment below with the word TEST to get started fixing your gut right now! 🥰

                                                         

3 ways late night eating ruins you…

We all munch past dinnertime every now and then. Sometimes it happens and it’s no big deal.

But regular late-night eating?

That’s another thing altogether.

Here’s what you get…

1️⃣ Increased risk of obesity
Two recent studies show strong correlation between eating late at night and obesity:

Study No. 1
* Vujovic, et al. PMID: 36198293
* 16 obese subjects
* “early” (9a, 1p, 5:30p) or “late” (1p, 5:30p, 10p) eating protocol w/ equal cals
* all subjects did one protocol, a wash out, then the other protocol

Study No. 2
* Ruddick-Collins, et al. PMID: 36087576
* 30 obese subjects
* “morning-loaded” calorie plan or “evening-loaded” calorie plan w/ equal cals
* all subjects did one protocol, a wash out, then the other protocol

Study results? Late night eating:
* increases appetite
* increases fat storage
* may decrease energy expenditure (calories burned)

2️⃣ Gut microbiome
Significant negative alternations in the compositions/functions of gut microbiota occur with late-night eating.

3️⃣ Circadian rhythm
Late night eating can cause a misalignment of your circadian rhythm leading to gut heath issues and other health problems.
(PMID: 31628714, 32602753)

The takeaway? Regular late-night snacking and meals will wreck your gut. Period.

👉I can help you!

Schedule a FREE gut assessment and we’ll figure out your 💩

Comment “GUT” to book your spot for the FREE gut assessment.

                                                   

Why test your gut microbiome?

To find undesirable things, like:

1️⃣ Parasites - the organisms that feed on the host (you) and hang out in your gut causing symptoms such as weight gain/loss, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, gas, foul-smelling 💩 and food sensitivities.

2️⃣ Antibiotic resistance - bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to murder them. That means the germs continue to thrive.

3️⃣ Candida - Overgrowth of opportunistic (and even normal) bacteria can occur due to poor diet, antibiotic use, parasitic infection, low stomach acid, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, loose stools, and weight gain.

4️⃣ Leaky gut - An impaired intestinal barrier may be letting toxins into your bloodstream, causing inflammation and potentially autoimmune issues.

5️⃣ Gluten intolerance - Gluten, the protein found in wheat, can trigger the anti-gliadin IgA antibodies, indicating an immune response in the gut to gluten in the diet.

6️⃣ H. Pylori - Helicobacter pylori are bacteria that can cause an infection in the stomach or small intestine and is the most common cause of acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, chronic gastritis, and stomach cancer. H. pylori can be passed rom person to person through direct contact with saliva, vomit or f***l matter. H. pylori may also be spread through contaminated food or water. Ick.

No one can diagnose you based solely on symptoms, that’s just a guess. 🧐

And so, most people that suffer with GI symptoms end of doing a lot of trial-and-error and become frustrated. Why suffer needlessly when all you have to do is test your gut microbiome, see what exactly is in there, and treat that specific issue.

Test. Don’t guess.

Let’s figure this 💩 out! An amazing gut is right around the corner.

👉I can help you!

Schedule a FREE gut assessment and we’ll figure out your 💩

Comment “GUT” to book your spot for the FREE gut assessment.

Here’s why we provide a detailed WRITTEN analysis with every GI-MAP gut microbiome test...

It covers a lot!

The GI-MAP is a very comprehensive test that provides so much great insight...

For the best results, you’ll want a detailed discussion about your results from your practitioner (this takes me about 90 minutes) PLUS a thorough, WRITTEN explanation of every single marker on your test.

If you didn’t get this…

This is a service that we offer.

A detailed second opinion on your GI-MAP, in writing and w/ a 90-minute zoom call, so that you understand WHY you’re having symptoms, and what to do about them so that you can get back to your regular life.

You can’t heal your gut if you don’t understand WHY you have symptoms in the first place.

If you want more info on how to get a second opinion on your GI-MAP, comment:

HELP ME!

Taking heartburn meds (Proton-pump inhibitors)?

Check this out!

A proton-pump inhibitor is a class of medication that reduces stomach acid to help treat heartburn and related conditions.

Dozens of studies (some of which you can find here: PMID: 36142643, 26462494, 26882076) show rates of hip fractures are elevated among both short- and long-term users of stomach acid reducing meds.

These meds include:
* Prescription - Nexium, Dexilant, Prilosec, Zegerid, Prevacid
* Over-the-counter - Prilosec OTC & Prevacid 24HR

Those with greatest risk:
* high dose users
* use of meds 1 year or more
* 50 years or older

Potential issues:
* Fractures of hip, wrist, and spine
* Osteoporosis
* Low or absent stomach acid (so overgrowth of harmful organisms in gut is more likely)
* Low magnesium
* Impaired B12 absorption
* Kidney disease
* Gastrointestinal polyps
* Heart disease or heart attacks
* Erectile dysfunction
* Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease

The best way to get off heartburn meds is to eliminate the root cause of reflux!

Comment GUT FIX to get more info on how we do this with our patients!

With the Environmental Working Group’s list of the Dirty Dozen, we have two newcomers to the list!

The 2023 shopper’s guide includes data from 46,569 samples of 46 fruits and vegetables, revealing the presence of 251 different pesticides in total, including some that have already been banned due to their potential health effects. In all, nearly 75% of nonorganic fresh produce sold in the U.S. contain residues of one or more potentially harmful pesticides.

Here’s the full Dirty Dozen list, in order of most contaminated to least contaminated:
1. Strawberries�2. Spinach�3. Kale, collard and mustard greens
4. Peaches�5. Pears�6. Nectarines�7. Apples�8. Grapes�9. Bell peppers and hot peppers
10. Cherries�11. Blueberries
12. Green beans

The 15 fruits and vegetables with the lowest amounts of pesticide residues, making them the safest non-organics options, are:
1. Avocados�2. Sweet corn�3. Pineapple�4. Onions�5. Papaya�6. Sweet peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus�8. Honeydew melon�9. Kiwi
10. Cabbage�11. Mushrooms
12. Mangoes�13. Sweet potatoes
14. Watermelon
15. Carrots

Chemicals and pesticides can, of course, affect your gut microbiome and an unhealthy gut can have trouble clearing these pesticides, leaving them to circulate in your body. Want to find out that status of your gut?

Schedule a FREE gut assessment and let’s make this the year that you finally get your gut symptoms under control!

**ping

With gastrointestinal disease on the rise, how do you determine whether SIBO is affecting your gut health?

Learn about SIBO – What it is, common SIBO symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.

Head on over to evervitalnutrition.com and check it out!

Plain old navy beans for the win!

One cup a day provides 16 grams of fiber and has been shown to increase the beneficial gut bacteria genus, Bifidobacterium.

The study also shows a reduction in the levels of inflammation and immune response in the gut.

Check it out here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352396423004395

And if you want to know the state of YOUR gut, let's test it and see if you would benefit from some prebiotic fiber.

#

What’s in your supplements?

It’s super easy to buy the wrong product when shopping for a vitamin or supplement. Sometimes the ingredients aren’t in the amounts stated on the label or there’s some BS in there that you don’t want. Like lead.

No worries, we’re here to help!

Based on our experience, these are the top 5 red flags that you should be aware of when buying vitamins and other supplements.

Of course, products with none of these red flags can still have been improperly made, mislabeled, contaminated, spoiled, or provide pills that won’t properly break apart.

Buy from reputable companies with quality ingredients. Know what you’re swallowing.

Have questions? Just ask.

                                   

Struggling with insulin resistance and wanting to avoid Type 2 diabetes?

Time to get the gut in order!

Studies are showing a strong connection between the health of your gut and insulin resistance, which leads to type 2 diabetes if left unchecked.

You can avoid meds.

You can avoid obesity.

You an avoid a life of metabolic disorders.

Fix your gut.

Podcast promo - Balance Health Now

What specifically would you do that you are not able to do because your current health condition is holding you back?

Gut health goes beyond bloating and constipation struggles. In this episode Sydney Torres () and I discuss how to improve gut function. Gut health is the key to overall wellness and how you feel mentally and physically, so it’s important to really listen to your what your body is telling you.

The Balance Health Now podcast aims to inspire and educate on all you need to know from health and wellness warriors who share the same passion-- WELLNESS for all. We chat all things A-Z on holistic health and wellness, providing holistic and science-based solutions to help you reclaim your health so you can live, feel, and transform into the best version of you!

Be sure to check this out! (Link in bio ) ⁠

New Blog Post!!

If you take any type of dietary supplements, this is a must read!

The dietary supplement industry brings in BILLIONS of dollars a year and includes tablets, capsules, powders, gummies, bars, and liquids… yep, just about every form you can imagine.  Although these products are everywhere – your local drugstore, Amazon, and many doctor’s offices – none of them go to market with any Food and Drug Association (FDA) testing of their safety, quality, or effectiveness.  This is OK, as long as you know what you’re getting, and some testing occurs that ensures that you’re not being poisoned and that the product contains what it says it does and nothing more.

Although many supplements are beneficial, it can be difficult to know whether you’re taking a high-quality dietary supplement that can improve your gut health or if you’re just flushing your money straight down the toilet…. Or worse, harming yourself.

🔗 in bio to read the full post!

If you’re interested in getting access to quality supplements, comment YES and I’ll hook you up with a discount!

Which fiber is right for you?

Generally speaking, you want to aim for a good mix of both kinds of fiber. Which is good, because most super fibery foods have at least a bit of both.

However, if you’re struggling with poo problems, it’s best to know which kind of fiber will help (and more importantly, which kind WON’T).

Let’s break it down.

INSOLUBLE fiber passes right through your system and adds bulk to your poo. If you’re having constipation, this is the one you want because it helps stimulate the contractions that move everything OUT of your body. You can find it in whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens. 🌾🥜🥬

SOLUBLE fiber absorbs excess water and creates a gel that can slow the rate of digestion. This makes soluble fiber great for decreasing the symptoms of diarrhea. It’s found the highest in broccoli, carrots, & berries. 🥦🥕🫐

Follow me for more tips on how to get your s**t together, literally!

Got brain fog? It's not just in your head…
It could be your gut!

Cognitive function (that's how good your brain does the thinky stuff) is one of the many things affected by the gut-brain axis. 🧠

This is because of these magical little molecules called short-chain fatty acids, or SCFAs for short. SCFAs are formed when your gut breaks down carbs.

Scientists believe that SCFAs can travel to your brain & help fire off the right neurotransmitters that make you do the thinking thing. 🤓

They can also help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. (PMID: 34205336)

Having a balanced gut is important, not just for your body but also for your brain!

If you think something funky might be going on in your gut, send me a DM or follow me for more tips on how to fix your gut AND your brain!