April

Digestive Health

A well-functioning digestive system is incredibly important and linked to optimal health. Here you’ll find articles on an array of topics related to digestion as well as some delicious gut-healthy recipes from our community of holistic nutrition professionals. 

Acid reflux, also known as indigestion, heartburn, and GERD can be extremely uncomfortable. But what is it exactly? In this blog post from Histamine Haven, run by Tracey Reed, C.H.N.C. and Luka Symons, C.H.N.C, learn about some possibilities behind why you might be experiencing these symptoms and how histamine plays an important role in your digestion.

What are digestive enzymes and where do they come from? This blog post sheds light on this topic, including some signs you may need digestive enzymes, the role of these enzymes in reducing inflammation in your body, and a holistic approach to getting digestive enzymes.

There’s so much chatter on the internet about gut health, but there is also misinformation, and it can be very confusing, especially when you’re trying to get to the root of your own gut health symptoms – there is no one-size-fits-all! Brittany Nicholson, R.H.N., breaks down 8 common myths about gut health. There is also a podcast episode you can listen to.

This tasty dish is an example of a balanced, candida-friendly meal with protein, healthy fats, fiber, carbs, and ingredients to help support your liver. Recipe is from Marisa Ricci, C.H.N. and she explains why it’s balanced and the nutritional benefits of the ingredients.

Here’s a recipe and video from Emma Levez Larocque, R.H.N. from her plant-based kitchen. You’ll learn about fermented food and why it’s good for your gut and immune health as well as pick up some tips and tricks for making sauerkraut to ensure it’s safe and successful.

Here are 5 science-backed facts about probiotics, including some answers to the most common questions people have, including what they are, should you take them, and single-strain vs. multi-strain, and the difference between prebiotics. Learn what foods are good sources of probiotics in this blog post from Allison Tannis, R.H.N.

Our microbiome plays an essential role not just in our digestion but helps regulate many other functions in our body as well. Learn more about how everything is connected and how you can support your microbiome health. Article by Rejan Magee, C.H.N.

“How we feel emotionally really resonates in our gut.” CSNN Grad and Neuroscience Expert, Orsha Magyar, C.H.N., shares the key link for transferring emotional intuitions from your brain down to your gut – a physical representation of the mind-body connection.

Did you know that nearly 18% of us struggle with bloating once a week? It can be painful at times, but there is help. In this article, learn more about what bloating is, what are the causes (including what foods), and 11 natural solutions to help alleviate bloating and improve your gut health. 

Despite sounding similar, a prebiotic is not a probiotic. Prebiotics are nutrients that get degraded by the microbes in your gut. Here are 11 prebiotic foods you should be eating and why they are so beneficial to your overall health. 

“While studies on the health benefits of fermented foods are currently few, preliminary scientific research says that they can play a role in disease prevention and may even have a positive effect on mental health.” Debora Palmieri, R.H.N.,  shares why kombucha and other fermented foods should be a part of your daily diet.

Gut health issues are increasingly common, like bloating and acid-reflux. Here are some key nutrients that can help naturally support your digestion and get you back on track to overall health. Post by Laura Brining, R.H.N.

Over time, an unhealthy gut can cause serious health problems, from mental health disorders to diabetes. The majority of chronic diseases can be linked back to the gut and the state of the microbiome. “It’s imperative that the gut be addressed in a comprehensive, holistic health care strategy,” says Debora Palmieri, R.H.N.

After graduating, Jessica helps support adults experiencing digestion-based symptoms and inflammation, among other things. Her story shows just one of the directions you can take your career after graduating and how you can share your knowledge, educate others, and really make a difference. “Attending CSNN was a life-changing experience in that it provided me the confidence and tools to both envision and launch a private nutritional consulting practice.”

Welcome Spring with this delicious dessert. This light and fluffy cake is also vegan and refined sugar free. This is the perfect recipe to use seasonal fruits. Recipe from Nissrine Boufawaz, R.H.N.

Enjoy a healthy bowl of goodness with roasted yams, quinoa, carrots and anything else you have in your fridge. Nourish yourself with this easy weeknight meal that has a tasty sauce you’ll want to pour over everything! Recipe from Cindy Spratt, R.H.N.

How to Make: Homemade Coconut Yogurt. New kitchen project alert! Have you tried to make your own yogurt yet? Petra Scott, R.H.N. walks you through the process on how to make a delicious dairy-free coconut yogurt.

Miso is a wonderful fermented ingredient that is full of umami and great for your gut health. It is used in this tuna poke bowl recipe for healthy benefits and flavour. Recipe from Margaret Sung, R.H.N.

Pasta with yogurt and a spiced oil sauce? This combination might sound odd at first but it just might be your new favourite! Try out this recipe from Tanja Lindner, C.H.N.C. 

These two are strongly connected and help you maintain good mental wellness. CSNN grad Jenna Kelland shares the reasons why and some practical tips on how you can get better sleep, improve your gut, and support your sleep through your diet.

This is a good-for-your-gut recipe and it can all be conveniently made in an Instant Pot. Dana Green Remedios, R.H.N. shares this easy recipe and some tips and tricks to get the most out of it.

If you’ve got celery left over in your fridge, this is a great recipe. It’s flavourful and good for your gut. Learn more about the nutritional benefits of celery. Recipe from Erin Lamb, C.H.N.C.

Here’s a super delicious way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet and help support digestion. It’s perfect for busy days when you need to throw something together that is nutrient-dense and tasty. Recipe from Rachel Murray, R.H.N. 

Gut Healing Khichri

This recipe from Erin Lamb, C.H.N.C., is easy to digest and is full of anti-inflammatory spices to support a healthy gut. Keep it basic or add some extras! 

Meg de Jong, R.H.N., shares why gut health is so important and how gardening can play a part in improving your health. 

7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Body

Now that spring is here, we spring clean our house, but what about our bodies? Joanna Brown, C.H.N.C., gives us some tips on how to give our bodies extra love and support after winter. 

A lovely, fresh, and cleansing salad from Jessica Pecush, C.H.N.C. Be sure to read the nutrition facts about the key ingredients. 

A Holistic Approach to Digestive Health

Facebook Live Replay with Tracey Reed, C.H.N.C. and Becka Crowe

Digestive Health Articles

  • Food Combining: Myth or Fact? – You may have heard that combining certain foods can better support your digestive and and overall health, but is there any scientific proof behind it? Stephanie Kay, R.H.N. explores this topic in her blog post.
  • 5 Simple Tips to Improve Digestion – Bonnie Wisener, R.H.N., tells us why “One of the most fascinating and impactful things I learned during my time studying [at CSNN] was how important the link was between well-functioning digestion and good health.”
  • Healthy Fats & Digestion – Healthy fats are essential to good health and can help support digestion. Learn more from this blog post by Rachel Murray, R.H.N.
  • Benefits of Chewing – It seems obvious, but are you really chewing your food enough? In our fast paced lives and distractions, it can be hard to be mindful of this crucial step to our health. Geeta Sethi, R.H.N. goes through the science of chewing and how it benefits your digestive health.
  • 10 Steps to Better Digestion – Stephanie Di Grazia, R.H.N., shares helpful tips on how to improve your digestion.