Healthy Living

Healing Your Gut Postpartum: The Overlooked Key to Recovery

Healing Your Gut Postpartum: The Overlooked Key to Recovery
We focus so much on the new baby that we often forget about ourselves and our own postpartum journey. But mama, your recovery matters too! One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough during postpartum healing is gut health.

Your gut isn’t just about digestion; it’s like the command center for your overall health. It impacts your energy levels, hormones, mood, and even how strong your immune system is. And after childbirth, your gut might need some extra TLC to bounce back. Pregnancy, delivery, and even antibiotics during labor (if you had them) can disrupt your gut’s natural balance.

A healthy gut can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and support your mental health—all things we desperately need as new moms! The good news? There are simple, practical steps you can take to start healing your gut and feeling more like yourself again.

Simple Steps to Start Healing Your Gut:

1. Add ProbioticsThink organic yogurt, kombucha, or a high-quality probiotic supplement. These friendly bacteria are like your gut’s BFFs, helping to restore balance and keep things running smoothly.

2. Snack on Prebiotic FoodsPrebiotics are like food for your good gut bacteria. Bananas, oats, garlic, and onions are great options to nourish your microbiome and keep your digestion happy.

3. Sip Bone BrothBone broth is soothing, packed with nutrients, and supports your gut lining. Plus, it’s quick and easy—perfect for busy moms! I’m really careful about where I source mine from, usually a local farm or homemade by my hubby from bones from our local farm.

4. Reduce StressYour gut and brain are deeply connected, which means stress can wreak havoc on digestion and overall gut health. Try deep breathing, short walks, or even diffusing calming essential oils like lavender to help bring some peace into your day.

5. Limit Processed FoodsSwap out refined sugar and processed snacks for whole, nutrient-dense options. This simple switch can have a big impact on how you feel and how well your gut functions.

Healing Takes Time

Remember, healing your gut is a journey, not a sprint. Start with small, manageable changes and listen to your body. Over time, you’ll notice a difference in your energy, mood, and overall well-being. Taking care of yourself isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about thriving as a new mom.

So let’s nourish ourselves the way we nourish our little ones. You deserve to feel your best, mama!


Did You Know Gut Health is Key to Managing Autoimmune Wellness?

Did You Know Gut Health is Key to Managing Autoimmune Wellness?
When we think about gut health, digestion often comes to mind. But did you know your gut is like the control center for so much more than breaking down food? It’s deeply connected to your immune system, your energy levels, and even how your body handles inflammation. For those living with autoimmune conditions, gut health can play a massive role in managing symptoms and feeling better overall.

Here’s the fascinating part: around 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut. That means when your gut is balanced and thriving, it has the power to reduce inflammation, regulate immunity, and bring much-needed stability to autoimmune symptoms. On the flip side, an imbalanced gut—think too many processed foods, stress, or poor sleep—can trigger inflammation and make autoimmune symptoms worse.

For me, healing my gut was a game-changer. It didn’t just help with digestion; it shifted my energy, mood, and how I showed up in my day-to-day life. And while it wasn’t always easy (hello, lifestyle changes!), the results were worth it. Healing starts in the gut.

If this resonates with you, I’ve got some exciting news. In 2024, you don’t have to navigate your health journey alone. I’m hosting a workshop specifically for those ready to tackle gut health, support autoimmune wellness, and feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Together, we’ll dive into setting personalized health intentions and building a sustainable vision that truly works for your life. No one-size-fits-all approaches here—this is about creating a plan that feels doable, not overwhelming.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to prioritize your health, this is it. Let’s make 2025 the year you take control, heal from the inside out, and feel more like yourself again.

✨ You deserve to feel amazing. Let’s make it happen—together.

Peppermint: The Secret Weapon for a Happy Gut

Peppermint: The Secret Weapon for a Happy Gut
Let me let you in on a little secret: peppermint isn’t just for freshening your breath—it’s a gut health hero!

Here’s the deal: peppermint contains compounds like menthol, which work to relax the muscles in your GI tract. This helps food move more smoothly through your digestive system and can ease bloating, cramping, and that uncomfortable, too-full feeling we sometimes get after a heavy meal.

Think of peppermint as a gentle, natural digestive aid that supports your body’s process of breaking down fats and other rich foods. It doesn’t force anything; it simply gives your digestive system the boost it needs to feel better faster.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to work peppermint into your daily life:

  • Sip on peppermint tea after a meal for a soothing digestive reset.
  • Add a drop of peppermint essential oil to a glass of water (make sure it’s high-quality and safe for consumption!).
  • One small change can make a big difference in how you feel. Just remember, everyone’s digestive system is unique, so listen to your body and see how peppermint works for you.
✨ When it comes to ingesting essential oils, I only recommend Young Living. Their oils are marked safe for consumption, so you can use them confidently.

Ready to feel lighter and support your digestion? I’ve got just the thing for you! Grab my FREE Gut Health Guide packed with simple changes you can start making today.

Your gut (and your whole body) will thank you! 💚

Why Gut Health is Easier (and More Fun) with a Supportive Community

Why Gut Health is Easier (and More Fun) with a Supportive Community
Imagine this: You’re starting your journey to better gut health, but it feels like you're piecing it all together on your own. There’s no guide, no one to answer the questions that keep popping up, no friend who truly gets the ups and downs of trying to feel better from the inside out.

That’s exactly how I felt when I started working on my gut health. I was completely on my own. There was no roadmap, no one to ask about all the confusing symptoms, and no one who understood the endless trial and error. I was overwhelmed by all the information out there, unsure what to trust, and constantly second-guessing myself.

I honestly wish I’d had a group back then—a supportive space where I could ask questions, celebrate small wins, and get that extra nudge to stay on track. It would have saved me so much frustration (and Googling!).

But here’s what changed everything: I realized I wasn’t alone. Once I found a community of people who understood the struggles of gut health, everything shifted. These were people who got it—who wanted to talk about probiotics, inflammation, and those little daily habits that actually make a difference.
Suddenly, I didn’t feel so isolated. Having a group of like-minded individuals made all the difference. Together, we could share tips, cheer each other on, and even laugh through those awkward, TMI gut-health moments. It wasn’t just me tackling this huge goal by myself anymore; it was us, working toward healthier, happier lives.

If you’re feeling stuck or alone in your gut health journey, I want to encourage you to find your people. Whether it’s an online group, a local meet-up, or even a friend who’s interested in improving their health, having a supportive space can completely transform your experience.
Gut health isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, but it’s one that’s so much easier (and honestly more fun) when you’re not doing it alone. Let’s build each other up, share what works, and remind ourselves that we’re all in this together. Because feeling good from the inside out? That’s something worth celebrating—together.

Feeling Like Your Hormones Are All Over the Place? Let’s Talk Solutions

Feeling Like Your Hormones Are All Over the Place? Let’s Talk Solutions
We’ve all been there—those days when your mood is swinging like a pendulum, your energy is in the negatives, and “that time of the month” feels like it’s sneaking up on you, ready to wreak havoc. It’s frustrating, exhausting, and let’s be honest, sometimes it feels like your body is running the show.

But what if I told you there’s a simple, natural way to support your hormones and take back some control?

Yep, I’m talking about essential oils.

I know, I know—essential oils can seem like a trendy buzzword. But hear me out. These plant-based powerhouses have been used for centuries for a reason—they work. When it comes to hormones, a few specific oils can do wonders for balance, stress relief, and overall well-being.

My Top 3 Go-To Oils for Hormone Support
  • Clary Sage: This oil is a game-changer for hormone health. Clary sage is known to help balance estrogen levels, which can be a lifesaver if your hormones feel like they’re running wild. Whether it’s that time of the month or just daily hormonal ups and downs, this oil can offer some much-needed support.
  • Lavender: If you’re feeling stressed (and who isn’t?), lavender is your best friend. Stress can wreak havoc on your hormones, and lavender helps calm your mind and body, reducing cortisol levels. It’s also fantastic for sleep, which is essential for overall health.
  • Frankincense: This oil is a multi-tasker! It promotes emotional balance, reduces inflammation, and supports hormone health. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together when your body feels out of sync. 
You can diffuse these oils, apply them topically (diluted with a carrier oil), or even add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing, hormone-supporting soak.

If you’ve been looking for a way to feel more in control of your hormones—without turning to chemicals or invasive treatments—these oils might just be the natural solution you’ve been searching for.

Ready to try them? Trust me, they’ve been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to hear how they work for you!

PS - I only recommend using Young Living essential oils!





 
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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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