TLDR;
Karolina shares her gut healing journey, highlighting the importance of addressing gut health for overall well-being. She discusses the symptoms she experienced, the tests she underwent (GI MAP test), and the comprehensive protocol she followed, which included dietary changes (going gluten-free), lifestyle adjustments (prioritising rest and managing stress), and a targeted supplement regimen. Karolina emphasises the significance of working with a knowledgeable practitioner to interpret test results and develop a personalised treatment plan. Ultimately, her dedication led to significant improvements in her gut health, hormone regulation and overall well-being.
- Gut health significantly impacts mood, energy, hormones, and skin.
- GI MAP test is a comprehensive stool test for analysing gut microbiome.
- A gut healing protocol involves nutrition, lifestyle, and supplements.
Introduction: The Importance of Gut Health [0:00]
Karolina introduces the video by emphasising the profound impact of gut health on overall well-being, including mood, energy levels, hormones, and skin. She shares her personal struggles with gut issues like bloating, gas, and incomplete bowel movements, which prompted her to seek solutions. Karolina aims to provide insights and support to those who may have been told their test results are normal despite experiencing persistent symptoms. She hopes her journey will inspire viewers to investigate their own gut health and find answers.
Background: Karolina's Gut Health Struggles [1:42]
Karolina recounts her lifelong battle with constipation, dating back to childhood. Despite improvements made through holistic health practices over the past five years, she still experienced incomplete bowel movements, bloating, and gas. She highlights the common frustration of feeling that something is off without knowing where to find answers, often leading to symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed as IBS. Determined to find a solution beyond her IBS-C diagnosis, Karolina decided to invest in her health and explore gut healing options. She acknowledges the gut's crucial role as a second brain, influencing various bodily functions, and underscores the importance of addressing gut issues for overall well-being.
The GI MAP Test: Finding Answers [4:21]
Karolina describes her decision to consult with Avanori, a hormone healing dietician, to investigate her gut issues. She underwent a GI MAP test, a comprehensive stool test that analyses the gut microbiome to assess digestive health. The GI MAP test uses DNA-based technology to identify microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, along with markers for digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function. Karolina stresses that while the test itself is important, the interpretation of the results by a functional health practitioner is equally crucial for developing a personalised treatment plan. She recommends seeking a holistic practitioner such as a functional dietician, naturopathic doctor, or integrative doctor.
GI MAP Results: Unveiling the Issues [6:06]
Karolina expresses relief at finally having answers after receiving her GI MAP results, although she also felt overwhelmed by the commitment required to address the issues. Her results revealed several problems, including the presence of H. pylori (a bacteria in the stomach), an imbalance in gut bacteria (gut dysbiosis), and elevated calprotectin levels, indicating inflammation in her gut. Additionally, the test showed that her gut was experiencing a stress response to gluten, which was unwelcome news for Karolina.
Gut Healing Protocol: Nutrition [7:46]
Karolina details the three-part gut healing protocol she followed, which included nutrition, lifestyle and nervous system support, and supplements. The most significant dietary change was going gluten-free, which Karolina initially resisted but ultimately committed to for the sake of the protocol's effectiveness. This involved learning about hidden sources of gluten, such as soy sauce, and being diligent about checking ingredients and asking about gluten-free options when eating out. She also focused on eating high-fibre and high-protein foods. Karolina also reduced her consumption of sugar alcohols (found in many sugar-free products) and avoided carbonated beverages, particularly those with pre- and probiotics. She prioritised whole foods while maintaining a balanced approach to allow for occasional indulgences. She also discovered that her body responded better to matcha than coffee, leading her to switch to matcha for caffeine and decaf coffee.
Gut Healing Protocol: Lifestyle and Nervous System [12:19]
Karolina emphasises the importance of lifestyle and nervous system support in her gut healing journey, recognising the connection between mental and gut health. She prioritised rest and quality sleep, reduced the intensity and frequency of her workouts, and incorporated more walking. She focused on mindful eating and spending time outdoors. Tackling her perfectionistic mindset was also crucial, as she realised that consistency was more important than perfection in following the protocol.
Gut Healing Protocol: Supplementation [14:02]
Karolina describes her three-part supplementation protocol, which involved creating a base, eliminating bad bacteria, and adding in good bacteria to improve her gut's baseline. She approached supplementation slowly and methodically, introducing one supplement at a time and gradually increasing the dosage. Using a pill case to organise her supplements helped her stay disciplined. She didn't rush the process and focused on consistency rather than perfection. Karolina acknowledges that the supplementation was a significant financial investment but viewed it as a worthwhile expense for her well-being.
Results: Healing and Transformation [16:05]
Karolina shares that her gut healing protocol lasted a year, from May 2024 to April 2025. After phasing out the supplements, she retested and received excellent results. Her H. pylori was gone, the overgrowth in her gut was eliminated, her immune system was healthy, and her digestion markers looked great. She felt relieved and proud of her efforts. Post-protocol, she experienced reduced inflammation, more complete bowel movements, and less gas. Her menstrual cycle became more regular, highlighting the connection between gut and hormone health. While she can reintroduce gluten, she chooses to limit it due to the discomfort it causes. Karolina plans to continue prioritising protein, fibre, and rest, and will maintain a minimal supplement routine. She is grateful for the experience and encourages viewers to investigate their own gut health and seek support if they suspect something is off.
