Let's Speak From the Gut - Let's Not Be Shy!

I’ve had issues with occasional constipation since I was a teenager. It's one of those things I’ve always dealt with, but it wasn’t until a friend casually told me, "You probably carry all your stress in your belly," that I started connecting the dots.

Stress & Your Gut: The Unlikely Duo 🤯💩

Stress isn't just about how it makes you feel mentally—it's affecting you physically, too. When you’re stressed, your body enters “fight or flight” mode, which can mess with your digestion. That stress response can slow things down in your digestive system, causing constipation, bloating, and even discomfort. So, it's not surprising that my gut has struggled over the years (heh, nursing school), especially when I’ve been particularly stressed or anxious (Mayer et al., 2015).

Why Pooping Regularly is More Important Than You Think 🧐

If you've been following me or my lectures you might remember that estrogen can get recycled in the body over and over again. Regular bowel movements help prevent the toxic build-up of estrogen. It can accumulate and lead to hormone-dominant conditions like:

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Heavy periods

• Breast cancer (Houghton et al., 2021)

Oiee... Who knew not pooping wasn't just uncomfortable and a drag?!

The Importance of Not Waiting! 🚨

One of the best things you can do for your gut and your health is to not wait when you feel the urge to go. Don't hold it in like I did when I was 5. My gram made me take children's laxatives and I was not allowed to get up until I had gone LOL.

The Struggles I’ve Faced

I did ask my doctor about it. He simply said it was normal and to have a bowl of Raisin Bran everyday. Eh... WHAT? For years I would do what I knew at the time. I started learning about the importance of exercise and how it can help stimulate the bowels. Later I learned about the importance of hydration and how it helps the stool stay soft and pass through. Especially needed when you consume fiber! Fiber is what creates the bulk. Now I make sure to also consume whats when my fiber as it helps everything slide easier. Over the years (before kiwi)I have increased my protein intact which kinda set me back again. It seemed like I would get ahead only to fall back. But I wasn’t alone. Interestingly enough, just as I was struggling with this, a gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in the digestive system) popped up in my newsfeed, sharing tips on gut health and the rising cases of colon cancer in younger people. It really hit me how important this is to talk about. The more we can talk about it openly, the less shame we’ll feel.

Here's the video I saw: https://youtube.com/shorts/1qxSSlIEWGE?si=qpkkQA_rTgQ1JAac

Making Small Changes: My Gut Health Journey 🥝🍏

So, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started eating two kiwis a day, either blended or with water, which has made a world of difference. I’ve also added chia seeds and an apple into my routine, which helps keep things moving. Dragon fruit is another wonderful aid. I'm feeding my gut more often now and giving it what it needs to thrive. So far I have seen some easier movement!

You Are Not Alone

Let me tell you—talking about gut health can feel so embarrassing, but I’ve learned we’re all going through it. I was so scared at first, but when I opened up to my coworkers about my struggles, I found that nearly everyone has experienced something similar. So, if you're reading this and feeling isolated or scared, I want you to know you are not alone. But also—if you're experiencing symptoms like mine, it’s always worth getting checked out by a healthcare professional. Don't wait for things to get worse.

I want all of us to feel amazing and not carry that shame or discomfort. We deserve to talk about these things freely and take control of our health—gut health included.

Conclusion: Your Gut Deserves Attention 💚

Don’t let digestive struggles be something you silently suffer with. Take small steps like adding more fiber, hydration, and gut-friendly foods. And please, never feel ashamed—your health matters, and you deserve to feel great. Let’s all make gut health a priority together.

A Reminder my 3rd Women's Health lecture is:

Dates: April 30

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: 

Parkdale Chromdale Community League 

11335 85 St, Edmonton, AB T5B 4S1

Parking: Free Street

References:

Houghton, L. A., Green, P. H. R., & Seres, J. (2021). Hormonal and dietary factors influencing bowel health. Journal of Gastroenterology, 46(2), 157-165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-021-01754-x

Mayer, E. A., Tillisch, K., & Gupta, A. (2015). Gut microbiota and the brain. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 125(6), 2378-2386. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI80396

I create all of my content based on my own knowledge and experience, but I use AI tools to help fine-tune and polish the material. I try to get more recent information when possible. This allows me to deliver clear, well-structured, and accurate information while ensuring that my message stays authentic and true to my voice. It’s all about providing you with the best content to support your wellness journey. References listed below for your curiosity/ interest. Keep fit everyone <3

Dezarae Grant 

Phone: 780-298-1897 

Email: dgrant237@outlook.com 

Website: dezarae.grant.com

Facebook: Dezarae Grant 

Instagram: @dezarae_grant