Why Gut Health Matters (and How to Support It with Simple Food Choices)
Sometimes, I forget just how impactful gut health is. But it’s true—your gut is like the control center for your entire body. Digestion, mood, and even your immune system are influenced by the state of your gut. Crazy, right?

The bacteria living in your gut—both the good and the bad—are key players in how your body digests food, absorbs nutrients, and fights off illness. When those good bacteria are thriving, they help keep everything in balance. But when your gut health is off, it can throw everything out of whack. That means anything from bloating and digestive discomfort to fatigue or even getting sick more often.

The good news? Keeping your gut happy and healthy doesn’t require major lifestyle changes. It can be as simple as tweaking your food choices to feed and nourish that healthy bacteria.
Here are a few easy (and delicious) ways to support your gut health:

1. Load Up on Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt are packed with probiotics, which are the good bacteria that help keep your gut in balance. These foods help maintain a healthy environment in your digestive system, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and fight off harmful bacteria. Plus, they can help improve digestion and reduce bloating—win-win!

2. Add Fiber-Rich Foods to Your Diet

Foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies are loaded with prebiotics, which are basically the food for those good bacteria in your gut. Fiber acts as fuel to help them thrive, promoting better digestion and overall gut health. Think of fiber-rich foods as the foundation of a happy gut.

3. Incorporate Healthy Fats

Healthy fats from sources like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are anti-inflammatory, meaning they can help reduce inflammation in your gut and keep things running smoothly. These fats not only support your gut health but also improve brain function, heart health, and overall mood. It’s truly all connected!
Taking care of your gut doesn’t have to be complicated, and it can make a huge difference in how you feel day-to-day. With a few small, mindful changes to your meals, you’ll be well on your way to supporting a healthier gut and a healthier you.
Here’s to feeling great from the inside out!

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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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