This story begins a couple years ago when I went in to Dr. Amen’s clinic for a brain scan. I knew that I always had trouble focusing, but I assumed that I just wasn’t smart. That I had to figure out ways that worked for me. That I just had to do things a little differently.
The results of my brain scan revealed 2 things. One, that I had multiple areas in my brain that no activity. They were basically holes in my brain tissue. These were from prior concussions, and were basically scars on my brain. Two, the doctors were alarmed by the lumpy, bumpy appearance of my brain. The asked if I was a drug user or had gone through chemotherapy. My response, “NO!”
Come to find out, the only other thing it could be was chronic sleep deprivation. Busted! I was completely and utterly busted! I had been lying to myself for years and years about the amount of sleep I was getting.
After a sleep study, they determined that I was sleeping fine – so the issue was simply me not getting enough. I didn’t want to feel foggy and I didn’t want to continue doing damage to my brain. So I immediately made big lifestyle changes.
In an attempt to heal my brain, one of the suggestions from the doctors was to clean up my diet and improve my nutrition. That seemed impossible to me. I eat a really clean, unprocessed diet. So I was confused by this suggestion.
However, it lead me to speak out a functional medical doctor and get a nutritional panel done. I was astonished by what the nutritional panel showed; and that led me to seek out more and more experts. This eventually led me to gut health experts, who help me realize that EVERYTHING stems back to the gut.
Gut health has a direct impact on every single function in your body…. metabolism, hormones, weight loss and your ability to lose weight, brain health, sleep, ability to focus, how efficiently your body functions…. everything! So I want to encourage you to listen to this episode and hear this story in greater detail. I think it might change how you feel about a lot of things.
I am only 23 and haven’t had weight problems but I have suffered from severe bloat, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, and on and on. I have slowly but surly came to the realization as well that what I am EATING plays a MAJOR role in those symptoms! It has been freeing to experience the benefits of figuring out what works for me and my body… but I would like more information and see how YOU, Chalene, teach this and share what you have learned… I want to participate and be included in this to PREVENT further complications. I’m all about getting to the root of things :)) Chalene, thank you for your heart and dedication to serve others 🙂
Chalene,
I am so glad that you are addressing this issue, it is SO IMPORTANT! I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on January 25, 2016. Since that time, I have discovered so much about the importance of our diet & nutrition as well as staying active. I’ve been lucky so far to not have severe flare-ups, and I attribute that to my lifestyle.
Much love to you for all you do – I appreciate how you share all of it with us, your lifers. Whether it’s your fitness programs, or the Push Goal concept or the closet clean up and every thing in between. I just wanted to say Thank You for being you and for sharing yourself with all of us.
Chalene,
Thank you for sharing this! I, too, discovered gut health was causing issues for me in the form of headaches and joint pain. I have been eating clean, gluten and dairy free for several years. The weight loss was a bonus! It’s always good to see you’re not alone because so few are aware of the gut and health connection.
Camille Gaines
Chalene, you’ve instantly grabbed my attention and opened my eyes with this episode. I also have struggled with symptoms such as brain fog, -undiagnosed- ADD ( I also just felt like I wasn’t smart.. I’ll learn things if I try hard enough, and then forget them), bloating, acne/eczema, food intolerances.. and currently in the process of a possible diagnosis of (mild) lupus. All symptoms of leaky gut… I realize it may sound like I’m a walking medical issue after naming all that.. it’s all relatively mild.. but all the symptoms that I currently have.
I have plans on bringing this up with my doctor to see where we can go with it and possibly do some testing. I’m also currently pregnant so I can’t participate in your beta test. Although I wish I could just to learn about the science of it and apply it at after the birth of our baby. (Make an exception?) haha I’m kidding. Kind of lol!
These symptoms are sucky Chalene.. lol please forgive my language and the novel I just wrote you.. but I want to say thank you for bringing to to my attention and if I can’t participate in the beta , I hope you’ll continue to share your information and knowledge. ( in easy to understand terms that your great at! Lol)
Again thank you so much!