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I’m Ashley Hurst, and I’m a registered dietitian. I’ve had Ulcerative Colitis for 10 years, and I understand the issues you’re struggling with right now. I’ve helped hundreds of people with Crohn’s, Colitis, Diverticulosis, Acid Reflux, Celiac and others gain control of their symptoms. I’ve seen many people transform their lives with food and a solid nutrition plan.
Patient was dealing with some constipation and reliant on Metamucil and acid reflux medication. He was unable to play with his kids because of his low energy and chronic gastrointestinal pain. He was having loss of appetite and pain with food and had lost weight of 20 lbs or more. He had been to the hospital on more than one occasion for a pain in his right side and left without answers. He was given standard dietary advice previously for diverticulosis which didn’t seem to address the whole picture.
Stool test showed low levels of a few helpful bacteria, inflammation and lowered enzyme production. We worked to shift this using a food based approach and a few supplemental interventions. The micronutrient test showed low zinc levels which was driving the low testosterone, low energy, low immune function and his GI health. After 3 months of working together, he was able to come off of acid reflux medications and Metamucil and had no symptoms of acid reflux or constipation. After 6 months of work together, according to his symptom questionnaire, his overall symptoms improved by 90%, 100% improvement of bloating, constipation and nausea and an 82% improvement in mood.
“I’m thankful for our time together. Not being in pain has allowed me to be in a much better mental state. I now feel like a better role model to my son and am happy to be able to dance with my girls again”
“Always having access to you through chat for immediate items has been a huge help as I was learning to figure it all out- it’s nice to not have to do it all alone”
The patient struggled for years with navigating painful ulcerative colitis, weight loss of 20 lbs, diarrhea 30 times per day, nausea and unresolved anemia despite iron supplementation.
Stool test revealed some inflammation and bacterial imbalance. We changed the iron she was on and worked on improving gut bacteria composition using a food based approach. We also brought in a few supplemental tools to help support getting to remission. After 5 months of working together the patient much closer to her normal body weight and able to tolerate many foods that she wasn’t able to previously (even when in remission previously). Remission was achieved in month three. Another significant change was that she was able to navigate future flares with more ease. In her words “the flares feel like bumps in the road instead of mountains”. Overall symptom scores improved by 85%, gas and bloating improved by 95%, energy improved by 75% and mood improved by 67% at the 6 month mark.
“I’m not opposed to doing medication when necessary so I was thankful that you what we incorporated could easily accommodate new medications. It’s nice to have more than one approach to treating my UC. I feel much more stable in my remission and better able to navigate flares”
Patient had been dealing with severe diarrhea, urgency and not making it to the bathroom in time for over 10 years. She was on a high dose of Imodium daily for the past 7 years which led to constipation for most of the week and racing to the bathroom when the bowel movements did hit. Patient was also dealing with depression, unintentional weight gain and headaches weekly. She felt like she wasn’t getting “nourished” even though she tried to eat healthy which led to insatiable cravings often.
Her testing showed low vitamin D levels and several low B vitamins. We worked on correcting deficiencies present, modifying the diet and working on strategies to improve digestive imbalances. By month five of our work together she was able to have normal bowel movements without Imodium for the first time in ten years. Patient also reported improvements in her mood and she started to enjoy cooking at home. She also reported 10 lbs of weight loss throughout the 6 months and was pleased that she didn’t have to “diet” to achieve that. She felt excited to be able to engage in social activities again without fear of having another bathroom issue. Patient has now been able to reintroduce many foods successfully. Headache frequency improved by 87%, diarrhea improved by 100%, bloating was 100% resolved, and energy improved by 74%.
“Not being reliant on Immodium has been life changing for me! I also finally have figured out what dietary approach works best for me. I was also able to lose a few unwanted pounds without dieting and I feel like my relationship with food has improved and I’m enjoying cooking for the first time”
Patient came to me and said she had been in a flare for 12 years. She never recalled getting to a stable remission.
In month three of our work together the patient was in remission. She had a colonoscopy mid-way through and her doctor saw no signs of inflammation or Crohn’s activity. She was excited to finally be in remission after 12 years of being in a flare state with uncomfortable bowel symptoms. She was also able to lose the unwanted weight without dieting and just practicing intuitive eating, mindfulness and supporting working on the “root issues”
“I didn’t think this would happen for me so quickly. I also didn’t realize that the things I thought were “healthy” weren’t actually helping me. I appreciate the customized support that you offered and that you were able to meet me where I’m at. Also, the course modules are amazing- it’s inspired me to learn more about my own gut health”
Get beyond vague nutrition advice. I’ll provide evidence-based tools and a customized plan.
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